scanne
<font color=blue>OK, I must have really small ears
- Joined
- May 13, 2000
- Messages
- 5,365
Trip Report Day 2 July 26, 2005
Cast:
Me 31
DH 35
DS 2
DD 1
My parents (Ill refer to as M&D for Mom and Dad)
My grandmother (MM for MomMom thats what my kids call her)
My aunt (AK for Aunt Karen)
My in-laws (ILS)
Today is titled I Cant Believe Were In WDW and my MIL Stayed in the Room to Watch Soap Operas.
Yes, the title is true. She was in her hotel room until we left for MGM (around 2.30pm) watching her soaps. I just dont get that, but maybe there are some die-hard soap fans that cant bear to miss a day of All My Children or General Hospital.
Anyhow, DH, AK, DS, DD and I were up early and at the MK by 8.30am. I wanted to see the opening ceremony, which I had never seen in my many past trips to WDW. We got a great viewing spot right in front of the train station. DS had fun playing with his shadow while we waited. He saw his shadow on the ground then ran very close to the wall and his shadow disappeared. Then hed jump up and see his shadow again and exclaim, There it is! He was entertaining not only himself, but also other guests that were waiting for the MK to open. It reminded me of Peter Pan, too, which is my favorite Disney movie.
Getting up early and to the MK for the opening ceremony was so worth it. Im making this a must-do activity for any future trips. And although it seemed like there were lots of people waiting to get in, once we were in the park, the crowds were so small.
So once we were inside the MK, we went right over to the Barber Shop so DS could get a much-needed haircut. There was only one person ahead of us, so the wait was short. This is one of our many traditions that we have at WDW. This one started in 2003 when DS had his very 1st haircut on Main Street. So now, every visit, DS gets a haircut.
After the haircut we grabbed a light breakfast from the Main Street Bakeshop. I got the breakfast quiche, which I had wanted to try in October 2004, but never got around to it. I wasnt that impressed. Too many onions and it was a bit on the mushy side. I like quiche a bit firmer. Next time Ill be having my favorite a blueberry muffin. DH had a cinnamon muffin, which was excellent (I stole a bite) and AK and DS had chocolate chip cookies. I also shared a banana with DD.
Next we headed over to Fantasyland. We rode Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan and Its A Small World all within a ½ an hour. The wait times were less than 10 minutes each. DD again, loved IASW. I guess she loved the colors, the music and all the dolls.
Theyre all about her size, so I guess she thought she was in a playroom with all the children. We also found the hidden Mickeys. The purple Mickey vine in the jungle room and the koala bears towards the end of the ride. If you look at the bears from the back, their heads are Mickeys. They also cast Mickey shadows on the wall behind them.
Next, DH and I went on the Haunted Mansion while AK relaxed with DS and DD by the exit. Oh, and while we were getting in line, we saw the space shuttle. It was a long white streak going across the sky, and I would have just thought it was an airplane, but a CM pointed it out to a bunch of guests. That was pretty neat.
After the HM, we were off to Adventureland where we rode Jungle Cruise and Pirates. DS had no problem with POTC. Jungle Cruise was about a 15-minute wait and POTC was no wait. These are two classics that I just cant miss from trip to trip.
About this time we were getting hungry for something more substantial than muffins and cookies, so we saddled up to Pecos Bills for some burgers and fixins. AK and I shared a cheeseburger and DH had a hamburger. The kids were sleeping soundly in the stroller, so we enjoyed a quiet lunch.
We went back to the Polynesian after lunch to meet up with M&D and MM and the in-laws. I stopped at Captain Cooks to get the kids some lunch and brought it back to the room. DD ate DSs chicken tenders and some applesauce. DS ate nothing. He only eats when hes hungry. Wish I could do that
After our little break at the hotel the whole gang headed over to MGM. We got to the bus stop and only waited about 3 minutes until a bus arrived. The bus ride to MGM wasnt too bad. I did have to stand while holding DD while going from the Polynesian to the GF. I already posted about this on the community board about this, so I wont go into details. Once we got to the Grand, the bus cleared out and I was able to sit with the baby.
When we got to MGM, it was around 4.30pm and I wanted to get a good spot for the parade. While I staked out a viewing spot, everyone else went on the Great Movie Ride. Apparently there was about a 20-minute wait, but my family was really lucky and were whisked right onto the ride. I wasnt there, so I dont know how that happened, but that was like a little pixie dust for them.
I got a great spot for the parade in front of the busts in MGM. This is to the left of the GMR if youre looking at the ride from the park entrance. Its near Gerties, where I was able to get some milk for DD and some yummy frozen lemonade for me. Waiting an hour for a parade might seem boring, but I really enjoyed playing with DD, people watching and talking to CMs.
Soon the Stars and Motor Cars Parade began. Our seats were tops! The kids had lots of interaction with parade CMs and some characters and I got great pictures and video. DS has watched the home video version about a dozen or more times since weve been home. I really like this parade, but was disappointed that they took out the Star Wars music and Darth Vader. They still had the Star Wars float with Luke and Leia, and R2D2 was around, but I really wanted to see Darth Vader. Oh well.
After the parade we went to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We had fastpasses, but still had to stand in the waiting area for about 15 minutes before we were able to enter the theater. I do like this show, but it needs some updating or something. The video images are not as sharp as they could be and Id love to hear Ariel sing more. This particular Ariel was very good. She sounded very close to Jodi Benson who performed the role of Ariel in the movie.
After this, we went back to the resort. DH and I didnt want to do RNRC or TOT right then and besides, everyone was getting hungry for dinner and we had ressies at Kona Café. So we got on the bus and returned to the Polynesian for dinner.
As usual, Kona did NOT disappoint. I had the seafood bisque and sticky wings (shared both with AK) and AK and I also shared our entrée. Macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi over mushroom risotto. YUMMY! Of course for dessert I could not pass up my favorite. The Kilauea torte. This is heaven on a plate! DH and I also got a sprinkling of pixie dust at dinner. Over the years, we have come to know the pastry chef at Kona. Her name is Aida and she is originally from Cuba. She worked her way up at Disney and is now pastry chef at Kona. So she was working that night and we went over to say hello. Well, as we were having dessert, she sent over a plate of two KoKo Puffs and the message, Congratulations on the plate in chocolate.
DH and I were celebrating our 5 year anniversary. I thought this was so sweet and we thanked her warmly as we left. This capped the evening off so nicely. DH and I also went out to the beach to watch the fireworks once the kids were settled in bed. Can I tell you how much I love staying at the monorail resorts? There is nothing like it! Pure Disney magic!!!
When I walked back to our room after the fireworks, I couldnt help but notice the folks in the Hawaii building enjoying the views from their room, and I thought, next time, Im springing for a lagoon view room.
This was quite a long day and I was grateful for that comfy bed. There is no sleep like Disney sleep!
Cast:
Me 31
DH 35
DS 2
DD 1
My parents (Ill refer to as M&D for Mom and Dad)
My grandmother (MM for MomMom thats what my kids call her)
My aunt (AK for Aunt Karen)
My in-laws (ILS)
Today is titled I Cant Believe Were In WDW and my MIL Stayed in the Room to Watch Soap Operas.
Yes, the title is true. She was in her hotel room until we left for MGM (around 2.30pm) watching her soaps. I just dont get that, but maybe there are some die-hard soap fans that cant bear to miss a day of All My Children or General Hospital.
Anyhow, DH, AK, DS, DD and I were up early and at the MK by 8.30am. I wanted to see the opening ceremony, which I had never seen in my many past trips to WDW. We got a great viewing spot right in front of the train station. DS had fun playing with his shadow while we waited. He saw his shadow on the ground then ran very close to the wall and his shadow disappeared. Then hed jump up and see his shadow again and exclaim, There it is! He was entertaining not only himself, but also other guests that were waiting for the MK to open. It reminded me of Peter Pan, too, which is my favorite Disney movie.
Getting up early and to the MK for the opening ceremony was so worth it. Im making this a must-do activity for any future trips. And although it seemed like there were lots of people waiting to get in, once we were in the park, the crowds were so small.
So once we were inside the MK, we went right over to the Barber Shop so DS could get a much-needed haircut. There was only one person ahead of us, so the wait was short. This is one of our many traditions that we have at WDW. This one started in 2003 when DS had his very 1st haircut on Main Street. So now, every visit, DS gets a haircut.
After the haircut we grabbed a light breakfast from the Main Street Bakeshop. I got the breakfast quiche, which I had wanted to try in October 2004, but never got around to it. I wasnt that impressed. Too many onions and it was a bit on the mushy side. I like quiche a bit firmer. Next time Ill be having my favorite a blueberry muffin. DH had a cinnamon muffin, which was excellent (I stole a bite) and AK and DS had chocolate chip cookies. I also shared a banana with DD.
Next we headed over to Fantasyland. We rode Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan and Its A Small World all within a ½ an hour. The wait times were less than 10 minutes each. DD again, loved IASW. I guess she loved the colors, the music and all the dolls.
Theyre all about her size, so I guess she thought she was in a playroom with all the children. We also found the hidden Mickeys. The purple Mickey vine in the jungle room and the koala bears towards the end of the ride. If you look at the bears from the back, their heads are Mickeys. They also cast Mickey shadows on the wall behind them.
Next, DH and I went on the Haunted Mansion while AK relaxed with DS and DD by the exit. Oh, and while we were getting in line, we saw the space shuttle. It was a long white streak going across the sky, and I would have just thought it was an airplane, but a CM pointed it out to a bunch of guests. That was pretty neat.
After the HM, we were off to Adventureland where we rode Jungle Cruise and Pirates. DS had no problem with POTC. Jungle Cruise was about a 15-minute wait and POTC was no wait. These are two classics that I just cant miss from trip to trip.
About this time we were getting hungry for something more substantial than muffins and cookies, so we saddled up to Pecos Bills for some burgers and fixins. AK and I shared a cheeseburger and DH had a hamburger. The kids were sleeping soundly in the stroller, so we enjoyed a quiet lunch.
We went back to the Polynesian after lunch to meet up with M&D and MM and the in-laws. I stopped at Captain Cooks to get the kids some lunch and brought it back to the room. DD ate DSs chicken tenders and some applesauce. DS ate nothing. He only eats when hes hungry. Wish I could do that
After our little break at the hotel the whole gang headed over to MGM. We got to the bus stop and only waited about 3 minutes until a bus arrived. The bus ride to MGM wasnt too bad. I did have to stand while holding DD while going from the Polynesian to the GF. I already posted about this on the community board about this, so I wont go into details. Once we got to the Grand, the bus cleared out and I was able to sit with the baby.
When we got to MGM, it was around 4.30pm and I wanted to get a good spot for the parade. While I staked out a viewing spot, everyone else went on the Great Movie Ride. Apparently there was about a 20-minute wait, but my family was really lucky and were whisked right onto the ride. I wasnt there, so I dont know how that happened, but that was like a little pixie dust for them.
I got a great spot for the parade in front of the busts in MGM. This is to the left of the GMR if youre looking at the ride from the park entrance. Its near Gerties, where I was able to get some milk for DD and some yummy frozen lemonade for me. Waiting an hour for a parade might seem boring, but I really enjoyed playing with DD, people watching and talking to CMs.
Soon the Stars and Motor Cars Parade began. Our seats were tops! The kids had lots of interaction with parade CMs and some characters and I got great pictures and video. DS has watched the home video version about a dozen or more times since weve been home. I really like this parade, but was disappointed that they took out the Star Wars music and Darth Vader. They still had the Star Wars float with Luke and Leia, and R2D2 was around, but I really wanted to see Darth Vader. Oh well.
After the parade we went to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We had fastpasses, but still had to stand in the waiting area for about 15 minutes before we were able to enter the theater. I do like this show, but it needs some updating or something. The video images are not as sharp as they could be and Id love to hear Ariel sing more. This particular Ariel was very good. She sounded very close to Jodi Benson who performed the role of Ariel in the movie.
After this, we went back to the resort. DH and I didnt want to do RNRC or TOT right then and besides, everyone was getting hungry for dinner and we had ressies at Kona Café. So we got on the bus and returned to the Polynesian for dinner.
As usual, Kona did NOT disappoint. I had the seafood bisque and sticky wings (shared both with AK) and AK and I also shared our entrée. Macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi over mushroom risotto. YUMMY! Of course for dessert I could not pass up my favorite. The Kilauea torte. This is heaven on a plate! DH and I also got a sprinkling of pixie dust at dinner. Over the years, we have come to know the pastry chef at Kona. Her name is Aida and she is originally from Cuba. She worked her way up at Disney and is now pastry chef at Kona. So she was working that night and we went over to say hello. Well, as we were having dessert, she sent over a plate of two KoKo Puffs and the message, Congratulations on the plate in chocolate.
DH and I were celebrating our 5 year anniversary. I thought this was so sweet and we thanked her warmly as we left. This capped the evening off so nicely. DH and I also went out to the beach to watch the fireworks once the kids were settled in bed. Can I tell you how much I love staying at the monorail resorts? There is nothing like it! Pure Disney magic!!!
When I walked back to our room after the fireworks, I couldnt help but notice the folks in the Hawaii building enjoying the views from their room, and I thought, next time, Im springing for a lagoon view room.
This was quite a long day and I was grateful for that comfy bed. There is no sleep like Disney sleep!
