DAY THREE: Murphy's hit MK and MGM!! 05/01/05

[TigrLvsPooh]

Day 3 – Sunday, May 1st

We hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface of MK, so we headed back to make another stab at it. This time starting in Adventureland… we did the Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Aladdin, Pirates, etc, then down to get fastpasses for Thunder Mountain and hit the McDonald’s fry cart on the way. YUMM!!! While waiting for our fastpass time we did the Country Bear Jamboree and hit that yummy little store that has the awesome cookies and fudge. (can’t remember the name of it right now) Definitely a great place to stop to satisfy your sweet tooth. Crowds today seemed very light… we had no trouble getting right on most attractions. Then we went into the Diamond Horseshoe to meet and greet Woody and Jessie.

Jessie found the page in ds’s autograph book that had Buzz’s signature and added a “Jessie loves” at the top. That was a cute touch! (you can see her showing it off in the pic above) They posed for several pictures and gave us lots of time. The place was practically deserted, I’m not sure many people know it’s there. Or maybe it was just because the crowds were low that day.

After that we did Thunder Mountain, another first for our 3 year old. He was all for trying it, kept talking about wanting to “drive the train”, but after it was over he said “too fast” and didn’t want to do it again. Our 5 year old, on the other hand, would ride it over and over all day. After that we headed to the Haunted Mansion, then to Fantasyland for a bit but it was definitely too crowded over there by this time of day. So we went back to the Poly to swim and rest before late night hours at MGM. Now that our boys are older they can do OK without an afternoon nap. We had a great time in the pool… temp was perfect and it wasn’t too crowded.

Dinner that night was at Kona Café, which I have to say, was our best meal of the whole trip! Especially if you’re doing the dining plan, you really get your money’s worth there. Everything from the appetizers to the desserts was perfect and delicious. I had the sticky wings, teriyaki beef, and then a chocolate cake with liquid chocolate inside…. can’t remember the name but it was HEAVEN!!! I think I could eat there every night of the trip and never get tired of it. The only downside was being incredibly stuffed to the point of almost being sick. The dining plan is intense eating; we are not the type of people who order appetizers, entrees, and desserts, so we had a hard time eating it all. After a few days we actually dreaded eating and wished we didn’t have the plan at all. I think it’s nice to plan some nice sit-down dinners, but to be tied down to eating these huge meals every night is just not fun for us. I’d rather make it more special and less stressful.

After dinner we took the bus to MGM and it was looking like it might rain. Luckily it only sprinkled a little bit and didn’t ruin our night. We hit the Animation Tour (but missed The Incredibles), Great Movie Ride, Playhouse Disney, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and Muppets. After all that the boys were exhausted so it was time to head back to the resort.

 

[Melrosgirl]

I'm enjoying your trip report! I was at the MK this day also (5/1). That was our best day ever at MK. Somewhat light crowds and overcast day. Sorry I missed ya!

 

[trypnotic]

While there last week, we managed to hit the fry cart in Adventureland and my favorite, Petrafries at AK in Dinoland. Some reason its always those little things that stick out like the fry carts

 

[cdpa4d]

Same here. We were at the MK on 5/1 and I couldn't believe how light the crowds where considering it was a Sunday. We got to the MK at 9:00AM and we literally walked on BTMMR, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain and Buzz. I didn't notice the crowds getting somewhat heavy until 11:00AM. This was our best day of the trip as far as crowds. The week prior seemed very thick with people from the Northeast, NY, NH, Mass, etc.

Thanks for the report, Erika.

ADP

 

[scanne]

and then a chocolate cake with liquid chocolate inside…. can’t remember the name but it was HEAVEN!!!

Erika,

It's called Kiluea Torte and it is my absolute FAVORITE in all WDW! I am so happy to hear how much you enjoyed Kona. My DH was starting to think it was sliding, but I'm going to share your report with him. It's one of my favorite places to eat!

Thanks for the report!

Anne

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

Erika -

I know what you mean about all the eating you do on a meal plan.
Back in 1993 DH & I got a package that included 3 meals a day. The first couple of days it was great - a big yummy breakfast ..... sitdown lunches and dinners that included appetizers and desserts. So much wonderful food. But by mid-week we were SO sick of eating. The thought of food was making us sick!

Debbie

 

[lucky978]

I, too, am enjoying your reports! Keep 'em coming!!!

 

[Grumpy'n'Goofy]

Thanks for the trip reports, good stuff!

The dining plan is intense eating; we are not the type of people who order appetizers, entrees, and desserts, so we had a hard time eating it all. After a few days we actually dreaded eating and wished we didn’t have the plan at all. I think it’s nice to plan some nice sit-down dinners, but to be tied down to eating these huge meals every night is just not fun for us. I’d rather make it more special and less stressful.

Funny you should mention that, I had been considering the dining plan for trip in August, but decided against it since we're not real big eaters and I felt we would have more opportunity to be spontaneous with our daily plans w/out the plan.

Oh, and sticky wings....mmmmmmh

 

[Steffy]

I am so enjoying your trip report Erika!

So glad you and your family had a fabulous trip.

Like the pictures.

Thanks for sharing....