cascarlet
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2005
- Messages
- 296
Wow, it's been hard to keep up with my "journal" of our adventures because my store is so busy. I hope I still can remember everything, I'm on a mission to get everyday done, at least by the end of the month. That's doable.
Back to our regular scheduled program...links to previous days are below.
The cast of this wonderful adventure:
DH- Leo (40)
- Elementary School Principal Extraordinaire, Goofy reincarnated, My Disney Soulmate
ME - Marianne (30 something) )
- Scrapbook entrepreneur, Mickey FANATIC
DS (13) Brandon )
- All around great kid, mumbles a lot, video game addict, Disney makes him smile which warms Mom's heart
DD (6) Maggie Kate )
- Sweetheart, Drama Princess (I'm a Drama Princess, not a Drama Queen MOMMY!) , STITCH LOVER (can recite word for word Lilo and Stitch movie) ,afraid of almost every ride in Disney
Most Magical Experience - Philharmagic
Not so Magical Experience - Disney Quest's Not so Magic Carpet Ride
Favorite Dining Experience - really only one today...Cinderella's Castle (over rated but it was still good)
Hurricane Dennis. We knew before we left California that it was on the way. They said in 70 years no hurricane has hit land in Florida during July. Only when we arrive. Now us California natives have never been anywhere near a hurricane so we don't know what to expect. Now earthquakes, we are pros. The weather channel says it's going to hit on Saturday and it's probably a good idea not to go out if your in the Orlando area. There are tornado watches as well. Well, if we didn't watch the news, nobody told us it wasn't a good idea to go out so we basically ignored it. We're glad we did, because the hurricane did hit land but much farther north on the panhandle and Alabama, so the only effects we got was LOTS of rain. And believe me I was WATCHING for tornados. I would have no idea what to do if I saw one though!
We had an breakfast reservation at Cinderella's Castle and we were off early, early Saturday morning. We felt so special getting our early entry. There is nothing cooler then going into the MK when no one is there. When they used to have Magic Morning in DL it would be our favorite thing to do. They would be open several hours before the park opened and you would feel like you have the whole place to yourself, it's so magical. To walk down Main Street when there are no crowds is awesome and we fully enjoyed our leisurely stroll.
We arrived at the castle right on time and my dd was very excited. Really this is what she was looking forward too the whole time we were planning our trip. It was a real treat to sit inside the castle and our waiter was very attentive to us and our needs. The food itself was very good. The princesses made their rounds, said hello, took a picture and they were off. I was a little sad that there was not more interaction with my dd. Normally she's not shy at all, but something happens when she gets around the princesses and she doesn't say much unless they talk to her. She is really in awe. The only one that stopped and interacted with her was Mary Poppins, who isn't really a princess, but positively perfect in every way, which was nice. Spit, spot and all that. The other princesses seemed in a hurry to get to everyone I'm sure. Overall our dd loved it and that's what was important. We know it was crowded, but we have had much better experiences at Goofy's Kitchen at the DL Hotel, where the characters sit and chat for a while. One time Jasmine came and sat dd on her lap and just talked with her and she still talks about that. She was scared of Rafiki and she told Mulan and Mulan told her that he's just a silly old monkey and besides he has a blue butt.Well after that she wasn't scared anymore, but laughed everytime he walked by. And there was that GREAT time we had with the Mad Hatter....I'll leave that for another time! For all the talk about Cindy's Castle it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Would we go again? Only if it's something my dd would want to do again. At least we can say we had breakfast in the castle!
After breakfast we headed out of the castle and it was POURING! MK and I ran over to Dumbo and the Merry go Round while Leo and Brandon went to the Haunted Mansion. It was closed on Thursday, so they were hoping it would be open. It was pouring and Fantasyland was EMPTY! I'm thinking that the locals were going to stay away because of Dennis. After that we headed over to Ariel's grotto to see Maggie's favorite princess. We were first in line and she chatted with her a bit which made us both very happy. We met the boys at Philharmagic (is that the name of the show?..it escapes me!) and we and one other family were in the theatre. It was really cool (no really it was cold in there since we were all wet) and we all enjoyed it. They need this in DL for sure! Oh..by the way the HM was still closed so that's one ride we didn't get to experience in WDW.
One last thing before we left is I wanted to get Maggie's chalk portrait since I have one of Brandon when he was the same age. She sat so still and was so serious. She even started to fall asleep at one point. Her eyes got very heavy and she couldn't keep them open..it was cute. It turned out great and now I just have to find a frame to hang it next to Brandon's. If they could only stay that age right?
We did a bit of shopping and had some ice cream on our way out. I have NEVER seen ice cream melt on a cone so FAST before in my life. I don't know why they even bother to sell it on the cone in Florida. Of course my dd was a chocolate mess, but she managed to get some in her tummy. On the way out of Main St, Mickey passed me right by and I said hey Mickey and he threw me a kiss......sigh. I love that mouse.
We headed back to the hotel for a little rest and then we promised Brandon we would check out Disney Quest. I don't think I mentioned my ds's quest. The search for the perfect CHURRO. My ds had been disappointed that he could not find any churro stands in the MK or MGM since we had promised him one churro a day on this trip. Now he figured we owed him 3 since he hasn't been able to find any. Did I tell you my ds LOVES churros? In DL they are plentiful. Maybe because we are so close to the border and it's a Mexican treat? I told him, don't worry they have to have them in Mexico right? We arrive at Downtown Disney and low and behold it's a churro stand! So we buy him the obligatory 3 and then it starts pouring. Pouring like I've never seen it pour before in my life. (Thanks Dennis) We take cover under the Churro stand and try to make conversation with the authentic Nigerian Mexican Churro makers. They don't really understand us and just smile alot. So Brandon now has 3 soggy churros but he eats them anyways, happy he has met his Churro quota so far for the trip. We make a mad dash for Disney Quest. Oh yea looks like Brandon's kind of place.
The place is a bit overwhelming at first and we don't know where to start! We get our bearings and we have some pizza in the cafe upstairs and then we run off to play all the retro video games. What a flashback. I forgot how good I was at "Tron". The best part is we didn't have to keep loading quarters into the game, that was covered in our entry fee I guess. Brandon trys his hand at the virtual reality game and so I thought I would try the Magic Carpet ride. The line didn't look too long, but it was deceiving!! It took us about 45 min to go through the line (the longest line we had to wait all trip!) and play was about 2 minutes and it sucked, or at least I did. We stayed a bit longer and played more and Brandon could have stayed all night. I told him we would TRY to come back. TRY!!
It's still raining and we head back to the hotel. Maggie's stuffies were arranged on the bed like they were playing the kid's gameboys. Those cheeky mousekeepers!
We have a big day at Animal Kingdom tomorrow (Sunday), so it's off to sleep...or as Mary Poppins would put it..
Stay awake, don't rest your head
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake, don't close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow's soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Coming up next: Animal Kingdom Adventure
Our WDW Adventure a Californian POV
Day 1 Magic Kingdom and Paradise Lost
Day 2 MGM and the Search for Stitch
Guests at the Castle
Mary Poppins - I'm a wee bit hungry
Snow White - I love my job, I love my job
Royal Sticker Shock
Back to our regular scheduled program...links to previous days are below.
The cast of this wonderful adventure:
DH- Leo (40)
- Elementary School Principal Extraordinaire, Goofy reincarnated, My Disney SoulmateME - Marianne (30 something) )
- Scrapbook entrepreneur, Mickey FANATICDS (13) Brandon )
- All around great kid, mumbles a lot, video game addict, Disney makes him smile which warms Mom's heartDD (6) Maggie Kate )
- Sweetheart, Drama Princess (I'm a Drama Princess, not a Drama Queen MOMMY!) , STITCH LOVER (can recite word for word Lilo and Stitch movie) ,afraid of almost every ride in DisneyMost Magical Experience - Philharmagic
Not so Magical Experience - Disney Quest's Not so Magic Carpet Ride
Favorite Dining Experience - really only one today...Cinderella's Castle (over rated but it was still good)
Hurricane Dennis. We knew before we left California that it was on the way. They said in 70 years no hurricane has hit land in Florida during July. Only when we arrive. Now us California natives have never been anywhere near a hurricane so we don't know what to expect. Now earthquakes, we are pros. The weather channel says it's going to hit on Saturday and it's probably a good idea not to go out if your in the Orlando area. There are tornado watches as well. Well, if we didn't watch the news, nobody told us it wasn't a good idea to go out so we basically ignored it. We're glad we did, because the hurricane did hit land but much farther north on the panhandle and Alabama, so the only effects we got was LOTS of rain. And believe me I was WATCHING for tornados. I would have no idea what to do if I saw one though!
We had an breakfast reservation at Cinderella's Castle and we were off early, early Saturday morning. We felt so special getting our early entry. There is nothing cooler then going into the MK when no one is there. When they used to have Magic Morning in DL it would be our favorite thing to do. They would be open several hours before the park opened and you would feel like you have the whole place to yourself, it's so magical. To walk down Main Street when there are no crowds is awesome and we fully enjoyed our leisurely stroll.
We arrived at the castle right on time and my dd was very excited. Really this is what she was looking forward too the whole time we were planning our trip. It was a real treat to sit inside the castle and our waiter was very attentive to us and our needs. The food itself was very good. The princesses made their rounds, said hello, took a picture and they were off. I was a little sad that there was not more interaction with my dd. Normally she's not shy at all, but something happens when she gets around the princesses and she doesn't say much unless they talk to her. She is really in awe. The only one that stopped and interacted with her was Mary Poppins, who isn't really a princess, but positively perfect in every way, which was nice. Spit, spot and all that. The other princesses seemed in a hurry to get to everyone I'm sure. Overall our dd loved it and that's what was important. We know it was crowded, but we have had much better experiences at Goofy's Kitchen at the DL Hotel, where the characters sit and chat for a while. One time Jasmine came and sat dd on her lap and just talked with her and she still talks about that. She was scared of Rafiki and she told Mulan and Mulan told her that he's just a silly old monkey and besides he has a blue butt.Well after that she wasn't scared anymore, but laughed everytime he walked by. And there was that GREAT time we had with the Mad Hatter....I'll leave that for another time! For all the talk about Cindy's Castle it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Would we go again? Only if it's something my dd would want to do again. At least we can say we had breakfast in the castle!
After breakfast we headed out of the castle and it was POURING! MK and I ran over to Dumbo and the Merry go Round while Leo and Brandon went to the Haunted Mansion. It was closed on Thursday, so they were hoping it would be open. It was pouring and Fantasyland was EMPTY! I'm thinking that the locals were going to stay away because of Dennis. After that we headed over to Ariel's grotto to see Maggie's favorite princess. We were first in line and she chatted with her a bit which made us both very happy. We met the boys at Philharmagic (is that the name of the show?..it escapes me!) and we and one other family were in the theatre. It was really cool (no really it was cold in there since we were all wet) and we all enjoyed it. They need this in DL for sure! Oh..by the way the HM was still closed so that's one ride we didn't get to experience in WDW.
One last thing before we left is I wanted to get Maggie's chalk portrait since I have one of Brandon when he was the same age. She sat so still and was so serious. She even started to fall asleep at one point. Her eyes got very heavy and she couldn't keep them open..it was cute. It turned out great and now I just have to find a frame to hang it next to Brandon's. If they could only stay that age right?
We did a bit of shopping and had some ice cream on our way out. I have NEVER seen ice cream melt on a cone so FAST before in my life. I don't know why they even bother to sell it on the cone in Florida. Of course my dd was a chocolate mess, but she managed to get some in her tummy. On the way out of Main St, Mickey passed me right by and I said hey Mickey and he threw me a kiss......sigh. I love that mouse.
We headed back to the hotel for a little rest and then we promised Brandon we would check out Disney Quest. I don't think I mentioned my ds's quest. The search for the perfect CHURRO. My ds had been disappointed that he could not find any churro stands in the MK or MGM since we had promised him one churro a day on this trip. Now he figured we owed him 3 since he hasn't been able to find any. Did I tell you my ds LOVES churros? In DL they are plentiful. Maybe because we are so close to the border and it's a Mexican treat? I told him, don't worry they have to have them in Mexico right? We arrive at Downtown Disney and low and behold it's a churro stand! So we buy him the obligatory 3 and then it starts pouring. Pouring like I've never seen it pour before in my life. (Thanks Dennis) We take cover under the Churro stand and try to make conversation with the authentic Nigerian Mexican Churro makers. They don't really understand us and just smile alot. So Brandon now has 3 soggy churros but he eats them anyways, happy he has met his Churro quota so far for the trip. We make a mad dash for Disney Quest. Oh yea looks like Brandon's kind of place.
The place is a bit overwhelming at first and we don't know where to start! We get our bearings and we have some pizza in the cafe upstairs and then we run off to play all the retro video games. What a flashback. I forgot how good I was at "Tron". The best part is we didn't have to keep loading quarters into the game, that was covered in our entry fee I guess. Brandon trys his hand at the virtual reality game and so I thought I would try the Magic Carpet ride. The line didn't look too long, but it was deceiving!! It took us about 45 min to go through the line (the longest line we had to wait all trip!) and play was about 2 minutes and it sucked, or at least I did. We stayed a bit longer and played more and Brandon could have stayed all night. I told him we would TRY to come back. TRY!!
It's still raining and we head back to the hotel. Maggie's stuffies were arranged on the bed like they were playing the kid's gameboys. Those cheeky mousekeepers!
We have a big day at Animal Kingdom tomorrow (Sunday), so it's off to sleep...or as Mary Poppins would put it..
Stay awake, don't rest your head
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake, don't close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow's soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Coming up next: Animal Kingdom Adventure
Our WDW Adventure a Californian POV
Day 1 Magic Kingdom and Paradise Lost
Day 2 MGM and the Search for Stitch
Guests at the Castle
Mary Poppins - I'm a wee bit hungry
Snow White - I love my job, I love my job
Royal Sticker Shock
I wasn't so sure that anyone was reading about our adventures, but I'll plug on!
day we were there. I can't imagine if it was.
