Cheese Ball Yak Attack: 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1200 miles - The Sequel

[FreezinRafiki]

Just as an aside before I begin this update. Since getting The Princess and The Frog on DVD last week, we've watched close to 87 times already. I have two observations to share.

1. Madison is the sweetest little girl in the world. She knows my favorite part is the hillbilly frog hunters, and she calls for me to come in and watch it every time it's on.
2. The beautiful green lillypad-esqe dress that Tiana is wearing in all of the merchandise, in the parks, and is the one being sold to little girls everywhere gets approximately 20 seconds of screen time in a 90 minute movie. Not sure why (or if) this is significant, but I thought I'd point it out.

Now, on to Monday Afternoon!

With our No Strings Attached Pass securely in my pocket, we headed out of Tony's. Grandma needed to go to over to First Aid for Benadryl or Ibuprofin or something - I can't recall exactly what. (I do remember her telling me it worked out to a buck a pill, but it cured whatever ailed her).
Anyway, Grandma and Grandpa would take the stroller and walk over to Toontown after their stop at First Aid, and we would take the Walt Disney World Rail Road over. It was a lovely ride on a beautiful day.

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but I was trying to arrange a meet up with a fellow DISer, Tim (username: that's nice). We would txt back and forth all day, trying to see where we were and where we were heading. We had our first "near miss" here in Toontown. The line for the Fairies was 70 minutes, so he said he would run over to Toontown after he got out of Philharmagic. I called it off when I realized we could use our pass here. (I would have invited him and his family along, but the pass specified that it was only for 6 people)

I presented the pass to the Cast Member at the end of the Princess/Fairies line. She exchanged it for a laminated card with "21" written on it, and asked us to go up the exit path and take a seat on the benches. So we did. After sitting for about 5 minutes, another cast member came out, asked for family #21, and took us up the exit. We were placed in the line right after the doors, but before the rope that you wait at until you are called into Pixie Hollow. We got magically shrunk down to Pixie size, and a few minutes later, we got called over by Fawn:

Evan was felling a bit grumpy after lunch and didn't want a picture taken.

Fawn passed us on to Tink.

Earlier, I had mentioned that riding BTMRR, Splash Mountain, and Meeting Tiana were the #1s our list. Well, meeting Terrance was #1a. Luckily, he was in Pixie Hollow waiting for us!

Ever since we heard that Terrance was making appearances in the parks, Madison was very excited to meet him. After all, he did save Tinker Bell in the last movie. However, it seems like Madison may have been in the minority with that excitement.

While he was signing the autograph books and chatting, Madison mentioned how excited she was to meet him. He seemed surprised, and said something along the lines of "I bet you don't even know my name"

She looked at him and said "You're Terrance!" He seems genuinely surprised by this - if only for a second or two - then beamed with pride.

Evan even decided to smile for a picture. If may have been the fact that we casually mentioned to him that if he didn't he wouldn't ride Goofy's Barnstormer.

We waved goodbye to the Fairies and as we were walking back out the exit hallway, I glanced at my watch. When we walked in, the line was showing as 70 minutes. With our little golden ticket, we were in, met all 3 Fairies, and out and on our way in 21 minutes. Not bad for a being hit by a few falling strawberries!

So Evan and I walked right over to Goofy's Barnstormer while the rest of the party walked through Mickey and Minnie's houses. The wait was 30 minutes for the Barnstormer, but Evan did great with it. I guess he wasn't the only one excited by this ride.

By the time we got off the Barnstomer, it was just after 3, and plenty warm enough to head over to Splash Mountain. I sent the family in that direction, while I headed over to Buzz Lightyear to get fast passes for later. On the way over, we ran into a marching band playing a jazzly little number. I'd been to the Magic Kingdom a dozen or so times and have never seen these guys before. You really do see something new every time you go.

While I was getting passes for Buzz, the family was waiting for me by the carousel. Madison didn't feel like riding, but Evan went for a whirl.

On our way through Fantasy Land to Splash Moutain, we realized the 3 o'clock parade would be clogging up Liberty Square and Frontierland, so we stopped at it's a small world. It was posted at a 20 minute wait, but we were in no hurry due to the parade. It truly is a world of laughter, a world of tears; a small, small world after all. Then we got off the boat and back into reality. Splash Mountain awaits!

We bypassed the 45 minute wait with our Fast Passes that I had gotten earlier in the day.

Evan and I were in the front, Bambi and Grandma behind us, and Grandpa and Madison behind them. I didn't get the names of the people in the last row, but they seemed nice.

The DRY pictures:

And the WET.

(Note to any potential future employers: yes, there is a picture of my wet butt on the Internet. Deal with it and hire me anyway.)

Well, with all of the #1s and the #1a crossed off, it was 4:30 and we had nothing left on our list. Time to improvise! It wasn't exactly spur of the moment, because I had gotten Jungle Cruise Fast Passes earlier in the day, so we headed over that way. The cruise guide was certainly one of the best one's we've had. Despite probably having done her spiel 50 times that day, she delivered it with enthusiasm and she PUNctuated every line. (Hey, it's a trip report about the Jungle Cruise. You've got to expect something from me, don't you?)

From there it was on to one of Madison and Evan's favorite attractions: The Country Bear Jamboree!

Another aside (because it's my trip report and I CAN, that's why!). Madison loves to wander around the house singing the "Little Buford" song.
Momma don't whup Little Buford
Momma don't pound on his head
Momma don't whup Little Buford
I think you should shoot him instead.
It dawned on me one day that if she sings it at home, she must sing it in daycare or at pre-school. Since we haven't gotten a letter sent home, they either don't hear her or aren't concerned.

Back to the Trip Report again!

We left Frontierland and started crossing the park to use our Buzz Fast Passes. A quick stop to "drive" the sleigh.

Evan preparing to blast away at the Evil Emperor Zurg!

I'll finish off the day in my next update, including Dole Whips, Fireworks, and the DIS meet!

 

[Emma's Dad]

Great update!! So now I know how "those people" get head of the line for the fairies! I remember our last trip... we were waiting right at the ropes before you get shrunk to fairy size... and 3 families went ahead of us from that direction.

On the way over, we ran into a marching band playing a jazzly little number. I'd been to the Magic Kingdom a dozen or so times and have never seen these guys before. You really do see something new every time you go.

Hey! I totally forgot about the band! We saw them once in Fantasyland by Dumbo last year. They were very entertaining!

 

[erika412]

And this is probably the best place to point out that I did indeed make fun of you when your DD yakked on you at the hotel. In the manly spirit of fair play, please feel free to razz me as much as you like.

I'm very late to this party, but this was my first thought. Sure, give Middlepat a hard time because well, she did puke on him and it is funny, but then he wasn't the one spending the time cleaning up the puke, now was he?

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I'm really enjoying your TR! You have a great family and it looks like they had a blast!!! The pictures of Madison with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen were just amazing! My daughters cannot wait to meet them either and now we know to head right to her line!
We went last in May 09 and my 5 yr old was just under the 40 inch mark, and she has now towered over it, so this will be our first time together on all of the great rides like BTMRR and Splash too, can't wait!! Glad Evan made it!

I also enjoyed your ride down to Disney report. We are contemplating driving as well. It always makes me feel better to hear success stories! Well, besides the cheeseball incident, which really made me laugh because, well, one year we took a vacation which was only 6 hours away and my 5 yr old who was only 3 at the time threw up into a cooler twice because we couldn't get off the highway in time. We also have a 1200 mile drive down and would be going straight through.

Waiting impatiently for your next update!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

He seemed surprised, and said something along the lines of "I bet you don't even know my name"

I have to admit, I had no clue who this was.

Not bad for a being hit by a few falling strawberries!

So Evan and I walked right over to Goofy's Barnstormer while the rest of the party walked through Mickey and Minnie's houses. The wait was 30 minutes for the Barnstormer, but Evan did great with it. I guess he wasn't the only one excited by this ride.

So how strong is the coffee at Tony's? (I've always wanted to use that smiley)

Looks like everyone was having a blast!

 

[erika412]

I'm finally all caught up. The story and pictures of Madison and Tianna are priceless. So sweet.

 

[dvczerfs]

great update barry, i like the wet butt pics!! thats the only part that gets wet before the ride even starts!!

 

[stopher1]

Another great update Barry!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Great update!! So now I know how "those people" get head of the line for the fairies! I remember our last trip... we were waiting right at the ropes before you get shrunk to fairy size... and 3 families went ahead of us from that direction.

It really feels great to one of "those people." If you ever get the chance - go ahead and do it.

I'm very late to this party, but this was my first thought. Sure, give Middlepat a hard time because well, she did puke on him and it is funny, but then he wasn't the one spending the time cleaning up the puke, now was he?

Better late than never!

I'm really enjoying your TR! You have a great family and it looks like they had a blast!!! The pictures of Madison with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen were just amazing! My daughters cannot wait to meet them either and now we know to head right to her line!
We went last in May 09 and my 5 yr old was just under the 40 inch mark, and she has now towered over it, so this will be our first time together on all of the great rides like BTMRR and Splash too, can't wait!! Glad Evan made it!

I also enjoyed your ride down to Disney report. We are contemplating driving as well. It always makes me feel better to hear success stories! Well, besides the cheeseball incident, which really made me laugh because, well, one year we took a vacation which was only 6 hours away and my 5 yr old who was only 3 at the time threw up into a cooler twice because we couldn't get off the highway in time. We also have a 1200 mile drive down and would be going straight through.

Waiting impatiently for your next update!

Thanks and
The overnight drive can be a challenge. It will help that your kids are older and can fend for themselves much better (Evan and Madison have a very short wingspan, so is a toy or coloring book is out of reach, someone would have to get it for them. Clearly, tired driving is no good for anyone, so be ready to switch drivers every few hours during the overnight. The way down will be easier because everyone is excited, but the way back can be quite difficult, as everyone is tired out. We've pulled into rest areas in the middle of the night and let both of us drivers catch an hour or 2 of sleep. If you have any questions or need motivation or advice, PM me or post it here. I know there are several long distance drivers reading along. Although from what I can recall, we're the only ones stupi- sorry, brave - enough do drive straight through!

I have to admit, I had no clue who this was.

You have an 8 year old daughter and havn't seen the Tinkerbell movies?

So how strong is the coffee at Tony's? (I've always wanted to use that smiley)

Believe it or not, I don't drink coffee! I'm naturally caffeinated. I'm sure Bambi will be along pretty soon to drop some smart-alack response to confirm this.

I'm finally all caught up. The story and pictures of Madison and Tianna are priceless. So sweet.

Thanks!

great update barry, i like the wet butt pics!! thats the only part that gets wet before the ride even starts!!

We were making fun of the people behind us in line. They were getting their ponchos out to cover themselves with. I wonder if they sat in a puddle, then then put the ponchos away because they were already soaked?

Another great update Barry!

Thank you. I might have another one this afternoon, depending on how much "work" I feel like doing today!

 

[goofy's_gurl]

Saw the fairies in about 21 minutes that is for you. I seen those marching band people a couple of times when there leaving though
Now you wouldnt want to crush any future employers you may have with a wet butt picture on the internet now would you????

 

[FreezinRafiki]

We had gotten off of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and it was getting near dinner time. We stopped into Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. I can't recall what anyone had - standard counter service food, though.
Spectro was starting at 7, but we didn't finish eating until well after 6 so most of the good spots were taken already. We found a spot in the hub just behind the front right planter/garden area about half way to the Partner's statue of Walt and Mickey. Less than ideal for SpectroMagic, but it should afford a pretty good view of Wishes because no one would be able to stand in front us.

Since we had about 45 minutes to kill before the parade, I decided to get some Dole Whip Floats to wash down whatever counter service food we just ate. I put Evan up on my shoulders to navigate and we headed off to Adventureland. There were two lines going at Aloha Isle when we arrived. The one we picked was going pretty slow, but I decided to stick with it. The CM working it wasn't the fastest, so I was relieved when another took over for her. Unfortunalty, the new one was slower. But I wasn't going to get upset. I was mere moments away from a Dole Whip. While we were standing there, Evan still up on my shoulders, we this exchange:

Me: "Hey Evan, my neck and shoulders are getting pretty sore."
Evan: "Yeah, buuuuut I think I'm going to stay up here."
Me: [dejected] "Oh. OK."

We finally got our floats and headed back to the rest of the family. Evan asked for his. Really, you think I'm going to give you a large cup full of ice cream and pineapple juice to rest on my head? How about nooooo?

Getting ready for Spectro

The viewing platforms:

After the parade, Tim called. It was so crowded that we didn't know that we had watched the parade no more than 25' apart. He and his friend Dave made their way over to where we were camped out. Tim's a really nice guy, and even let Madison become only the 3rd person (behind his mom and sister) that call him "Timmy!" We chatted for a few minutes before they headed back to their families for the fireworks.
Dave is on the left, then Tim and me. One thing about Tim - he's taller than he sounds here on the DIS. True story.

Tim was nice enough to give the kids some light up bracelets, which they immediately turned in to ear rings. (Thanks again, Tim!)

The rest of the pictures on this post are of fireworks. Because I like fireworks.

The worst part about being so close to the castle is trying to fight the crowds on the way out. If we we were cars, it would be bumper to bumper. So I guess it was heal to toe traffic. All made worse by the people that think they can save significant amounts of time by cutting people off and squeezing through spots that they have no business squeezing through.

People: we're all going in the same direction at the same speed. You will only save, at the most, 20 seconds on your trip down Main Street by doing this. And don't give me a dirty look when you step so close in front of my stroller that I don't have time to react and it hits you. Get over it.

I know as parents, sometimes we have to fib a little bit to our kids. "Sorry Johnny, we don't have time to stop at the toy store today." But what we heard on our way out of the Magic Kingdom that day was above and beyond. We passed a CM selling balloons. He had to have been holding 50 of them, and I heard a child ask his mother for a balloon. She said "No, they don't have any left." Lady, the kid is 4. He's not blind. He can see the guy with 50 balloons! If you're going to lie, make it believable.

So we were herded out of the MK and over to the monorail, where again, people were cutting in and out trying to save 5 seconds.

We encountered a very nice CM working the platform, though. I wish I had gotten his name. He doing his job and making sure everyone was going all the way down the loading platform to fill in all of the cars. He saw us with the double stroller, and directed us to stand directly in front of a pole between two cars and wait. As more people filled in, he sized it up and told us to move just to the right and into that car when the train came. He was right, there was just enough space for all of us to fit. Thank you, unknown kind Cast Member!

The ride back to the van and back home were uneventful. The dogs were happy to see us, and we all crashed for the night.

Up next: Tuesday. Epcot, our first Flower and Garden Festival, our first experience at Le Cellier, and two more big kid rides for Evan.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Saw the fairies in about 21 minutes that is for you. I seen those marching band people a couple of times when there leaving though
Now you wouldnt want to crush any future employers you may have with a wet butt picture on the internet now would you????

If they don't want because I have a wet butt, then it's their loss!

 

[that's nice]

I came to reply earlier but the pictures weren't showing up for me. I needed to see them before I commented. They are showing now though.

Madison is the sweetest little girl in the world. She knows my favorite part is the hillbilly frog hunters, and she calls for me to come in and watch it every time it's on.

Awwww how sweet!

The beautiful green lillypad-esqe dress that Tiana is wearing in all of the merchandise, in the parks, and is the one being sold to little girls everywhere gets approximately 20 seconds of screen time in a 90 minute movie. Not sure why (or if) this is significant, but I thought I'd point it out.

I don't fully understand this either.

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but I was trying to arrange a meet up with a fellow DISer, Tim (username: that's nice). We would txt back and forth all day, trying to see where we were and where we were heading. We had our first "near miss" here in Toontown. The line for the Fairies was 70 minutes, so he said he would run over to Toontown after he got out of Philharmagic. I called it off when I realized we could use our pass here. (I would have invited him and his family along, but the pass specified that it was only for 6 people)

I was wondering how you got through there so quickly! That pass was a score!

She looked at him and said "You're Terrance!" He seems genuinely surprised by this - if only for a second or two - then beamed with pride.

Awesome pic! She looks really excited!!!!

Evan even decided to smile for a picture. If may have been the fact that we casually mentioned to him that if he didn't he wouldn't ride Goofy's Barnstormer.

LOL Casually!!!

Gotta love the parenting tricks!

Looks like you guys got pretty soaked on Splash!

You know... I might still have the texts on my phone. My phone saves the last 500. I don't think I've had 500 since 3/8! (I hope not anyways)

 

[that's nice]

We found a spot in the hub just behind the front right planter/garden area about half way to the Partner's statue of Walt and Mickey. Less than ideal for SpectroMagic, but it should afford a pretty good view of Wishes because no one would be able to stand in front us.

You guys did have a nice spot!

Me: "Hey Evan, my neck and shoulders are getting pretty sore."
Evan: "Yeah, buuuuut I think I'm going to stay up here."
Me: [dejected] "Oh. OK."

You are such a softy!!!

We finally got our floats and headed back to the rest of the family. Evan asked for his. Really, you think I'm going to give you a large cup full of ice cream and pineapple juice to rest on my head? How about nooooo?

Good thinking!!!!

After the parade, Tim called. It was so crowded that we didn't know that we had watched the parade no more than 25' apart. He and his friend Dave made their way over to where we were camped out. Tim's a really nice guy, and even let Madison become only the 3rd person (behind his mom and sister) that call him "Timmy!" We chatted for a few minutes before they headed back to their families for the fireworks.
Dave is on the left, then Tim and me. One thing about Tim - he's taller than he sounds here on the DIS. True story.

It was amazing how close we were and it still took me like 5 minutes to walk there fighting through all the people.

Madison has a lifetime pass for calling me Timmy. She was too funny!

Great picture!!! That guy in the middle looks a little weird though.

Tim was nice enough to give the kids some light up bracelets, which they immediately turned in to ear rings. (Thanks again, Tim!)

So thats where Evan wanted to put his glowstick!

The rest of the pictures on this post are of fireworks. Because I like fireworks.

WOW... you got great pics of the fireworks! Ddi you use a tri-pod or hand held? I don't get good pics because Juliana always makes me hold her during the fireworks.

I know as parents, sometimes we have to fib a little bit to our kids. "Sorry Johnny, we don't have time to stop at the toy store today." But what we heard on our way out of the Magic Kingdom that day was above and beyond. We passed a CM selling balloons. He had to have been holding 50 of them, and I heard a child ask his mother for a balloon. She said "No, they don't have any left." Lady, the kid is 4. He's not blind. He can see the guy with 50 balloons! If you're going to lie, make it believable.

That wouldn't fly in our house. Juliana is too smart for that!!!!

I can't understand why the balloon sellers stand right in the way of the masses leaving. They could stand at the circle at the beginning of Main St. where the crowd thins out.

It was really bad leaving.. we waited for the monorail for a while.

 

[Dugette]

Nice updates!

Dole Whip Floats and fireworks! Wish every night could end like that...

Love that last firework picture, by the way.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You have an 8 year old daughter and havn't seen the Tinkerbell movies?


Believe it or not, I don't drink coffee! I'm naturally caffeinated. I'm sure Bambi will be along pretty soon to drop some smart-alack response to confirm this.

We saw the first one, I think. Haven't seen the rest. I don't remember much of it. She liked the movie, but isn't as much into Tink as some of the other characters.

I guess you'd have to be naturally caffeinated to be up at 4:30 a.m. every day! I used to hate coffee. Then my son was born, and didn't sleep for 6 months. Now I'm addicted to it.

 

[dvczerfs]

nice update barry. wishes pics came out clear. look nice!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Me: "Hey Evan, my neck and shoulders are getting pretty sore."
Evan: "Yeah, buuuuut I think I'm going to stay up here."
Me: [dejected] "Oh. OK."

finally got our floats and headed back to the rest of the family. Evan asked for his. Really, you think I'm going to give you a large cup full of ice cream and pineapple juice to rest on my head? How about nooooo?

Another veteran parenting move. You are wise, my son.

viewing platforms:

So your shoulders must really have been feeling good here...

thing about Tim - he's taller than he sounds here on the DIS. True story.

Glad you guys could meet up! Now let's see what he says about you in his TR...

rest of the pictures on this post are of fireworks. Because I like fireworks.

These are GREAT fireworks pictures. I'm also curious what settings you used. Did you have a tripod or balance the camera on a handrail?

: we're all going in the same direction at the same speed. You will only save, at the most, 20 seconds on your trip down Main Street by doing this. And don't give me a dirty look when you step so close in front of my stroller that I don't have time to react and it hits you. Get over it.

I know as parents, sometimes we have to fib a little bit to our kids. "Sorry Johnny, we don't have time to stop at the toy store today." But what we heard on our way out of the Magic Kingdom that day was above and beyond. We passed a CM selling balloons. He had to have been holding 50 of them, and I heard a child ask his mother for a balloon. She said "No, they don't have any left." Lady, the kid is 4. He's not blind. He can see the guy with 50 balloons! If you're going to lie, make it believable.

So we were herded out of the MK and over to the monorail, where again, people were cutting in and out trying to save 5 seconds.

I love pointing out these people when driving, as they still get stuck at the same red lights as I do. Are you sure those hits with your stroller were "accidents"?

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

Just got caught up, great pics of the fireworks. Nice to see you and Tim finally met up. Sounds like you guys had a great time.

 

[itJeff]

Dave is on the left, then Tim and me. One thing about Tim - he's taller than he sounds here on the DIS. True story.

I've never thought about how tall he sounds here. hmmmmmm...... yeah, I guess you're right!

The rest of the pictures on this post are of fireworks. Because I like fireworks.

Me Too!

ooooooooooooooooooooo!

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Ooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I know as parents, sometimes we have to fib a little bit to our kids. "Sorry Johnny, we don't have time to stop at the toy store today." But what we heard on our way out of the Magic Kingdom that day was above and beyond. We passed a CM selling balloons. He had to have been holding 50 of them, and I heard a child ask his mother for a balloon. She said "No, they don't have any left." Lady, the kid is 4. He's not blind. He can see the guy with 50 balloons! If you're going to lie, make it believable.

That's hilarious. She wins the prize for worst lie.

We encountered a very nice CM working the platform, though. I wish I had gotten his name. He doing his job and making sure everyone was going all the way down the loading platform to fill in all of the cars. He saw us with the double stroller, and directed us to stand directly in front of a pole between two cars and wait. As more people filled in, he sized it up and told us to move just to the right and into that car when the train came. He was right, there was just enough space for all of us to fit. Thank you, unknown kind Cast Member!

It's nice to hear there are still some good CMs!

The ride back to the van and back home were uneventful. The dogs were happy to see us, and we all crashed for the night.

Up next: Tuesday. Epcot, our first Flower and Garden Festival, our first experience at Le Cellier, and two more big kid rides for Evan.

Oh boy! I want to hear what you thought of Le Cellier. I've heard good things about it on the various podcasts I'm addicted to... I mean occasionally listen to.