Sinclare
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 28, 2003
- Messages
- 525
Warning this is a long one...
Finally, A day I could actually organize and control. Today is only me, my son, My sister, and my nephew. We hit AK at near opening. Now my sister/nephew had been here just a couple months ago and didn't like it because it was crowded, the passage ways were short, and they just didn't "get it". Well, it was finally my day to show them how much of a differnence having someone with knowledge could change their whole outlook.
Now, let me start by saying that I knew we only had 1 day for these two parks because my old hoppers only had 1 park day left and my sister didn't have enough money to buy more tickets. So I knew we couldn't hit everything I wanted to see. Also, poor Pal Mickey who had been forgoten the previous day wasn't about to be left at home today.
Aside from dragging the boys away from every CM with a lanyard, we first headed toward ITTBAB. I was actually disappointed the line was so short. It's fun to take it slow and see all the carvings on the tree. However, we pretty much just got one picture in because there was no line and we just walked straight in. The boys loved it though it did scare my nephew a bit when the spiders dropped from the ceiling. Oh, and the look on his face when the "maggots" exited the audience under our butts was priceless
Next to Dinousaur...
My nephew had been on it a couple months ago and "reported" it wasn't scarry. Actually, the two boys have a bit of a competition going on. One just can't let the other get away with doing anything the otherone does without doing it too. We stood in line and got in within a few minutes. Before getting on, Mickey said to cover his eyes and for that matter cover him up completely so he wouldn't get scared
My nephew, thought he had a trick up his sleeve... he dashed to sit on the opposite side of the car that he did the last time since he "knew" where the dino came out to eat you. My son took up flanking position on the other side with me sitting next to him. Before the ride was over both of them were clutching our arms around them and almost peeing themsleves
Seems my nephew forgot about the BIGGER dino that came out to try and eat you on the other side of the car After saing they would never ride it again (I've heard that before.....) they quickly forgot everything when they hit the souvineer shop and saw the CM's with lanyards. My nephew, who had quickly stuck his in the net bag during the ride while being scared lost one of his pins and was looking to acquire another. After a little trading and coaxing we promised he could pick another pin out later then headed toward Kali.
Again, having the Disney expert along paid off. Not only had I kept them out of the parks until Wed/Thurs (I don't go on Mon/Tue) but I got them there early so we practacally walked on the rides. I have to admit that kali is not as long or as wet as I would prefer. Last year I barely got wet and told my sister she probally wouldn't either
Ha of course, she was at the bottom end of the tube when we went down the hill and while I got wet, she got soaked. But it was good to cool off in the heat so it was ok..even if it did mess up her hair lol.
After Kali, we hit the Flame Tree. When my sister was there last time she loved the BBQ and baked beans there but had to wait in line an HOUR to order their food. She was floored when I took her up to the FT and there were only 2 people in line...planning pays off again. We get our food and have a nice seat right by the water where a character boat with Mickey and the gang is going by playing music. We fed the bread scraps to the birds and fish after a relaxing meal in the shade with hardly anyone around then head out to the animal trails.
My sister hadn't even made it to the tiger/animal trails last time even though she loves them so this time I made it a point to be there. We had fun checking out the animals/bats and found the tigers being lazy in the shade taking their after breakfast nap. Very beautiful animals and everyone enjoyed it. Next after a trip through the avaiary (sp?) checking out all the birds and doing a little more pin trading with the CM's we headed for the gate and stopped to talk to the parrots. A little more pin trading at the gate and we were greeted by the talking palm tree which the kids enjoyed.
After a few minutes of playing "find the right bus" we were off to TTC, followed by a ferry ride to MK to watch the water mice. My nephew had never rode the ferry and the boys loved watching the patrol boat zoom around chasing the water mice away from the ferry.
Yippe!
Finally in MK, Pal Mickey was excited too. Seeing that there were some decent lines I went and FP'ed Splash mountain then we started hitting the things the boy's hadn't seen On the way my son saw someone with a minute maid lemonade frozen cup but I told him we would get one else where..big mistake...we searched all over MK during the day and that was the only place that seems to sell them..just outside SpM/TM.
HoP was first, the boys really liked it. It's just a great show, they do such a good job with the President's. It's not like I remember when I was a kid though. I don't remember the movie. When I saw it as a kid more of the President's talked. This time it was only two of them. I would gladly sacrifice some of the movie to see more of them speak again. As my son left he asked me why Ronald Regan didn't speak. I explained that they didn't have enough time to do them all. IMHO they should at least have more than two speak since this is what is really enjoyable about the experience.
Next, is another old time favorite of mine. Carousel of Progress! I told them about how this was one of DW's first rides from the worlds fair. They thought the audience rotating was neat. Everything about the show is still great and it brought back memories. I especiall loved the dog, my son loved the video game Grandma was playing at the last stage. It turned out to be one of his favorite rides now. It's a shame it isn't open all the time, and with Stitch opening I'm afraid it might go away for good (ala my other favorite 20,000 leauges).
Finally, a new favorite Mickey's Philarmagic (sp?). This is the BEST 3D show disney has put forth to date. Simply GREAT!. If you go to MK this is a DON'T miss attraction. Not many people really know about it and the line was always short while we were there compared to the other attractions.
Ok, with "missed previously" attractions out of the way we hit SM...MY personal favorite. The line said 55 min but was actually only 30 or so minutes. We rode the right side this time and it was actually pretty good (although I prefer the left...the right side seemed a longer ride). The theming on SM is the best IMHO and is the only True dark coaster. RnR is great but it's not really a dark coaster as you can see where you are going. I still love to look up at the massive celing. It looks just like looking into space (minus the huge objects that pass on occasion). Nothing by screams of joy for SM!
Fast passes for splash mount still not ready so we head toward Haunted Mansion. Always a classic, you just got to love this ride. We even managed to catch the tombstone opening it's eyes while standing in line going in. This was by far the most crowded ride that day. Jamm packed but we enjoyed oursevles. Splash mountian passes are ready so we head that way...
Yes, Duddley Do Right in Universal is a bigger splash and you get wetter, but the theeming in SpM is just outstanding. (it's even better with a fast pass
. My sister had never been on the ride and even though we didn't get wet, she loved it.
Well we got off, headed over to get our FP for Big Thunder Mountain and my son FINALLY got his Minute Maid cup of frozen lemonade. Since we had some time to play with I decided to hit Tiki birds which is always a treat. I just love this show, it never gets old and it's great for kids of all ages. When I go in I try my best to spot all of the Tiki gods around the walls and ceilings but I have never been able to figure out how they hide all of them so well. I look around during the show and they are just there all of the sudden. Classic show, Love it!.
Now for the one thing I hadn't got to do since I was VERY young. Tom Sawyers Island. This is a very overlooked attraction. The boys could have stayed there all day in the fort and exploring the tunnels. (heck I loved it myself). They would run from tower to tower shooting the guns, then run down through the esceape tunnels trying to scare each other. Our FP for BTMRR was finally up so I chased them back out through the tunnels, across the barrel bridge, and onto the raft.
BTMRR, NEVER NEVER do it without a Fast Pass. That thing has the most hideous queue ever built....just when you think your about there..boom around to the other side for more waiting. I felt so sorry for those poor people as I passed them. I like BTMRR but I really prefer SM. Good thrill though.
The day's starting to wind down so we head over to the most looked forward to attraction...Pirates of the Carribean. We all love it, "We want's the Red Head" Once out my son gets his obligitory pirate sword (they broke their other swords sparing lol). Oh, I forgot to mention, more pin trading... throughout the day they would drag us toward any CM's with a lanyard. They're hooked....
Everyone is pretty much tired at this point but we go through Swiss family robinson tree real quick (pushed on by others behind us). They didn't really think a lot of it because we went so fast. We came out the exit and they were like " That was it?" I think they were expecting something along the lines of the island again. ....
Ok, time to eat so we start toward startlight caffee... One problem...after 3 days of no rain it's starting to thunder and storm. Can we make it there before the rain? Just barely, get food, sit down, rest... One problem, my beloved alien isn't playing music...seems they had a bad up there and the band has left. *sigh* I really enjoy listening to my favorite alien DJ.
The storm is really churning outside at this point and it's a pretty strong one. So we sit wait, rest, and take the opportunity to hit the bathroom. Luckily we saw the rain comming and got a table early, others wern't so lucky. It finally dies down and it's about time for the fireworks. But there is just one more classic left...
ASTRO-ORBITER.. Yea I know it's just a glorified carnie ride..but it's a glorified carnie ride with the best night time view around. You can see all of MK from up there, not to mention the resorts. So even though the line is less than half full I drag my sister in (she has never been). Now she is thinking..short line...short wait....nope...doesn't work that way with Astro. It was a good 30 minute + wait but we finally get there. I was trying to time it to the fireworks but didn't quite make it; we were early. Still a great view though and still a great ride no matter what some people say.
2 tired kids still looking to pin trade, 1 tired adult, and me left... head toward tomorrowland bridge to try and get a little bit of a view for Wishes.... Yes there was actually going to be 2 parades and 2 wishes that night (second at 11) but I knew they would never make it so we squeezed in for a astounding show. One of the best fireworks shows around, even with our view partally blocked. The gold just fills the sky and they did some really neat things to the castle. At one point they colored it blue with a star and moon..like Mickey's magic hat in Philarmagic, at another point they colored it bright neon colors like green, pink.. Everyone Oooh and ahhhed, hooped and hollered, and of course clapped.
Ok, WDW Addicts...What's the BEST way to top off a day like that? That's right, have a Disney Dad who Knows how to get the FRONT seat in the TRAM!! My son's 3rd ride, my sister/nephew's 1st. Completely different experience!
OK, Now last minor problem....we were dropped off at AK that day. I was going to try and catch a bus back to DtD or somewhere so we would be an easy pickup but I didn't want the hastle. So, my BiL saved us and picked us up at MK after a short wait. Needless to say, after this day I didn't have to try and keep them away from the pool...they were much more interested in the BED
Stay tuned for Day 7 "Typhoon Lagoon Strikes Back"
Finally, A day I could actually organize and control. Today is only me, my son, My sister, and my nephew. We hit AK at near opening. Now my sister/nephew had been here just a couple months ago and didn't like it because it was crowded, the passage ways were short, and they just didn't "get it". Well, it was finally my day to show them how much of a differnence having someone with knowledge could change their whole outlook.
Now, let me start by saying that I knew we only had 1 day for these two parks because my old hoppers only had 1 park day left and my sister didn't have enough money to buy more tickets. So I knew we couldn't hit everything I wanted to see. Also, poor Pal Mickey who had been forgoten the previous day wasn't about to be left at home today.
Aside from dragging the boys away from every CM with a lanyard, we first headed toward ITTBAB. I was actually disappointed the line was so short. It's fun to take it slow and see all the carvings on the tree. However, we pretty much just got one picture in because there was no line and we just walked straight in. The boys loved it though it did scare my nephew a bit when the spiders dropped from the ceiling. Oh, and the look on his face when the "maggots" exited the audience under our butts was priceless
Next to Dinousaur...My nephew had been on it a couple months ago and "reported" it wasn't scarry. Actually, the two boys have a bit of a competition going on. One just can't let the other get away with doing anything the otherone does without doing it too. We stood in line and got in within a few minutes. Before getting on, Mickey said to cover his eyes and for that matter cover him up completely so he wouldn't get scared
My nephew, thought he had a trick up his sleeve... he dashed to sit on the opposite side of the car that he did the last time since he "knew" where the dino came out to eat you. My son took up flanking position on the other side with me sitting next to him. Before the ride was over both of them were clutching our arms around them and almost peeing themsleves Seems my nephew forgot about the BIGGER dino that came out to try and eat you on the other side of the car After saing they would never ride it again (I've heard that before.....) they quickly forgot everything when they hit the souvineer shop and saw the CM's with lanyards. My nephew, who had quickly stuck his in the net bag during the ride while being scared lost one of his pins and was looking to acquire another. After a little trading and coaxing we promised he could pick another pin out later then headed toward Kali.Again, having the Disney expert along paid off. Not only had I kept them out of the parks until Wed/Thurs (I don't go on Mon/Tue) but I got them there early so we practacally walked on the rides. I have to admit that kali is not as long or as wet as I would prefer. Last year I barely got wet and told my sister she probally wouldn't either
Ha of course, she was at the bottom end of the tube when we went down the hill and while I got wet, she got soaked. But it was good to cool off in the heat so it was ok..even if it did mess up her hair lol.After Kali, we hit the Flame Tree. When my sister was there last time she loved the BBQ and baked beans there but had to wait in line an HOUR to order their food. She was floored when I took her up to the FT and there were only 2 people in line...planning pays off again. We get our food and have a nice seat right by the water where a character boat with Mickey and the gang is going by playing music. We fed the bread scraps to the birds and fish after a relaxing meal in the shade with hardly anyone around then head out to the animal trails.
My sister hadn't even made it to the tiger/animal trails last time even though she loves them so this time I made it a point to be there. We had fun checking out the animals/bats and found the tigers being lazy in the shade taking their after breakfast nap. Very beautiful animals and everyone enjoyed it. Next after a trip through the avaiary (sp?) checking out all the birds and doing a little more pin trading with the CM's we headed for the gate and stopped to talk to the parrots. A little more pin trading at the gate and we were greeted by the talking palm tree which the kids enjoyed.
After a few minutes of playing "find the right bus" we were off to TTC, followed by a ferry ride to MK to watch the water mice. My nephew had never rode the ferry and the boys loved watching the patrol boat zoom around chasing the water mice away from the ferry.
Yippe!
Finally in MK, Pal Mickey was excited too. Seeing that there were some decent lines I went and FP'ed Splash mountain then we started hitting the things the boy's hadn't seen On the way my son saw someone with a minute maid lemonade frozen cup but I told him we would get one else where..big mistake...we searched all over MK during the day and that was the only place that seems to sell them..just outside SpM/TM.HoP was first, the boys really liked it. It's just a great show, they do such a good job with the President's. It's not like I remember when I was a kid though. I don't remember the movie. When I saw it as a kid more of the President's talked. This time it was only two of them. I would gladly sacrifice some of the movie to see more of them speak again. As my son left he asked me why Ronald Regan didn't speak. I explained that they didn't have enough time to do them all. IMHO they should at least have more than two speak since this is what is really enjoyable about the experience.
Next, is another old time favorite of mine. Carousel of Progress! I told them about how this was one of DW's first rides from the worlds fair. They thought the audience rotating was neat. Everything about the show is still great and it brought back memories. I especiall loved the dog, my son loved the video game Grandma was playing at the last stage. It turned out to be one of his favorite rides now. It's a shame it isn't open all the time, and with Stitch opening I'm afraid it might go away for good (ala my other favorite 20,000 leauges).
Finally, a new favorite Mickey's Philarmagic (sp?). This is the BEST 3D show disney has put forth to date. Simply GREAT!. If you go to MK this is a DON'T miss attraction. Not many people really know about it and the line was always short while we were there compared to the other attractions.
Ok, with "missed previously" attractions out of the way we hit SM...MY personal favorite. The line said 55 min but was actually only 30 or so minutes. We rode the right side this time and it was actually pretty good (although I prefer the left...the right side seemed a longer ride). The theming on SM is the best IMHO and is the only True dark coaster. RnR is great but it's not really a dark coaster as you can see where you are going. I still love to look up at the massive celing. It looks just like looking into space (minus the huge objects that pass on occasion). Nothing by screams of joy for SM!
Fast passes for splash mount still not ready so we head toward Haunted Mansion. Always a classic, you just got to love this ride. We even managed to catch the tombstone opening it's eyes while standing in line going in. This was by far the most crowded ride that day. Jamm packed but we enjoyed oursevles. Splash mountian passes are ready so we head that way...
Yes, Duddley Do Right in Universal is a bigger splash and you get wetter, but the theeming in SpM is just outstanding. (it's even better with a fast pass
. My sister had never been on the ride and even though we didn't get wet, she loved it.Well we got off, headed over to get our FP for Big Thunder Mountain and my son FINALLY got his Minute Maid cup of frozen lemonade. Since we had some time to play with I decided to hit Tiki birds which is always a treat. I just love this show, it never gets old and it's great for kids of all ages. When I go in I try my best to spot all of the Tiki gods around the walls and ceilings but I have never been able to figure out how they hide all of them so well. I look around during the show and they are just there all of the sudden. Classic show, Love it!.
Now for the one thing I hadn't got to do since I was VERY young. Tom Sawyers Island. This is a very overlooked attraction. The boys could have stayed there all day in the fort and exploring the tunnels. (heck I loved it myself). They would run from tower to tower shooting the guns, then run down through the esceape tunnels trying to scare each other. Our FP for BTMRR was finally up so I chased them back out through the tunnels, across the barrel bridge, and onto the raft.
BTMRR, NEVER NEVER do it without a Fast Pass. That thing has the most hideous queue ever built....just when you think your about there..boom around to the other side for more waiting. I felt so sorry for those poor people as I passed them. I like BTMRR but I really prefer SM. Good thrill though.
The day's starting to wind down so we head over to the most looked forward to attraction...Pirates of the Carribean. We all love it, "We want's the Red Head" Once out my son gets his obligitory pirate sword (they broke their other swords sparing lol). Oh, I forgot to mention, more pin trading... throughout the day they would drag us toward any CM's with a lanyard. They're hooked....
Everyone is pretty much tired at this point but we go through Swiss family robinson tree real quick (pushed on by others behind us). They didn't really think a lot of it because we went so fast. We came out the exit and they were like " That was it?" I think they were expecting something along the lines of the island again. ....
Ok, time to eat so we start toward startlight caffee... One problem...after 3 days of no rain it's starting to thunder and storm. Can we make it there before the rain? Just barely, get food, sit down, rest... One problem, my beloved alien isn't playing music...seems they had a bad up there and the band has left. *sigh* I really enjoy listening to my favorite alien DJ.
The storm is really churning outside at this point and it's a pretty strong one. So we sit wait, rest, and take the opportunity to hit the bathroom. Luckily we saw the rain comming and got a table early, others wern't so lucky. It finally dies down and it's about time for the fireworks. But there is just one more classic left...
ASTRO-ORBITER.. Yea I know it's just a glorified carnie ride..but it's a glorified carnie ride with the best night time view around. You can see all of MK from up there, not to mention the resorts. So even though the line is less than half full I drag my sister in (she has never been). Now she is thinking..short line...short wait....nope...doesn't work that way with Astro. It was a good 30 minute + wait but we finally get there. I was trying to time it to the fireworks but didn't quite make it; we were early. Still a great view though and still a great ride no matter what some people say.
2 tired kids still looking to pin trade, 1 tired adult, and me left... head toward tomorrowland bridge to try and get a little bit of a view for Wishes.... Yes there was actually going to be 2 parades and 2 wishes that night (second at 11) but I knew they would never make it so we squeezed in for a astounding show. One of the best fireworks shows around, even with our view partally blocked. The gold just fills the sky and they did some really neat things to the castle. At one point they colored it blue with a star and moon..like Mickey's magic hat in Philarmagic, at another point they colored it bright neon colors like green, pink.. Everyone Oooh and ahhhed, hooped and hollered, and of course clapped.
Ok, WDW Addicts...What's the BEST way to top off a day like that? That's right, have a Disney Dad who Knows how to get the FRONT seat in the TRAM!! My son's 3rd ride, my sister/nephew's 1st. Completely different experience!
OK, Now last minor problem....we were dropped off at AK that day. I was going to try and catch a bus back to DtD or somewhere so we would be an easy pickup but I didn't want the hastle. So, my BiL saved us and picked us up at MK after a short wait. Needless to say, after this day I didn't have to try and keep them away from the pool...they were much more interested in the BED
Stay tuned for Day 7 "Typhoon Lagoon Strikes Back"
