A Small World
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- Joined
- Feb 22, 2007
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Chante cest Noel!!!!
Fri 28th Dec Full day in park
Cast:
Me (21 x2 plus extra) 4th trip
DH (21 x2 plus extra) 4th trip
DD 8 Loves Princesses, POC and BTM and Disney 4th trip
DGM (Grandma. My Mum) 76. 1st trip to DLP
We aimed to be up and in the park for 8.00 today to make the most of EMH. We had collapsed into bed exhausted last night after being up since 5.00 and not leaving the park until after it had closed at 10.00. Fortunately the beds were really comfy and we managed a good nights sleep. We were up at 7.00, got showered and dressed and managed to grab a quick cup of tea before we climbed into the car and drove to New York to park again. We had a breakfast booked at Café Mickey for the 2nd sitting so planned to do an hour in the parks first.
The lake was still frozen but it didnt seem too cold as we walked towards the park through the village. We arrived at the bag check area but had to stand there for a while. There were already quite a lot of people about. 8.00 came and they still hadnt started letting people through this area. Eventually just after 8.00 it opened and people piled through towards the gates. It seems hit and miss as to how far you can get before 8.00. In summer they opened the bag check area earlier as I remember waiting to put our ticket into the machine at the gates and having to wait until 8.00 before we were allowed to do it but today we werent even allowed through the bag check til 8.00.
Anyhow we got in at last and headed towards Fantasyland. There were a lot of people about but once again as we got into fantasyland it seemed very quiet. We decided to go on Peter Pan first. I like this ride but no way will I queue for it- it just isnt worth it. We commented on how much lighter the ride seemed. You could actually see the landmarks of London. We then asked to ride again but were made to get off, walk all the way round and on again even though there was only one other family waiting to get on. Cant understand why they make you do this but they did in Summer as well.
We then decided to go onto Dumbo. DGM and DD shared an elephant and DH and I decided to share- it was a bit of a squash but we managed it. My it was cold up there though!! We then headed towards the carousel - another ride which I really like. All these rides had been walk ons. Definitely worth the early morning later on in the day we would have probably queued almost 4 hours to do what wed just done- (Well we wouldnt have queued as we try to avoid queuing for rides as far as possible but thats what wed have had to do)
We headed into Discoveryland to ride Buzz. There was a short queue for this but it was moving continually so it was almost a walk on. DD shared a car with DGM and explained to her what to do and how to shoot at the targets. DH and I shared a car. We grabbed our guns, aimed, fired and guess what? My gun wasnt working!!! Honestly!! It wasnt just an excuse. Even Im not that bad that I score 0. The ride photo showed me looking really fed up. We thought about riding again but when we got out the queue had really built up.
As it was now after 9.00 and getting busier we decided to head out of the park to Café Mickeys. We noticed people going into Plaza Gardens which isnt usually open for breakfast so Im not sure whether it was another character breakfast or if they are using it for GMF or something. On the way out we stopped at a shop to buy DD a new autograph book as wed forgotten it well when youre packing on Christmas day you are bound to forget something and it wasnt her fault she hadnt reminded us about it as she didnt know she was going til the day before we set off.
As we went out of the parks the queues were massive to get in. People were piling in through the EMH back check gate as well as a massive queue at the normal gate. We were made to out through the EMH gate rather than the normal one and had to push our way past people to get out. It was going to be VERY busy today.
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Anyhow back through the Village to Mickeys. We were taken upstairs and given a table by the window. We got a drink and then went to help ourselves to food. Im not normally a breakfast person but theres nothing like an hour in the park during EMH to build up the appetite. Wed just sat down with our food when the characters started to appear. First Donald Duck, then Gepetto, then Mickey himself. After Mickey came Chip, Dale and the fox from Robin Hood. DD was really delighted as shed never met Donald, Chip or Dale before. We were a bit disappointed as Mickey seemed to be in quite a hurry. Last time we had breakfast here Mickey seemed to spend time at each table and insisted on a photo with each person. He even made DH pass the camera to me so he could be in a photo as well. This time however it was a quick photo with DD then me as I was next to DD then he moved on. I knew DGM would be disappointed as she likes Mickey so we tried to get his attention when he was leaving the next table but he quickly moved on from there as well. He was really zooming round. When we saw him almost finished his minder was standing near the stairs and so DH went to ask if DGM could go over to have photo taken with Mickey there no problem. As she was walking over the CM told Mickey and as he saw her coming he held out his arms as if he wanted to dance with her. She loved it. The meal was lovely and after several trips back for more food and drinks we left feeling very full.
We then did some shopping in the Village DD buying some sweets and a Christmas present for DGM whilst DGM bought some presents for people back home. We had the packages delivered back to DCR.
We then decided to head back into the parks to see what rides we could do. Im not sure really if this was a mistake- We had at one point wondered about returning to DCR at this stage to explore it in the light and have a swim but DD was itching to get on more rides and we hadnt mentioned the swimming bit so we decided just to go back in. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BUSY. People were pouring in from all directions in large groups. We had to queue to get back through the bag check area, then queue again to get through the ticket stiles. We had decided to head towards Belles Village as DD wanted to try and get a photo with Belle so DD, DGM and I headed that way whilst DH went via Frontierland to pick up some FPs for BTM as this was the ride DD really wanted to ride and we hadnt had chance yesterday (not having been back in the park in time for the FPs).
On route to Fantasyland we passed by the stage in Central Plaza and Minnies Holiday Show was taking place. We didnt stop to watch as it was crowded but it looked nice from what we saw. We also saw Winnie and Tigger on the castle stage doing Meet and Greets but the queue was so long and we didnt have long to get to Belle before it closed for a few hours.
We went round the castle passed Bella Notte and as we passed Small World we couldnt believe how large the queues were- they were outside the ride area by the statue!!!!!!
We walked through Belles Village towards the queueing area for Belle and there was only a very small queue. We joined it but realised it was the Beast not Belle who was there. DD didnt mind though and enjoyed having her photo taken with him as shed never met him before (Well she had but that was in WDW and she was only 3 so couldnt remember).
After the photo we wandered back through Belles Village to look at the stalls as wed arranged to meet DH here. We were disappointed with these stalls as apart from 1 they were all just selling stuff you can buy in any shop- we thought they would be different. DH found us and we decided to see if Casey Junior and Story Book boats were open. Casey was and the line wasnt too bad so we joined it. Unfortunately the boats werent.
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After this we decided to just wander through the park towards Frontierland via Adventure land. All rides had massive queues (It was worth that early morning to get some done before the crowds) and as we walked past POC we witnessed a similar sight to Marcus had. The queue was starting just by the main gateway to the ride. I wonder how many people in it realised how long the queue would be, how long a walk it is once you get in to the ride itself - Im sure a lot of them could see the entrance into the cave ahead and thought that was the beginning of the ride. DD was going to take DGM onto Captain Hooks Ship but even that had a queue.
We decided to explore the caves round Adventure Isle and find the wobbly bridge as DD calls it. We thought we had explored this area quite well in Summer but found areas we hadnt seen before I think DGM was a bit unsure though as she didnt know where we were taking her (We didnt know ourselves really- into the cave and its bound to come out somewhere isnt it!!!!!!) We found the suspended bridge and crossed it- again DGM wasnt too sure as it was wobbling quite a lot so we waited at the other end whilst DH took DD back across for another go and then back again.
We then tried to find somewhere to sit down to have a hot drink. DGM had decided she didnt want to do BTM (Shed been undecided up to this point) so we thought if we could find somewhere reasonable close we could all have a drink now, keep the table and look at a few shops in 2s and then she could wait there in the warm while we were riding. Fortunately we had plenty of time as everywhere was heaving. We tried Hakuna Matata first as its not usually so busy. There were people everywhere. All tables were full and people were standing with trays of food waiting for a table so we decided to move on and try another place. We tried the Mexican place next and it was exactly the same. We then decided to try Cowboy Cookout. This was just as bad but we could see DGM was tired and just wanted to sit down so we found a table outside under the shelter thinking that eventually tables would probably become available inside so she would be able to move inside. We had blankets with us so she could put one round her legs to keep warm and we were in a sheltered place so it wasnt too bad. DH went to get the drinks and we waited and waited and waited ..From what he said when he eventually came back it wasnt the number of people queuing but the slowness of the servers. They seemed to do everything in slow motion in getting the food.
Anyhow the drink was very welcome. There still werent any tables inside but DGM said she was fine outside it wasnt too cold and she was enjoying just sitting people watching.
We went to join the fastpass queue for BTM and it was brill. If youve read any of my other trip reports you might remember that up until last summer I suffered this ride- was willing to go on it but didnt really enjoy it- whereas in Summer I suddenly decided that I actually liked it. This time I really loved it and got off wanting to immediately ride again. DD heard me saying that and of course she wanted to go again as well. We had a spare FP as wed got one for DGM and we remembered we had the ones from the day before unused. DH decided we could try and sneak on using those with the genuine one on top and hopefully they wouldnt notice. (Naughty I know- sorry) However I decided to just let them ride and Id go back to DGM. Also I thought the more FP we have the more likely they are to check them all. DH said I could go with DD but I know he really likes the ride as well so I let him go.
DGM was fine still enjoying her people watching and before long the others returned- theyd managed to ride no problem.
We then decided to go across to Discoveryland to try and see the Lion King Show. We have seen this a few times and loved it and knew DGM would too. It was about 40 minutes before the show started but we knew we needed to get there in good time to get a seat. However when we got there the queue had already closed for seats. There was a rope across the back of the queue with a few people (about 6) waiting behind the rope. We asked the CM and he said the people in front of the rope would definitely get in and there may be more spaces but they didnt know. We decided to wait as there seemed a good chance wed get in. However the queue outside the rope got bigger and bigger and it wasnt a proper queue. It was very wide and people were pushing through to the front to see what was happening. We knew that if seats were available it would be a riot and werent sure how the CMs would handle it. Anyhow we waited and waited. They only let people in from the main queue about 5 minutes before it was due to start and as they were we could see people just walking into the main door and joining the queue. One lady waiting next to us with her children had a phone call from her husband who said hed managed to just walk in and get a seat and had saved her some. If hed done it how many more had managed it. Anyhow they then decided there were no more seats available. Other people in the outer queue were obviously very angry and started really arguing with the CM and complaining that theyd seen people just walking in. We just walked away.
Its a shame theyve scrapped the ticket system for this show- I know it was a hassle having to queue for tickets but at least you knew you had a seat. Maybe they should just look at giving tickets to those in the queue so people cant just push in. They could then have reserve tickets for those who are first in the reserve queue. They just seemed to let people continue queueing even though no way would everyone get in.
Anyhow we decided to stake out a place for the OUAD parade. We had decided to watch it from the castle stage area where we could sit down and wait especially as we had over an hour to wait. We went and choose our seats- to the right by the rope so we would be against the parade as it came round. Once again the blankets came in useful to put on the cold seats. DH stayed with the seats whilst we took DGM to meet the dragon. He got very angry as DD was walking away- obviously wanted to keep her there!!!!!!! We explored upstairs in the castle and then looked in 1 or 2 shops just into Fantasyland (including the sweet shop). We returned to our seats then DH went to get some hot chocolates to keep us warm. It took him a while as the first one he went to had run out.
Another family sat behind us again fairly early to get good seats. Their DD was probably about 11 and she was messing around with her parents trying to get next to the rope when obviously her Mum wanted to be next to it as well. She kept sitting outside the roped area and then being told by CMs to move back in. She then decided to sit on her Mums knee with her legs stretched onto the seat in front (our seat but outside the roped area) She was slowly sliding forward so she ended up sitting on our seat but still outside the roped area but leaning back onto her Mum. We could sense what she was trying to do and kept trying to indicate to DD to move right against the rope. A CM then saw this girl outside the rope and made her move inside it which she did but onto our seat meaning DD was no longer at the end and she would be blocking DDs view. I stood up and went to tell DD to move back against the rope and the girls Dad said Whats the problem? I told him that his daughter was now blocking our DDs view by moving onto our seat however he wasnt very nice about it and just said well she can still see cant she. I just said well not as well and sat back down. He then kept saying out loud about her having a good view in front (as the seats are angled) so does she need to be able to see at the side as well and that some people want to be able to see everything. I kept quiet but wasnt happy about it at all as his DD could have seen perfectly well where she was however DH kept giving them glares so eventually the girl moved back to sit with her parents. I know DD would still have had a reasonably good view if shed stayed there but it was the principle of the thing. Wed sat there for over an hour to get good seats and deliberately made sure we were on the end so DD would be able to see well and DGM would have a good view over her head. Some people have no manners at all- its not that she couldnt see where she was or could have done if her Mum had let her sit on the end.
Anyhow the parade was really good with the extra Christmas bit at the end with Santa and Reindeers and of course Chante cest Noel.
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After it had finished we let some of the crowds move away before making our way to Walts for our reservation. We had booked for 6.30 but hoped if we arrived early we may be able to get in a bit earlier to make sure of being out for Candlebration at 7.30. There were loads of people trying to get a table without reservations. We didnt have to wait long and were shown upstairs. Unfortunately we didnt get a window seat and hadnt asked. We wished we had as just after we sat down the people at the window table next to us stood up to go but it was too late to ask to change.
I will write a fuller report in the Walts thread but we had a lovely meal. Our only complaint was it was so hot in there. Our waiter was really friendly and nothing was too much trouble even when we suddenly remembered after wed ordered that we could get free drinks with the AP he brought them to us. DGM was only having a main course so he asked if she wanted that served with our main course or our starter.
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Unfortunately whilst we were in there we realised that Candlebration was starting and we were going to miss it. This was a shame as this was our last chance to see it. We could see the lights go off and on in mainstreet and see the snow falling which was nice but I wished wed asked for that window seat. Oh well cant be helped.
When we came out it looked lovely all lit up and the castle was especially beautiful with all the silver lights on it. We decided to try and get on some rides so headed towards Fantasyland. Most rides still had massive queues but Small World was a walk on so we rode this. We then walked through to POC which we rode twice again a walk on. Its become a bit of a tradition to end each day with these 2 rides.
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We headed out of the park via the passage way which brings us out near the arcade and on route saw that Fantillusion was passing. It was too cold to stand and watch for long but we could probably see better from a distance than the crowds who were huddled together along the roadside. Our timing was perfect as it stopped and the transformation took place. We then escaped down the arcade to head out of the park after almost 14 hours. Again the walk back to New York seemed to take for ever especially with sore feet and aching legs. We collapsed into the car and drove back to DCR. We then remembered that we needed to collect our packages from the shop at DCR so drove there first however we were all too tired to get out of the car to look round so just sent DH to collect them. Then back to the cabin to collapse into bed for yet another day ahead.
Fri 28th Dec Full day in park
Cast:
Me (21 x2 plus extra) 4th trip
DH (21 x2 plus extra) 4th trip
DD 8 Loves Princesses, POC and BTM and Disney 4th trip
DGM (Grandma. My Mum) 76. 1st trip to DLP
We aimed to be up and in the park for 8.00 today to make the most of EMH. We had collapsed into bed exhausted last night after being up since 5.00 and not leaving the park until after it had closed at 10.00. Fortunately the beds were really comfy and we managed a good nights sleep. We were up at 7.00, got showered and dressed and managed to grab a quick cup of tea before we climbed into the car and drove to New York to park again. We had a breakfast booked at Café Mickey for the 2nd sitting so planned to do an hour in the parks first.
The lake was still frozen but it didnt seem too cold as we walked towards the park through the village. We arrived at the bag check area but had to stand there for a while. There were already quite a lot of people about. 8.00 came and they still hadnt started letting people through this area. Eventually just after 8.00 it opened and people piled through towards the gates. It seems hit and miss as to how far you can get before 8.00. In summer they opened the bag check area earlier as I remember waiting to put our ticket into the machine at the gates and having to wait until 8.00 before we were allowed to do it but today we werent even allowed through the bag check til 8.00.
Anyhow we got in at last and headed towards Fantasyland. There were a lot of people about but once again as we got into fantasyland it seemed very quiet. We decided to go on Peter Pan first. I like this ride but no way will I queue for it- it just isnt worth it. We commented on how much lighter the ride seemed. You could actually see the landmarks of London. We then asked to ride again but were made to get off, walk all the way round and on again even though there was only one other family waiting to get on. Cant understand why they make you do this but they did in Summer as well.
We then decided to go onto Dumbo. DGM and DD shared an elephant and DH and I decided to share- it was a bit of a squash but we managed it. My it was cold up there though!! We then headed towards the carousel - another ride which I really like. All these rides had been walk ons. Definitely worth the early morning later on in the day we would have probably queued almost 4 hours to do what wed just done- (Well we wouldnt have queued as we try to avoid queuing for rides as far as possible but thats what wed have had to do)
We headed into Discoveryland to ride Buzz. There was a short queue for this but it was moving continually so it was almost a walk on. DD shared a car with DGM and explained to her what to do and how to shoot at the targets. DH and I shared a car. We grabbed our guns, aimed, fired and guess what? My gun wasnt working!!! Honestly!! It wasnt just an excuse. Even Im not that bad that I score 0. The ride photo showed me looking really fed up. We thought about riding again but when we got out the queue had really built up.
As it was now after 9.00 and getting busier we decided to head out of the park to Café Mickeys. We noticed people going into Plaza Gardens which isnt usually open for breakfast so Im not sure whether it was another character breakfast or if they are using it for GMF or something. On the way out we stopped at a shop to buy DD a new autograph book as wed forgotten it well when youre packing on Christmas day you are bound to forget something and it wasnt her fault she hadnt reminded us about it as she didnt know she was going til the day before we set off.
As we went out of the parks the queues were massive to get in. People were piling in through the EMH back check gate as well as a massive queue at the normal gate. We were made to out through the EMH gate rather than the normal one and had to push our way past people to get out. It was going to be VERY busy today.
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Anyhow back through the Village to Mickeys. We were taken upstairs and given a table by the window. We got a drink and then went to help ourselves to food. Im not normally a breakfast person but theres nothing like an hour in the park during EMH to build up the appetite. Wed just sat down with our food when the characters started to appear. First Donald Duck, then Gepetto, then Mickey himself. After Mickey came Chip, Dale and the fox from Robin Hood. DD was really delighted as shed never met Donald, Chip or Dale before. We were a bit disappointed as Mickey seemed to be in quite a hurry. Last time we had breakfast here Mickey seemed to spend time at each table and insisted on a photo with each person. He even made DH pass the camera to me so he could be in a photo as well. This time however it was a quick photo with DD then me as I was next to DD then he moved on. I knew DGM would be disappointed as she likes Mickey so we tried to get his attention when he was leaving the next table but he quickly moved on from there as well. He was really zooming round. When we saw him almost finished his minder was standing near the stairs and so DH went to ask if DGM could go over to have photo taken with Mickey there no problem. As she was walking over the CM told Mickey and as he saw her coming he held out his arms as if he wanted to dance with her. She loved it. The meal was lovely and after several trips back for more food and drinks we left feeling very full.
We then did some shopping in the Village DD buying some sweets and a Christmas present for DGM whilst DGM bought some presents for people back home. We had the packages delivered back to DCR.
We then decided to head back into the parks to see what rides we could do. Im not sure really if this was a mistake- We had at one point wondered about returning to DCR at this stage to explore it in the light and have a swim but DD was itching to get on more rides and we hadnt mentioned the swimming bit so we decided just to go back in. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BUSY. People were pouring in from all directions in large groups. We had to queue to get back through the bag check area, then queue again to get through the ticket stiles. We had decided to head towards Belles Village as DD wanted to try and get a photo with Belle so DD, DGM and I headed that way whilst DH went via Frontierland to pick up some FPs for BTM as this was the ride DD really wanted to ride and we hadnt had chance yesterday (not having been back in the park in time for the FPs).
On route to Fantasyland we passed by the stage in Central Plaza and Minnies Holiday Show was taking place. We didnt stop to watch as it was crowded but it looked nice from what we saw. We also saw Winnie and Tigger on the castle stage doing Meet and Greets but the queue was so long and we didnt have long to get to Belle before it closed for a few hours.
We went round the castle passed Bella Notte and as we passed Small World we couldnt believe how large the queues were- they were outside the ride area by the statue!!!!!!
We walked through Belles Village towards the queueing area for Belle and there was only a very small queue. We joined it but realised it was the Beast not Belle who was there. DD didnt mind though and enjoyed having her photo taken with him as shed never met him before (Well she had but that was in WDW and she was only 3 so couldnt remember).
After the photo we wandered back through Belles Village to look at the stalls as wed arranged to meet DH here. We were disappointed with these stalls as apart from 1 they were all just selling stuff you can buy in any shop- we thought they would be different. DH found us and we decided to see if Casey Junior and Story Book boats were open. Casey was and the line wasnt too bad so we joined it. Unfortunately the boats werent.
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After this we decided to just wander through the park towards Frontierland via Adventure land. All rides had massive queues (It was worth that early morning to get some done before the crowds) and as we walked past POC we witnessed a similar sight to Marcus had. The queue was starting just by the main gateway to the ride. I wonder how many people in it realised how long the queue would be, how long a walk it is once you get in to the ride itself - Im sure a lot of them could see the entrance into the cave ahead and thought that was the beginning of the ride. DD was going to take DGM onto Captain Hooks Ship but even that had a queue.
We decided to explore the caves round Adventure Isle and find the wobbly bridge as DD calls it. We thought we had explored this area quite well in Summer but found areas we hadnt seen before I think DGM was a bit unsure though as she didnt know where we were taking her (We didnt know ourselves really- into the cave and its bound to come out somewhere isnt it!!!!!!) We found the suspended bridge and crossed it- again DGM wasnt too sure as it was wobbling quite a lot so we waited at the other end whilst DH took DD back across for another go and then back again.
We then tried to find somewhere to sit down to have a hot drink. DGM had decided she didnt want to do BTM (Shed been undecided up to this point) so we thought if we could find somewhere reasonable close we could all have a drink now, keep the table and look at a few shops in 2s and then she could wait there in the warm while we were riding. Fortunately we had plenty of time as everywhere was heaving. We tried Hakuna Matata first as its not usually so busy. There were people everywhere. All tables were full and people were standing with trays of food waiting for a table so we decided to move on and try another place. We tried the Mexican place next and it was exactly the same. We then decided to try Cowboy Cookout. This was just as bad but we could see DGM was tired and just wanted to sit down so we found a table outside under the shelter thinking that eventually tables would probably become available inside so she would be able to move inside. We had blankets with us so she could put one round her legs to keep warm and we were in a sheltered place so it wasnt too bad. DH went to get the drinks and we waited and waited and waited ..From what he said when he eventually came back it wasnt the number of people queuing but the slowness of the servers. They seemed to do everything in slow motion in getting the food.
Anyhow the drink was very welcome. There still werent any tables inside but DGM said she was fine outside it wasnt too cold and she was enjoying just sitting people watching.
We went to join the fastpass queue for BTM and it was brill. If youve read any of my other trip reports you might remember that up until last summer I suffered this ride- was willing to go on it but didnt really enjoy it- whereas in Summer I suddenly decided that I actually liked it. This time I really loved it and got off wanting to immediately ride again. DD heard me saying that and of course she wanted to go again as well. We had a spare FP as wed got one for DGM and we remembered we had the ones from the day before unused. DH decided we could try and sneak on using those with the genuine one on top and hopefully they wouldnt notice. (Naughty I know- sorry) However I decided to just let them ride and Id go back to DGM. Also I thought the more FP we have the more likely they are to check them all. DH said I could go with DD but I know he really likes the ride as well so I let him go.
DGM was fine still enjoying her people watching and before long the others returned- theyd managed to ride no problem.
We then decided to go across to Discoveryland to try and see the Lion King Show. We have seen this a few times and loved it and knew DGM would too. It was about 40 minutes before the show started but we knew we needed to get there in good time to get a seat. However when we got there the queue had already closed for seats. There was a rope across the back of the queue with a few people (about 6) waiting behind the rope. We asked the CM and he said the people in front of the rope would definitely get in and there may be more spaces but they didnt know. We decided to wait as there seemed a good chance wed get in. However the queue outside the rope got bigger and bigger and it wasnt a proper queue. It was very wide and people were pushing through to the front to see what was happening. We knew that if seats were available it would be a riot and werent sure how the CMs would handle it. Anyhow we waited and waited. They only let people in from the main queue about 5 minutes before it was due to start and as they were we could see people just walking into the main door and joining the queue. One lady waiting next to us with her children had a phone call from her husband who said hed managed to just walk in and get a seat and had saved her some. If hed done it how many more had managed it. Anyhow they then decided there were no more seats available. Other people in the outer queue were obviously very angry and started really arguing with the CM and complaining that theyd seen people just walking in. We just walked away.
Its a shame theyve scrapped the ticket system for this show- I know it was a hassle having to queue for tickets but at least you knew you had a seat. Maybe they should just look at giving tickets to those in the queue so people cant just push in. They could then have reserve tickets for those who are first in the reserve queue. They just seemed to let people continue queueing even though no way would everyone get in.
Anyhow we decided to stake out a place for the OUAD parade. We had decided to watch it from the castle stage area where we could sit down and wait especially as we had over an hour to wait. We went and choose our seats- to the right by the rope so we would be against the parade as it came round. Once again the blankets came in useful to put on the cold seats. DH stayed with the seats whilst we took DGM to meet the dragon. He got very angry as DD was walking away- obviously wanted to keep her there!!!!!!! We explored upstairs in the castle and then looked in 1 or 2 shops just into Fantasyland (including the sweet shop). We returned to our seats then DH went to get some hot chocolates to keep us warm. It took him a while as the first one he went to had run out.
Another family sat behind us again fairly early to get good seats. Their DD was probably about 11 and she was messing around with her parents trying to get next to the rope when obviously her Mum wanted to be next to it as well. She kept sitting outside the roped area and then being told by CMs to move back in. She then decided to sit on her Mums knee with her legs stretched onto the seat in front (our seat but outside the roped area) She was slowly sliding forward so she ended up sitting on our seat but still outside the roped area but leaning back onto her Mum. We could sense what she was trying to do and kept trying to indicate to DD to move right against the rope. A CM then saw this girl outside the rope and made her move inside it which she did but onto our seat meaning DD was no longer at the end and she would be blocking DDs view. I stood up and went to tell DD to move back against the rope and the girls Dad said Whats the problem? I told him that his daughter was now blocking our DDs view by moving onto our seat however he wasnt very nice about it and just said well she can still see cant she. I just said well not as well and sat back down. He then kept saying out loud about her having a good view in front (as the seats are angled) so does she need to be able to see at the side as well and that some people want to be able to see everything. I kept quiet but wasnt happy about it at all as his DD could have seen perfectly well where she was however DH kept giving them glares so eventually the girl moved back to sit with her parents. I know DD would still have had a reasonably good view if shed stayed there but it was the principle of the thing. Wed sat there for over an hour to get good seats and deliberately made sure we were on the end so DD would be able to see well and DGM would have a good view over her head. Some people have no manners at all- its not that she couldnt see where she was or could have done if her Mum had let her sit on the end.
Anyhow the parade was really good with the extra Christmas bit at the end with Santa and Reindeers and of course Chante cest Noel.
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After it had finished we let some of the crowds move away before making our way to Walts for our reservation. We had booked for 6.30 but hoped if we arrived early we may be able to get in a bit earlier to make sure of being out for Candlebration at 7.30. There were loads of people trying to get a table without reservations. We didnt have to wait long and were shown upstairs. Unfortunately we didnt get a window seat and hadnt asked. We wished we had as just after we sat down the people at the window table next to us stood up to go but it was too late to ask to change.
I will write a fuller report in the Walts thread but we had a lovely meal. Our only complaint was it was so hot in there. Our waiter was really friendly and nothing was too much trouble even when we suddenly remembered after wed ordered that we could get free drinks with the AP he brought them to us. DGM was only having a main course so he asked if she wanted that served with our main course or our starter.
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Unfortunately whilst we were in there we realised that Candlebration was starting and we were going to miss it. This was a shame as this was our last chance to see it. We could see the lights go off and on in mainstreet and see the snow falling which was nice but I wished wed asked for that window seat. Oh well cant be helped.
When we came out it looked lovely all lit up and the castle was especially beautiful with all the silver lights on it. We decided to try and get on some rides so headed towards Fantasyland. Most rides still had massive queues but Small World was a walk on so we rode this. We then walked through to POC which we rode twice again a walk on. Its become a bit of a tradition to end each day with these 2 rides.
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We headed out of the park via the passage way which brings us out near the arcade and on route saw that Fantillusion was passing. It was too cold to stand and watch for long but we could probably see better from a distance than the crowds who were huddled together along the roadside. Our timing was perfect as it stopped and the transformation took place. We then escaped down the arcade to head out of the park after almost 14 hours. Again the walk back to New York seemed to take for ever especially with sore feet and aching legs. We collapsed into the car and drove back to DCR. We then remembered that we needed to collect our packages from the shop at DCR so drove there first however we were all too tired to get out of the car to look round so just sent DH to collect them. Then back to the cabin to collapse into bed for yet another day ahead.
gutted they no longer to tickets for Lion King,i have loved it the past 2 times we have been 
!!
