Day 6 - Part 1 Becoming Famous in the Magic Kingdom!

[CJK]

The Cast:

Goofy Gal (me) - Obsessive Disney Planner
Goofy Guy (my husband) - Tolerant of the Obsessive Disney Planner
Dapper Dad (my dad) - A fellow Disney lover!
Fanlover (my mom) - Fan of Disney, not fan of the heat
ToT Sis (my sister ) - Likes Disney, but Tower of Terror? Not so much...
Cocoa Bil (my bro-in-law) Likes Disney, especially their hot chocolate
Splashboy (my nephew) age 6 Never been to Disney, excited and nervous to try the big rides
Boomer (my nephew) age 4 Never been to Disney, age 4 going on 14

Dining Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=901786
Introductory Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=903652
Day 1 Peter Pan PLEASE teach me to fly!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=904193
Day 2 - Part 1 Prison or Disney?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=904890
Day 2 - Part 2 The broom kissed the balloon
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=905052
Day 2 - Part 3 Conquering the Magic Kingdom
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=905863
Day 2 - Part 4 Splash Mountain vs. The Boy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=906053
Day 3 - Part 1 Tower of Terror: Enter With Caution
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=907362
Day 3 - Part 2 Sittin' on Stranger's laps
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=908266
Day 3 - Part 3 Thank goodness for Dinosaurs!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=908703
Day 4 - Part 1 Beware: Crush 'n' Gusher has a 48-inch height restriction
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=910433
Day 4 - Part 2 My Heroes: The Lifeguards
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=910561
Day 4 - Part 3 Move Over Tom Hanks - There's a New Man in Town!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=911269
Day 5 - Part 1 Newsflash: Disney Waterslides Reveal Hidden Talents
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=912197
Day 5 - Part 2 Ghiradelli Sundaes and 4yr old Boys
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=913168
Day 5 - Part 3 Who Says Disney Isn't For Adults?!?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=913984

Day 6 – Part 1 Becoming Famous in the Magic Kingdom!

Today was EMH for the Magic Kingdom. You know what that means… Fanlover sleeps in while the rest of us our woken up by that strange alien fellow named Stitch. He insisted on calling us all at 7am this morning. We really must complain about him.

We drove to the Ticket and Transportation Center and tried to go to our secret Diamond Lot parking area but it’s closed. What?! You mean we may have to park and take the tram along with the other masses? And so marked the end of the red carpet treatment! We were worrying for nothing. We were surprised to find that we parked even closer to the front in the regular parking lot. I guess we forgot that it was only 7:45am.

Normal people were still snoring.

We were a family on a mission. The boys were desperate to ride Dumbo. I was equally desperate NOT to ride Dumbo. I know – there goes my Aunt-of-the-year award. We decided to divide and conquer and suit everyone’s needs. Dapper dad and Goofy guy took the boys on Dumbo while Cocoa bil, ToT sis and I went to Space Mountain. (Side note: We haven’t had a family get together since our trip, but I’m quite certain that when we do get together, I’ll forget their real names).

ToT sis was a little apprehensive about riding Space Mountain. No, not because she’s frightened; she was simply still recovering from Tower of Terror from a few days before. I was still feeling a little guilty about that one (in between my bursts of laughter). I decided to redeem myself by making her go on Space Mountain too. Now there’s some logic for you.

She had been on Space Mountain many times before, but she was wondering if her body couldn’t handle thrill rides anymore. I hoped I could prove her wrong. I made sure that we took the left side once inside the mountain. People have tried to convince me that both sides are identical, but I still don’t believe it. The left side has always seemed better to me. ‘Nuff said.

We board the ride and the fun began. ToT sis was laughing and having fun right up until the very end. We all said that it’s interesting to compare it to rockin’ rollercoaster. It may not have the same thrill factor as RNC, but there’s something magical about good ole Space Mountain. We’re glad we got the chance to ride. ToT sis was relieved to see that she can still handle rollercoaster’s. She just knows to steer clear of abandoned hotels in the future.

We were to meet the others at the Grand Prix. We made our way over there, but they were missing in action. We found it funny how Space Mountain had a shorter line than Dumbo. It was a nice morning, so we thought we’d go meet them in Fantasyland. We saw them just as they were getting on Winnie the Pooh.

Wait a minute! I don’t remember saying they could go on TWO rides without me, I mean us. Winnie the Pooh was on the “everyone must do” list. We checked to see if we could ride with them, but the line was now 20 minutes. My date with Tigger would have to wait.

After the boys bounced with Tigger, we all went to the Grand Prix. ToT sis and I got a chuckle out of this one. Our dad always wanted to go on this car ride, but neither of his daughters were very interested. Today, men finally out numbered the women. Dapper dad finally got to ride. God Bless his grandchildren.

Boomer wanted to ride with Goofy guy. You’d think the little guy would want to steer, but when Goofy guy offered to let him, he just said, “No, I’m too little”. Could he be any cuter? He’s always full of surprises. He just sat there beside Goofy guy enjoying the leisurely Sunday afternoon drive. The look would have been complete had he been sipping a cup of tea.

Splashboy’s Grand Prix experience was slightly different. He rode with ToT sis and he enjoyed some serious steering action! ToT sis may have whiplash now, but what’s a little neck pain when your son just experienced his triumphant driving debut? At least she didn’t get sick on Space Mountain. I’m holding onto that thought.

We really hoped to catch the Sword in the Stone show today, but we failed to realize that there are no Friday shows. Nice one Goofy gal. To think the boys had practised the art of sword pulling for nothing!

Boomer had been saying all morning that he wanted to ride Thunder Mountain. I tell you, this kid is fearless! Splashboy, however, wasn’t sharing his enthusiasm. Nonetheless, we made our way over to the ride and got in line.

Actually, there really wasn’t any line at all. We basically just walked right through the queue. Splashboy was really reluctant to ride. Dapper dad was going to stay back with him if he didn’t want to go. Everything happened so fast, that Splashboy didn’t really have time to fully consider his nervousness. Boomer and Cocoa bil got on. Goofy guy and I got on. ToT sis got on…and the gate was about to close. It looked like Splashboy wasn’t coming.

But just then, Splashboy darted through the gate and onto the train next to his mother. That was the great news. The problem was that Dapper dad was now left behind. We yelled to the closest CM to please let Dapper dad ride. We were told he’d have to wait for the next train.

I was ready to ransack the train.

There was no line! I decided to take the less violent approach and gave him a $20. He didn’t even mind that it was Canadian.

Dapper dad got on our train.

The ride was a glowing success. Splashboy was laughing all the way. I’m not even sure who I heard better – Boomer or Splashboy. Either way, it had been a successful ride. Both boys came off the ride saying that Thunder Mountain was their new favourite ride. Funny how the Haunted Mansion, then Splash Mountain, then Crush ‘n’ Gusher, and now Thunder Mountain were all their favourites.

Since we were near the train, we decided to get on and take a tour all the way around the Magic Kingdom. We thought it would be fun to sit right at the back of the train and see the conductor in action. We had no idea just how fun this would turn out to be.

After grabbing our seats, the conductor gave Splashboy the microphone and asked him to say in his loudest voice, “All Abooooooard”. Without missing a beat, Splashboy did – and did a GREAT job. Long gone was the shy little boy I once knew. He was in heaven! All the other riders on the train seemed amused by it all. Splashboy had officially joined the ranks of his father Cocoa bil: he was famous.

We made our way on the train back to Main Station. There was a conductor change here, which we admittedly were a little disappointed about. We were hoping Boomer would get the chance to speak into the microphone too. I know – we’ve had so much magic on this trip so far, that we were actually starting to expect more. Ah the pitfalls of greed!

The new conductor did not disappoint! She asked Boomer if he wanted to say all aboard. I’m not sure if Boomer really understood the concept or not, because he may have jumped the gun a little bit. He suddenly yelled “All Aboooooooard” without the microphone and before we were ready to leave the station.

I was suddenly thankful we had just had a restroom break.

Boy did we laugh! We controlled ourselves long enough to explain to him that he needed to wait until the microphone was in his hand so that everyone could hear him on the train. The conductor introduced the boys and mentioned how we had come all the way from Canada. Everyone applauded and cheered just as Boomer gave his best, “All Abooooooard”. We had become celebrities. Everyone aboard probably had seen Cocoa bil’s acting debut at the Hoop Dee Doo. The boys received engineer licenses for all their help in driving the train.

ToT sis’ scrapbook is getting bigger by the day.

It was a train ride we’d never forget. Our only regret was that Fanlover didn’t get to experience that moment. Well, I had to admit that she won’t be as sleep deprived as us - so I’d say we’re even.

After signing a few autographs on the train, the boys led us to Philharmagic. A celebrity’s work is never done you understand. We enjoyed the show as much as before and made our way to It’s A Small World. Goofy guy was ready for a nap and couldn’t think of a better place to do it. Had he been given the chance to change places with Fanlover right about now, I think he would have without hesitation.

He can’t be MY husband.

We grabbed a fast pass for Peter Pan and decided to have an early lunch at Pinocchio’s.
We had the typical fast food fare here but dessert was a big hit. I was able to have my first rice krispie treat of the trip. Yum! There was just enough sugar in the chocolate on Mickey’s ears to give me energy to keep up with the boys. It was time to go back to Peter Pan. Splashboy made my day by asking if I would ride with him this time. This “aunt” thing just keeps getting better and better. He just may find an extra little something under the Christmas tree this year.

On the ride, he was so excited to point things out to me. He needn’t find out I’ve been on the ride 50 times before. If his balloon ever bursts, it won’t be by me. Speaking of balloons, I wonder if his balloon is still hanging around in his hotel room? I also wonder if ToT sis ever got over the affair Cocoa bil had with the balloon. Hmmm

We couldn’t believe how much we were able to get accomplished today. There were hardly any lines for anything with the exception of Peter Pan of course. We decided to go back to the Haunted Mansion. It was fun seeing Splashboy and Boomer so relaxed and excited this time. I went on with ToT sis and Splashboy. He was laughing and remembering things about the ride from our last day there. I had fun pointing out some hidden Mickey’s to him. I’m sure that if we had the chance to go back on the ride, he would have pointed these same Hidden Mickey’s to me – and at a faster speed than I did.

Cocoa bil asked us if we minded going to the Hall of Presidents. Some of us were more enthusiastic than others. There was a 29-minute wait before the next show, so we had time to ride Snow White’s Scary Adventure, Winnie-the-Pooh and the Carousel. I was a little worried how the boys would handle Snow White, but they weren’t even remotely scared. I think I was a more scared of some of the horses on the carousel. I’m sure I saw one lunge at me. Shudder

We made it just in time for the Hall of Presidents. With all that has happened in the political field these last few months, I was very interested to see how people reacted to George Bush when he started to speak. Last time we were here, people stood up and cheered. Today, not a sound was made. The difference was quite dramatic. I’ll leave you to develop your own conclusions.

Cocoa bil commented on something after the show that I hadn’t realized. With each introduction of a new President, they not only have to create a new figure, but they have to reprogram each President to turn their heads towards the new President. Interesting tidbit. I’m not a details person I guess. I’m too busy looking at each President’s wardrobe.

It was hard to believe, but we had finished the Magic Kingdom and it was only 12:30pm! Today we made sure to see the attractions we had missed earlier in the week. We accomplished our goal and even did a few repeats. Amazing! We decided to browse through some of the shops before heading out of the park. It had been a wonderful morning, but it was time to get back to Fanlover.

But wait. What’s that sound I hear just outside the store? Could it be our beloved Dapper Dans? They weren’t singing a full song right now, but just sang a couple notes for fun as they were walking down the street. Dapper dad had always loved quartets and has always enjoyed listening to the Dapper Dans at the Magic Kingdom. He jokingly asked one of the members, “What do I have to do to get you guys to sing a song”? Their reply was a good one. They said that my dad would have to join the Dapper Dans and sing right along with them. I thought I was going to faint.

Before I knew it, my dad was the 5th member of the Dapper Dan Quartet singing a song for everyone to enjoy. True he didn’t know the song they chose, but he was still one heck of a bass. To show how much they enjoyed having this new member, they put one of their hats on Dapper dad. Dapper dad was in heaven. I smile as I look over at Goofy guy. He was videotaping the whole thing.

I have him trained well.

I look over at ToT sis and…and…WHERE IS TOT sis?? She MUST see this! It was bad enough that Fanlover was missing it, I’ll be damned if ToT sis was going to miss it too! I ran into the nearest store and drag her out to see our father in action. We both made it outside and were delighted with what we saw. Dapper dad was smiling ear to ear and singing his heart out. It could have only been better had it been a song he knew. Why couldn’t they have sung “Found a Peanut” or “Go Tell It On The Mountain”. He would have cleaned up!

After the song ended, the Dapper Dans chatted with Dapper dad for a while. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dapper dad has a new job come January. If you happen to be in WDW this winter, be sure to look for the Canadian.

We were so caught up in the moment; we neglected to notice what was in ToT sis’ hand. In my haste to bring her outside, we forgot to put down the merchandise they were handling. Yes, we were fugitives yet again. Apparently we had learned nothing from our experience at the tollbooth. I don’t know, maybe prison won’t be too bad, will it? Martha Stewart made it out relatively unscathed right?

ToT sis noticed all the characters around with small lines so she asked if I minded taking the pencil back into the store while she took the kids to take some pictures. Sure, I’ll take the fall for you sis. You go flirt with Turk and Friar Tuck while I get taken away in handcuffs. It was clear to me that she was getting revenge for the whole Tower of Terror fiasco. There was nothing I could do.

I casually walked back into the store and picked up a couple things, put them back down. Picked up a few more things, and put them back down…until I found where the pencils were. I picked up some more pencils and put them all down. I’m sure I saw some suspicious CM’s faces, but no handcuffs were ever produced. I made a run for it and breathed a sigh of relief once I got outside. Freedom never smelled so good.

We made a quick restroom break before leaving the park. Just then the Dapper Dans came by and started to sing another song for us. This time, they invited Splashboy to join them. The now fearless Splashboy, ran up to join them. Eat your heart out Dapper dad – you may have gotten to wear 1 hat, but Splashboy got to wear all 4 – at the same time to boot!

What a spectacular morning we had. Dapper dad realized a life long dream of singing in a quartet and the boys became conductors on a train. What could be better? How about becoming Captains on the ferry ride back to the ticket & transportation centre! That’s exactly what happened. When we boarded the ferry, Cocoa bil took the boys to speak to the Captain and the boys were allowed to enter the Captain’s room. What’s next, becoming pilots? Slow down boys……..you should wait to be at least 7 before you fly a plane.

You’re all welcome by the way…

We made it back to the hotel to meet up with Fanlover. The boys really missed having her around so they were anxious to tell her all about our morning. Rather than tell her about our day however, why not show her instead by having another slide show! We enjoyed the quick show and then it was off to Wilderness Lodge. The men were anxious to sing their rendition of “My Little Buttercup” before successfully fighting a dragon and snake. The lengths they won’t go to, to impress the boys! Stay tuned!

 

[wdwr]

.....
I decided to take the less violent approach and gave him a $20. He didn’t even mind that it was Canadian.

And here you thought $20 Canadian wouldn't do you any good at WDW!
That was probably the best use of a $20 I ever heard of.

 

[MOMOFMNM]

your reports are amazing and so full of fun!! I only wish we had been able to take our kids aunts, uncles and grandparents along with us to help out with those inevitable meltdowns or backout of the ride situations!!! Nana did infact send them each 50 Disney dollars in the mail (We do not have a Disney store to buy them here at home) and they are very excited!!

Thanks again

 

[AlaskaMOM]

Thanks for the installment, I have been impatiently waiting ALL DAY!
It's so nice to hear how magical your family vacation is turning out! Keep 'em coming!

 

[agotta]

Love it!! Can't wait to see the Dapper Dans in January. They are friends of mine and such cuties!!! When I was a CM they used to come in my store every day at 5 and sing ( I like to think just for me ) I love reading your reports!

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for posting.