Disneytopia: The Phantom Menace of Park Capacity

[AirGoofy]

We continue over to Tomorrowland and ride the rides we missed during MNSSHP.

We went over to ride Space Mountain. Exited and grabbed a FP. Then, another family gave us 2 FPs and said they did not want them and did not plan to ride again. I think they looked a little green. I told them they could use them anytime that same day (full disclosure), but was happy to receive them. I am thinking this is such a special, magical, birthday for my wonderful DW.

Tomorrowland Speedway.

Buzz Lightyear. One of my regular pics.

From 2008.

Did the Laugh Floor this year and had a joke used that DW texted in from the dds. They read their names and that was cool.

What side of a duck has the most feathers? .......
.....
The outside.

 

[AirGoofy]

It was close to lunch time, and while not all that hungry, thought it would be good to get a snack. So, we decided to go get pic with Rapunzel, as MK is the only place you can find her. We found the line - 45 minute wait!!! Huh? There had been no wait at all. We moved thru Fantasy and Tomorrow land in 2.5 hours and did everything except Stitch ride. A 45 minute wait? Well, I guess she's worth it.

We plan to use her in one of our Christmas cards this year - Wishing you a 'hairy' Merry Christmas and a Magical New Year!

DW went and got ice cream for all us and we waited in the sun at the walkway at the castle. Rapunzel is in the Belle storytime area at the MK and the line wrapped close to the castle on the walkway to the backside (close to CRT). Thankfully, DW packed sunscreen and I juiced up everyone. An hour + later, we had the pictures.

We noticed it was more crowded, but figured it was a lunch rush. We did the philharMagic to escape the heat and headed over for Hall of Presidents. In 11 trips, I had never done this show. I enjoyed the show, and now since my oldest is in 4th grade, she talked about it a great deal.

We left the show and had a 4:15 ADR at Liberty Tree. So, we figured we would just hang out there and watch the parade and get a pic with Tiana. We noticed it was just busier and busier. The lines were packed for the parade route like I had never seen, especially in that location. Then, a loud speaker voice that MK was going to remain open an extra hour today and another electric parade or something had been added. Hmmmm.... what's going on?

So, the parade didn't get there until 3:30. We had a seat on the rock wall over in front of Liberty Tree. It took that long to get there? Hmmmm.... what's going on?

Alice and Wendy.

Jafar.

After the parade, we walked right over behind the Christmas store to get a picture with Tiana. We were the last family as we just beat the rope closing behind us for the last picture of the day. I was so happy as Tiana was not at the MNSSHP and that was my youngest dd's choice.

We plan to use her in our other Christmas card this year - Wishing you a "froggy' Merry Christmas and a Magical New Year!

An idiot threw a fit behind us. He was shouting at the CM that Disney is about money and how they made his children cry by not letting her have a picture with Tiana. Really? Of course his child started crying them. Sad.

 

[AirGoofy]

After the picture, over to Liberty Tree to eat. I do try to arrange touring plans by not having to walk as much. While waiting for the parade, DW had walked over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to grab a FP.

It was a good meal.

Over to ride Big Thunder Mountain to use the FP. Avoided a 50 minute wait.

Then, onto the train. I enjoy the steam engine and want them to add that at SSR (our 1st home resort) to travel around the resort. I digress. The train takes on water over at the closed tomorrowland station, so you can see the construction and watch it take on water. I had never noticed that before. Exited at Main Street station.

When we walk out of the station, we see people sitting and waiting for the electrical parade at 8:00 PM. What is going on?

Phantom Menace So, what we found out from CMs that day and the next, apparently, the park hit capacity. While that number is not released, the entrance was closed to guests. When 2 guests arrived, 2 more guests could enter. And, there was still a line. So, what was the perfect storm?

Wednesday is the only non-MNSSHP weekday (other than Friday), touring groups were re-routed from Sunday's deluge to Wednesday, there was rain on the coasts of FL, and 500+ families checked in from the Disney Cruise. Pecos Bill ran out of food. The park was opened at an extra hour. There were not enough CMs on duty. DW heard one end of a conversation where a bus driver, at the parks with his family, was being called into work. He said, "I don't have my uniform" and they said they would have it ready for him.

We debated adding a Park Hopper and getting out of there. But, decided to use our hoarded FPs and make the best of it. So, we used our earlier SM FPs, Peter Pan FP, and just made the best of it. It was getting dark so no more pictures. Plus, with the craziness, I might .....

Here is a shot of the electrical parade.

At the end of the parade, it was curb to curb people on Main Street - literally. It was around 8:30 PM at the end of the parade, and we caught it at the first snack place there in Liberty Square. If took us 15 minutes to get outside the theme park out Main Street from there. People were standing in the walkways. People were standing from the castle to the entrance down main street, with CMs trying to keep walkways clear. We made it back to BLT and up to TOTWL just as the fireworks started. Downstairs and to bed. What a day.

 

[AirGoofy]

So, a non-park day and time to rest, especially after MK's craziness from yesterday. Today is the Spirit of Aloha Luau dinner. I have never done this show and am really excited.

Now, since we are leaving tomorrow, I have to drink up all the alcohol. So, I have been pacing myself all week with a few beers a day. So, I have 2 left to drink and enjoy them for lunch. I bought DW a large bottle of Margarita (tequila added) drink, and she had not been drinking very much all week. So, I drank 3 large glasses to help expedite that. I'm headed to SOA for more drinking. :

We swim, relax, do some shopping, pool party. It's a nice day. I really enjoy the downtime.

Time for SOA.

Of course, you stop for a picture (not included) and the flowers. We were sat front row center (Category 1).

It is a very good story. Some narrative, drinks, character introduction, ...

salad (mango-poppy seed dressing is delicious), character story, food, then the main performance. We were there for 2 + hours I think. I had 5 beers (included in the price).

Now, keep in mind my camera battery died so I took these with my phone. I hope they do the show justice.

Audience involvement. All the children were brought up for a dance lesson.

DW in the back row for her birthday.

Announced time for couples celebrating anniversaries or "in love" to come up and dance. DW and I took advantage of that. (No pictures). Then, more audience participation with a few people.

Dessert. Chocolate mousse with pineapple and raspberry sauces. The pineapple sauce was too strong. Only part of the meal that was not great.

Really cool show time.

New outfit. Fast hip shaking.

Guys do dancing parts as well.

Fire dancer was truly amazing. I hope these turnout.

The food is excellent. Pineapple glaze pork ribs, Chicken, rice, and vegetables. Even my dds ate the food without going kids menu - YEAH!!!!!!

This truly was a great dinner show, and not just for the beer. I liked it even more than HDDR. First, the food at SOA is way super plus better than the food at HDDR. As for the show, HDDR does not have as much audience participation, but certainly has the humor. And, it has the slapstick that the children and I enjoy, and the jokes that are over their heads. I liked HDDR, but would take SOA over it. I liked the food way better, eating outdoors under pavillion was enjoyable, the hula dancing was fun to watch, and the fire dancing was incredible.

 

[AirGoofy]

Packed up the van and ended the trip with a return trip to DTD. We rode the motorcoach over and picked up some long sleeve shirts for dds for winter. My oldest was looking for an Alice in Wonderland dress, but they were out. Also had to get some mismatched socks. I don't get it.

Lego land is cool.

Fire breathing dragon.

Bay Lake Lochness dragon?

7 dwarfs.

Snow White and Dopey.

Buzz and Woody.

We finished up some shopping and headed over to Fulton's for lunch.

Normally, Fulton's is a must do every trip. But, lunch was awful. We got sat near the bathrooms, service was terrible (Charles Barkley terrible), and food was terrible. We will never eat at lunch at Fulton's again. We will give dinner another try, as that was one of our favorite restaurants on our honeymoon and during return trips. So, if you ever had Fulton's for lunch and thought it was wretched, you are correct. As great as Narcoossee's and SOA were, Fulton's was the opposite bad. Let's hope next year's dinner is better.

After Fulton's, we did Characters of Flight. This was our first time.

Wow!

At 400 feet in the air, that center hole does not look as close to the ground.

Epcot. But, you can see all 4 Theme Parks from the air, but you can't see the castle. You can see CR, Big Thunder Mountain peak, EE, Epcot Ball, and TOT. A nice relaxing ride to end the day.

Had to get the pin for our first trip.

We grabbed an ice cream and headed back to Marketplace bus stop. It is nice to end with a walk before getting in the car for 12 plus hours. And, it gives them time to eat their ice cream. Normally, we get ice cream at Ghiradhelli, but didn't want to add the extra wait time.

Rode the bus back to MK. Bathroom and time to look at the view one more time. We left at 3:00 PM et and had absolutely no traffic. We timed it to get out of Orlando before the traffic, through Atlanta after the traffic, and then cruisin the rest of the way. We got home at 2:30 AM ct and slept. It was laundry day.

An absolutely great trip. We are moving closer to Disneytopia.

 

[twokids0204]

Wow, a whole trip report in one afternoon.

Well done.

 

[AirGoofy]

This trip gets us one step closer to Disneytopia.

The Phantom Menace struck, but we used all our tips from the last time and picked up some more. I will try to book again at BLT for next year. We own there and have the 11 month window, so that shouldn't be the problem. It will depend on the view and how many points we use at Spring Break. We are heading to HHI then to check out that resort. We then will have been to all the WDW and 2 Atlantic resorts except for BCV. Of course, now that we have the pins, we will have to try THV and Aulani.

So, it's never too early to plan for next year's trip at BLT.

Saturday - Arrive. Park Fare Breakfast. DTD. Mass. Fulton's dinner.
Sunday - Pool day. Citricos dinner.
Monday - Epcot. 8:00 AM Akershus Princess Breakfast. San Angel dinner.
Tuesday - MNSSHP
Wednesday - Welcome Home Wednesday. ESPN Club dinner. Boardwalk fun.
Thursday - No MNSSHP. MK Ticket only. CRT Breakfast. Cali Grill Dinner.
Friday - DTD maybe. Rainforest at AK Lunch. Leave 3:00 PM.

 

[AirGoofy]

Wow, a whole trip report in one afternoon.

Well done.

Thanks. I am for efficiency. Plus, I got to play in my WDW room with the kids, watch football, and type the report. It's all good. I think I need some posters for my room. Time to go shopping ....................................... later!

 

[IamTrike]

Wow that was the fastest trip report ever. You didn't even leave time for Barry to drop by and wow you with some puns. (maybe thats a good thing.)

We plan to use her in one of our Christmas cards this year - Wishing you a 'hairy' Merry Christmas and a Magical New Year!

And the puns have arrived.

An idiot threw a fit behind us. He was shouting at the CM that Disney is about money and how they made his children cry by not letting her have a picture with Tiana. Really? Of course his child started crying them. Sad.

Boo for angry parents.

The pictures of the castle on CRT morning were great. I really like the one with the partners statue.

It was really interesting to hear about the TWOTL. I hadn't heard about that before. Sounds like there is a huge perk for staying at BLT.

 

[AirGoofy]

Wow that was the fastest trip report ever. You didn't even leave time for Barry to drop by and wow you with some puns. (maybe thats a good thing.)

It was really interesting to hear about the TWOTL. I hadn't heard about that before. Sounds like there is a huge perk for staying at BLT.

I'm sure Barry will had his $.02 worth of puns. Yeah, and you just don't realize how close you are at BLT until you stay there. A 5 minute walk to MK. I think the dds went up in pajamas one night.

 

[afwdwfan]

CM is better for breakfast than for dinner. My favorite part of the meal was the kids breakfast pizza with bacon, egg, and cheese. I do get some biscuits n gravy, but certainly lacking as they are not from KY.

Might have to give that breakfast pizza a try myself. We're making our first visit to CM this tirp and settled on breakfast... mostly just because it's a little bit cheaper, but glad to see that you prefer it to the dinner.

So, we continue and ride it again. This time, we get a different show. It is the one where Vader comes out, uses the force to stop the shuttle, uses the light saber against the ship lasers ..... WOW!

I can't wait to see the new ride. Pure awesomeness.

Sorry about the park capacity day. It looks like you did a good job planning and working around it.

Nice job on the prompt TR. You could teach a few Dad's (Don) a thing or 2 about how to actually finish a TR.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Nice job on the report, Norm! Looks like it was a great time, even with the crazy MK day. You made me really jealous over the Characters In Flight Balloon--I really want to do that someday.

 

[AirGoofy]

Nice job on the report, Norm! Looks like it was a great time, even with the crazy MK day. You made me really jealous over the Characters In Flight Balloon--I really want to do that someday.

It was pricey but worth it. DW didn't do it as she was afraid of heights. I'm not sure I'd do it again, but definitely worth it at least once.

 

[dvczerfs]

great pics and adrs!! we just missed each other by about 2 hours. we had to of passed each other on i4. that rain was something else. going north on sat., it stopped just before we got to jacksonville.

 

[AirGoofy]

great pics and adrs!! we just missed each other by about 2 hours. we had to of passed each other on i4. that rain was something else. going north on sat., it stopped just before we got to jacksonville.

We go the Turnpike, but still passed along the way.

 

[KY*Figment]

You did a great job! <3 U

 

[jason4024]

Great trip report. You flew through it. I wish I had the time and motivation to finish them that quickly. Cant wait for the next one!

 

[AirGoofy]

Great trip report. You flew through it. I wish I had the time and motivation to finish them that quickly. Cant wait for the next one!

Thanks. We all know the day you leave WDW is the worst. And, since we drive, we get home around midnight (or after) and wake up the next day to laundry, cleaning out the van, and putting the new loot together. So, in between laundry loads, I add to my TR and make it a fun day. Plus, I figure there is little hope in catching all my zerphonic-isms, so I can just blame it on the lack of sleep.