Who we are.
Me: Ali (40-but only just!) - chief planner, packer, and organiser
Tim (47) - husband, driver, generally willing to go along with my plans, hates queuing.
Thomas (9)- son, Harry Potter fan
Molly (6) daughter, loves Ariel and all the other Disney Princesses.
This is my first attempt at a trip report and I shall be working largely from memory. Forgive me if I ramble on (and on!) but remember as first-timers, it was all wonderful and new to us!
Day 4 Tue 25/3/03 Magic Kingdom
Another early start, this time we decided to try Sizzler for breakfast. Even though we had to pay for the kids, (they were free at the hotel) it still worked out about the same cost. (We used a discount voucher too). The choice was good and it got the thumbs up from us all.
No time to hang around, as it was our Magic Kingdom day. We arrived at the car park at 8.30am and following general advice; we took the ferry, as it was our first trip and we wanted to see the castle as we arrived. Pluto was on board which heightened the excitement. By the time we had disembarked, had our bags searched and entered the main entrance, the park had just opened. (Yes I know we should have been at the top end of Main Street by then but Molly has only got little legs and cant walk at our pace besides which, we were on holiday!)
We walked up Main Street ignoring the lure of the shops but had to stop at the castle to take it all in and to take the obligatory photos of the statue. But only for a minute or two before heading to Tomorrowland. In our pursuit of queuing as little as possible, Tim went to get FPs for Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin whist the children and I met the man himself!
We were outside The Extra Terrorestrial Alien Encounter and there was no wait - so against my better judgement, Tim ushered us all in. I couldnt remember what this attraction was about so I was desperately fumbling in the backpack looking for the guidebook, by which time the doors had closed behind us and it was too late! Tim and I found the effects entertaining; the children found them just a little too realistic and were relieved to get out into the daylight by the end.
Next we went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. This was a great improvement as far as the kids were concerned; and I was pleasantly surprised at the length and detail of this ride. It gave a great overview of the area.
Time for Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin. This was a great interactive family ride that we all found fun even though my score was pitiful (I blame Thomas for spinning the car just as I lined up a shot!)
Both Tim and Thomas wanted to go on Space Mountain. They had been disappointed in Disneyland Paris, as Thomas had been refused for being just too short (You would have to drag me screaming on to something like that!) The standby time was 50 minutes; the FP return time was 2 hours so the boys got FPs.
We then headed to the castle to catch the 10.45am Cinderellas Surprise Celebration. We were close to the stage so had a good view of this wonderful show pure Disney and a great opportunity to see all our favourite characters. I found myself watching the childrens faces as much as the show itself this was one of the highlights of the holiday for Molly. After the show the children were able add to their autograph collection.
Our next destination was Frontierland, where Molly and I picked up FPs for Big Thunder Mountain to coincide with the boys Space Mountain ride.
Met Captain Hook and Mr Smee who decided to rifle through Thomass bag, much to our amusement and Toms annoyance! Thomass face was a picture as Mr Smee pulled out a bag of crisps and waved it triumphantly in the air! We were constantly impressed with the professionalism of the characters throughout the parks.
The wait for Pirates of the Caribbean was just 15 minutes. A good ride but it broke down briefly twice; then just as we went through the exit, we realised Thomas had left his bag containing both his and Mollys precious autograph books (and the crisps) on the boat! There was no way back so we had to rush through the shop and round to the entrance of the ride to tell the cast member there. There then followed an agonising 10-minute wait until we were re-united with it again.
By that time, Tim and Thomas had to hurry over to Space Mountain to use their fast passes. The verdict? Thomas brilliant, Tim not so keen. Molly and I walked straight on to BTM past a considerable queue. We loved this ride, really exhilarating with plenty of great detail too; although I think the DLP version had a better beginning, going under the lake. We got FPs so that we could all go on it together once we were reunited.
We met up in front of Cinderellas castle on a shady bench and ate the rolls we had bought with us. It was getting very hot by this time and we were glad of the rest. The kids managed to get a few more autographs. Considering how busy the park was getting, we were surprised that most of the queues for characters and rides were quite reasonable. Much better than our experience at DLP, and so much more orderly.
After our rest, we explored the Swiss Family Treehouse. Tim was not keen as hes no good with heights (and to think he teased me for not going on Space Mountain!)
To finish off in this area, we all went on BTM together. The others had wanted to go on Splash Mountain but the standby time was I think an hour and the FP return around 6.30pm.
We decided to head over to Fantasyland picking up a FP for The Haunted Mansion, en route. The crowds were getting heavier; it was Spring Break in Florida that week. All the rides in Fantasyland had queues of over 30 minutes so we passed through in time to catch the parade at 4.00pm. We had to stand on some benches to get a view of the floats but at least Molly was able to see her favourite princesses.
While the park was still busy, we reckoned Mickeys Toontown Fair would be a good bet. This proved to be correct. So after an ice cream break, we managed to see Minnies Country House, Donalds Boat, the Hall of Fame Tent (where we met Tigger, Eeyore and Pooh) and Mickeys Country House. Then we had about a 15 minute wait for the Railroad. This ride was a welcome sit down for us all the children were beginning to tire but were still in good spirits so we thought we could carry on and see more. Tim and I had thought the children might have needed a break back at the hotel during the afternoon, but at 6 and 9, they just had that extra bit of stamina so long as there were exciting things to be seen.
We took the train all the way round to Frontierland so that we could use our FP to the Haunted Mansion. We all enjoyed this attraction, not too scary but some good effects.
By this time the crowds were subsiding and the temperature was more comfortable as we decided to venture into Fantasyland once more. This time we walked straight on to Its a Small World well you just have to do it!! Then we went on to the Golden Carrousel and Snow Whites Scary Adventures (not so scary!!). Ariels Grotto seemed to have a permanent 50 minute queue what is so special about that attraction?
As we headed back to the castle, Cinderellas Surprise Celebration was nearing the finale and Molly pleaded with us to stop and see it. We agreed, as by then it was getting dark and the castle looked so magical as it changed colour.
After the show, we realised we were positioned right under Tinkerbells wire and decided it would be a good place to stop and watch the fireworks. The time went very quickly and soon we were watching with awe as Tinkerbell flew above us, (I hadnt told the children what would happen), the fireworks were tremendous, and I was so pleased we had been stayed to see them. It was a perfect finale to a magical day.
Unfortunately, we then had to get two extremely tired children back to the hotel. The crowds going down Main Street were immense and I was concerned that we would lose the children, or they would be trampled. As soon as we could, we entered the shops to escape the crush. After then main rush had dissipated, we ventured out again; it was better but still we had to negotiate the lake. I voted for the monorail, but Tim reckoned the queue for the ferry would be better. Wrong. We had to wait ages, crushed together in a holding pen; the children could hardly stand by that time. Once we boarded the ferry things improved, at least we had a seat. Our car was parked within walking distance so at least we didnt have to wait for the bus. We would have been back at the hotel in about 15 minutes if we hadnt missed the exit on the I4.
We realised we hadnt had anything to eat for several hours so Tim dropped me and the children off at the hotel (at about 8.30pm I think) and he went to the Publix supermarket to get some chicken strips and fruit to sustain us. By the time he returned, the children were fast asleep, completely worn out! I cant believe how much we had achieved during the day, the kids had been so good and we all had a truly magical day.
Day 5 Wed 26/3/03 MGM Studios
We all slept really well after our busy schedule the previous day but nevertheless we were still awake early due to our body clocks. I think it was around 6.30am. It was getting a little harder to get motivated in the mornings, this being our third park day in a row; but we realised it was worth making the extra effort to avoid the queues.
Breakfast at Sizzlers, then on to MGM. We were through the gates by 8.45am. As were not great thrill seekers, (well Im not, and Im chief planner!), we let the crowds all turn right towards the Tower of Terror, whilst we headed to the far-side of the park to do the Studio Backlot Tour. Only . sorry folks, it doesnt open until 10am, Millionaire? Nope, 11.50am. OK, so I hadnt had chance to read up on the opening times. Its all very well reading the guide book in the comfort of your own home, weeks beforehand, but when you actually get to the park, its a different matter. It was our third park in three days and Id been too tired the night before to do my homework! As the children begin to ask if we were going to go on anything at all I put plan B into action. We got FPs for the first Millionaire show then went over to Jim Hensons Muppet Vision 3-D only we couldnt find it! So frustrating, the park was deserted and we werent making any progress. Finally found the Muppets (its not really hidden at all) and walked straight it. I began to feel a little less stressed, the pre-show was really funny and we all loved the main show. Ive always been a Muppets fan and I thought the show was a great mix of film, puppetry and live action.
After the show we began to take in all the clever scenery and false-fronted buildings as we made our way over to the Backlot Tour. Waited around 15 minutes to begin the tour, which Tim and I in particular enjoyed. Molly found certain parts a little dull, but enjoyed Catastrophe Canyon. (She managed to be on the wet side!)
We were tempted by the special photos in the shop after the tour and purchased a picture of Thomas and Molly as the Spy Kids. It was so bizarre, especially seeing Molly as Carmen, the older child. It was as if we were seeing what she will look like in 8 years or so.
It was then about 20 minutes before our FP for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. The children were desperate to get Mickeys autograph as his was the only main character we hadnt yet met the queues had previously been too long. To their delight, there was hardly anyone waiting in Mickey Avenue to see him. Mission accomplished with time enough to get to Millionaire.
Strangely, Molly was really nervous about this attraction yet she would happily go on the wildest roller coaster. I think she was concerned she would have to go into the hot seat herself. She neednt have worried; the first person in the chair was obviously a professional Millionaire contestant, who had been in the chair several times before. He won a baseball hat. The second person chosen was the first contestants son! (He declined to play). I may be missing the point, but isnt it just supposed to be a bit of fun?
After the show, obtained FPs for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid; Molly is a big Ariel fan.
We took time to take in some of the lovely Disney details such as the Sorcerer Apprentice topiary. Unfortunately, the magic hat had boards around it during our visit, and the Great Movie Ride was not operational. During our travels, we met Hercules (what incredible thighs!)
Snack lunch again, this time on a bench outside the 50s Prime Time Café. I went inside on the premise of using the restrooms and had a nosey round. What a fantastic place! If I ever go back to MGM, I will have to have a meal there.
Next was the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. We queued for around 15 minutes before being allowed in and had good seats near the centre. We were all impressed by this show; it was Tims favourite.
After that, we had ten minutes to dash over to the Little Mermaid show. The queues for this show always seemed to be lengthy, so we were pleased we had FPs. Nice show although the story is somewhat précised! Molly thought it was fantastic.
Next, we headed down Sunset Boulevard, there were street entertainers performing there. We went up to look at the Tower of Terror but even Tim didnt feel he was up to this particular attraction. The children however, both said they would like to have a go! And me? I felt sick just watching, and hearing the screams of the poor victims.
As a compromise, I agreed that the others could go on the Rock n Roll Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Oh dear it had broken down and was going to remain that way indefinitely.
To try and placate the kids, we decided to go across to Star Tours and get a FP, only when we arrived there, the standby time was only 5 minutes. I was a little dubious, as we had been caught out by the queue for this ride when we were in DLP and ended up waiting around an hour. As the parade was on in half an hour I was worried we would miss it. I neednt have worried as usual in Florida, the time was spot on and we were able to enjoy the ride and be out in plenty of time to get a good position for the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade at 4.00pm.
Thomas and Molly enjoyed seeing all their favourite characters particularly ones we hadnt seen before such as Mike and Sully, and the Star Wars characters.
By then, we had seen all the attractions we had most wanted to see so we had a wander around the convincing street scenes. We discovered the Singing in the Rain umbrella and had some fun with that.
We then took the children to the Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Movie Set Adventure. Playgrounds at home just wont be the same again so boring! Tim and I had a welcome sit down to cool off, whilst the kids rushed round getting hotter by the minute. When they were the colour of two very ripe beetroot it was time to move on.
We spent the rest of our time before Fantasmic just wandering round, browsing in the shops and eating ice creams. I had a frozen chocolate banana, most unusual but very nice. After much agonising and price comparisons, Thomas finally parted with some of his spending money and bought a tub of candyfloss. One of the cast members saw him carrying it round and told him he would have a blue tongue. He wasnt wrong it was horrific! It did ensure that Molly wasnt able to pinch any without detection!
We did go back to the Rock n Roll Coaster to see if it was working again it was but there was a queue of around 1 hour so sadly we had to leave that ride for next time!
On Simon Vs advice of arriving early, we made our way to the amphitheatre for Fantasmic around 50 minutes before the show. It was over half full and filling up rapidly. The wait went fairly swiftly with a Mexican wave or two!
We had obviously heard good reports about the show but nothing had really prepared us for just how spectacular and breathtaking it was. We found it truly awe-inspiring and a super end to our day at MGM.
After our experience of the crush at MK the previous evening, we waited a few minutes before leaving the amphitheatre. This seemed to help a little and we were able to make our way to the exit without being trampled. Tim carried Molly on his shoulders, as she was tiring. We were once again amazed how well the children had coped with such a long day.
Back at the car, we realised we hadnt eaten for some time but didnt think the children would be able to stay awake long enough for us to have a restaurant meal. So Publix it was then! We all went that night to ensure the children stayed awake long enough to eat. Shopping is not their favourite pastime but their spirits were lifted when a nice lady on the bakery department gave them a free cookie each! We selected KFC type chicken, salad, bread and more beer and wine (just in case we should run out!) We also bought the kids a noodle one of those long foam floats for the pool. Back at the hotel room we ate our meal I was pleased I had had the forethought to pack paper plates and plastic knives and forks.
By ten oclock we were all in bed this holiday was turning out to be an endurance test! Tim and I were really pleased that the next day was to be a rest day.
Me: Ali (40-but only just!) - chief planner, packer, and organiser
Tim (47) - husband, driver, generally willing to go along with my plans, hates queuing.
Thomas (9)- son, Harry Potter fan
Molly (6) daughter, loves Ariel and all the other Disney Princesses.
This is my first attempt at a trip report and I shall be working largely from memory. Forgive me if I ramble on (and on!) but remember as first-timers, it was all wonderful and new to us!
Day 4 Tue 25/3/03 Magic Kingdom
Another early start, this time we decided to try Sizzler for breakfast. Even though we had to pay for the kids, (they were free at the hotel) it still worked out about the same cost. (We used a discount voucher too). The choice was good and it got the thumbs up from us all.
No time to hang around, as it was our Magic Kingdom day. We arrived at the car park at 8.30am and following general advice; we took the ferry, as it was our first trip and we wanted to see the castle as we arrived. Pluto was on board which heightened the excitement. By the time we had disembarked, had our bags searched and entered the main entrance, the park had just opened. (Yes I know we should have been at the top end of Main Street by then but Molly has only got little legs and cant walk at our pace besides which, we were on holiday!)
We walked up Main Street ignoring the lure of the shops but had to stop at the castle to take it all in and to take the obligatory photos of the statue. But only for a minute or two before heading to Tomorrowland. In our pursuit of queuing as little as possible, Tim went to get FPs for Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin whist the children and I met the man himself!
We were outside The Extra Terrorestrial Alien Encounter and there was no wait - so against my better judgement, Tim ushered us all in. I couldnt remember what this attraction was about so I was desperately fumbling in the backpack looking for the guidebook, by which time the doors had closed behind us and it was too late! Tim and I found the effects entertaining; the children found them just a little too realistic and were relieved to get out into the daylight by the end.
Next we went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. This was a great improvement as far as the kids were concerned; and I was pleasantly surprised at the length and detail of this ride. It gave a great overview of the area.
Time for Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin. This was a great interactive family ride that we all found fun even though my score was pitiful (I blame Thomas for spinning the car just as I lined up a shot!)
Both Tim and Thomas wanted to go on Space Mountain. They had been disappointed in Disneyland Paris, as Thomas had been refused for being just too short (You would have to drag me screaming on to something like that!) The standby time was 50 minutes; the FP return time was 2 hours so the boys got FPs.
We then headed to the castle to catch the 10.45am Cinderellas Surprise Celebration. We were close to the stage so had a good view of this wonderful show pure Disney and a great opportunity to see all our favourite characters. I found myself watching the childrens faces as much as the show itself this was one of the highlights of the holiday for Molly. After the show the children were able add to their autograph collection.
Our next destination was Frontierland, where Molly and I picked up FPs for Big Thunder Mountain to coincide with the boys Space Mountain ride.
Met Captain Hook and Mr Smee who decided to rifle through Thomass bag, much to our amusement and Toms annoyance! Thomass face was a picture as Mr Smee pulled out a bag of crisps and waved it triumphantly in the air! We were constantly impressed with the professionalism of the characters throughout the parks.
The wait for Pirates of the Caribbean was just 15 minutes. A good ride but it broke down briefly twice; then just as we went through the exit, we realised Thomas had left his bag containing both his and Mollys precious autograph books (and the crisps) on the boat! There was no way back so we had to rush through the shop and round to the entrance of the ride to tell the cast member there. There then followed an agonising 10-minute wait until we were re-united with it again.
By that time, Tim and Thomas had to hurry over to Space Mountain to use their fast passes. The verdict? Thomas brilliant, Tim not so keen. Molly and I walked straight on to BTM past a considerable queue. We loved this ride, really exhilarating with plenty of great detail too; although I think the DLP version had a better beginning, going under the lake. We got FPs so that we could all go on it together once we were reunited.
We met up in front of Cinderellas castle on a shady bench and ate the rolls we had bought with us. It was getting very hot by this time and we were glad of the rest. The kids managed to get a few more autographs. Considering how busy the park was getting, we were surprised that most of the queues for characters and rides were quite reasonable. Much better than our experience at DLP, and so much more orderly.
After our rest, we explored the Swiss Family Treehouse. Tim was not keen as hes no good with heights (and to think he teased me for not going on Space Mountain!)
To finish off in this area, we all went on BTM together. The others had wanted to go on Splash Mountain but the standby time was I think an hour and the FP return around 6.30pm.
We decided to head over to Fantasyland picking up a FP for The Haunted Mansion, en route. The crowds were getting heavier; it was Spring Break in Florida that week. All the rides in Fantasyland had queues of over 30 minutes so we passed through in time to catch the parade at 4.00pm. We had to stand on some benches to get a view of the floats but at least Molly was able to see her favourite princesses.
While the park was still busy, we reckoned Mickeys Toontown Fair would be a good bet. This proved to be correct. So after an ice cream break, we managed to see Minnies Country House, Donalds Boat, the Hall of Fame Tent (where we met Tigger, Eeyore and Pooh) and Mickeys Country House. Then we had about a 15 minute wait for the Railroad. This ride was a welcome sit down for us all the children were beginning to tire but were still in good spirits so we thought we could carry on and see more. Tim and I had thought the children might have needed a break back at the hotel during the afternoon, but at 6 and 9, they just had that extra bit of stamina so long as there were exciting things to be seen.
We took the train all the way round to Frontierland so that we could use our FP to the Haunted Mansion. We all enjoyed this attraction, not too scary but some good effects.
By this time the crowds were subsiding and the temperature was more comfortable as we decided to venture into Fantasyland once more. This time we walked straight on to Its a Small World well you just have to do it!! Then we went on to the Golden Carrousel and Snow Whites Scary Adventures (not so scary!!). Ariels Grotto seemed to have a permanent 50 minute queue what is so special about that attraction?
As we headed back to the castle, Cinderellas Surprise Celebration was nearing the finale and Molly pleaded with us to stop and see it. We agreed, as by then it was getting dark and the castle looked so magical as it changed colour.
After the show, we realised we were positioned right under Tinkerbells wire and decided it would be a good place to stop and watch the fireworks. The time went very quickly and soon we were watching with awe as Tinkerbell flew above us, (I hadnt told the children what would happen), the fireworks were tremendous, and I was so pleased we had been stayed to see them. It was a perfect finale to a magical day.
Unfortunately, we then had to get two extremely tired children back to the hotel. The crowds going down Main Street were immense and I was concerned that we would lose the children, or they would be trampled. As soon as we could, we entered the shops to escape the crush. After then main rush had dissipated, we ventured out again; it was better but still we had to negotiate the lake. I voted for the monorail, but Tim reckoned the queue for the ferry would be better. Wrong. We had to wait ages, crushed together in a holding pen; the children could hardly stand by that time. Once we boarded the ferry things improved, at least we had a seat. Our car was parked within walking distance so at least we didnt have to wait for the bus. We would have been back at the hotel in about 15 minutes if we hadnt missed the exit on the I4.
We realised we hadnt had anything to eat for several hours so Tim dropped me and the children off at the hotel (at about 8.30pm I think) and he went to the Publix supermarket to get some chicken strips and fruit to sustain us. By the time he returned, the children were fast asleep, completely worn out! I cant believe how much we had achieved during the day, the kids had been so good and we all had a truly magical day.
Day 5 Wed 26/3/03 MGM Studios
We all slept really well after our busy schedule the previous day but nevertheless we were still awake early due to our body clocks. I think it was around 6.30am. It was getting a little harder to get motivated in the mornings, this being our third park day in a row; but we realised it was worth making the extra effort to avoid the queues.
Breakfast at Sizzlers, then on to MGM. We were through the gates by 8.45am. As were not great thrill seekers, (well Im not, and Im chief planner!), we let the crowds all turn right towards the Tower of Terror, whilst we headed to the far-side of the park to do the Studio Backlot Tour. Only . sorry folks, it doesnt open until 10am, Millionaire? Nope, 11.50am. OK, so I hadnt had chance to read up on the opening times. Its all very well reading the guide book in the comfort of your own home, weeks beforehand, but when you actually get to the park, its a different matter. It was our third park in three days and Id been too tired the night before to do my homework! As the children begin to ask if we were going to go on anything at all I put plan B into action. We got FPs for the first Millionaire show then went over to Jim Hensons Muppet Vision 3-D only we couldnt find it! So frustrating, the park was deserted and we werent making any progress. Finally found the Muppets (its not really hidden at all) and walked straight it. I began to feel a little less stressed, the pre-show was really funny and we all loved the main show. Ive always been a Muppets fan and I thought the show was a great mix of film, puppetry and live action.
After the show we began to take in all the clever scenery and false-fronted buildings as we made our way over to the Backlot Tour. Waited around 15 minutes to begin the tour, which Tim and I in particular enjoyed. Molly found certain parts a little dull, but enjoyed Catastrophe Canyon. (She managed to be on the wet side!)
We were tempted by the special photos in the shop after the tour and purchased a picture of Thomas and Molly as the Spy Kids. It was so bizarre, especially seeing Molly as Carmen, the older child. It was as if we were seeing what she will look like in 8 years or so.
It was then about 20 minutes before our FP for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. The children were desperate to get Mickeys autograph as his was the only main character we hadnt yet met the queues had previously been too long. To their delight, there was hardly anyone waiting in Mickey Avenue to see him. Mission accomplished with time enough to get to Millionaire.
Strangely, Molly was really nervous about this attraction yet she would happily go on the wildest roller coaster. I think she was concerned she would have to go into the hot seat herself. She neednt have worried; the first person in the chair was obviously a professional Millionaire contestant, who had been in the chair several times before. He won a baseball hat. The second person chosen was the first contestants son! (He declined to play). I may be missing the point, but isnt it just supposed to be a bit of fun?
After the show, obtained FPs for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid; Molly is a big Ariel fan.
We took time to take in some of the lovely Disney details such as the Sorcerer Apprentice topiary. Unfortunately, the magic hat had boards around it during our visit, and the Great Movie Ride was not operational. During our travels, we met Hercules (what incredible thighs!)
Snack lunch again, this time on a bench outside the 50s Prime Time Café. I went inside on the premise of using the restrooms and had a nosey round. What a fantastic place! If I ever go back to MGM, I will have to have a meal there.
Next was the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. We queued for around 15 minutes before being allowed in and had good seats near the centre. We were all impressed by this show; it was Tims favourite.
After that, we had ten minutes to dash over to the Little Mermaid show. The queues for this show always seemed to be lengthy, so we were pleased we had FPs. Nice show although the story is somewhat précised! Molly thought it was fantastic.
Next, we headed down Sunset Boulevard, there were street entertainers performing there. We went up to look at the Tower of Terror but even Tim didnt feel he was up to this particular attraction. The children however, both said they would like to have a go! And me? I felt sick just watching, and hearing the screams of the poor victims.
As a compromise, I agreed that the others could go on the Rock n Roll Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Oh dear it had broken down and was going to remain that way indefinitely.
To try and placate the kids, we decided to go across to Star Tours and get a FP, only when we arrived there, the standby time was only 5 minutes. I was a little dubious, as we had been caught out by the queue for this ride when we were in DLP and ended up waiting around an hour. As the parade was on in half an hour I was worried we would miss it. I neednt have worried as usual in Florida, the time was spot on and we were able to enjoy the ride and be out in plenty of time to get a good position for the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade at 4.00pm.
Thomas and Molly enjoyed seeing all their favourite characters particularly ones we hadnt seen before such as Mike and Sully, and the Star Wars characters.
By then, we had seen all the attractions we had most wanted to see so we had a wander around the convincing street scenes. We discovered the Singing in the Rain umbrella and had some fun with that.
We then took the children to the Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Movie Set Adventure. Playgrounds at home just wont be the same again so boring! Tim and I had a welcome sit down to cool off, whilst the kids rushed round getting hotter by the minute. When they were the colour of two very ripe beetroot it was time to move on.
We spent the rest of our time before Fantasmic just wandering round, browsing in the shops and eating ice creams. I had a frozen chocolate banana, most unusual but very nice. After much agonising and price comparisons, Thomas finally parted with some of his spending money and bought a tub of candyfloss. One of the cast members saw him carrying it round and told him he would have a blue tongue. He wasnt wrong it was horrific! It did ensure that Molly wasnt able to pinch any without detection!
We did go back to the Rock n Roll Coaster to see if it was working again it was but there was a queue of around 1 hour so sadly we had to leave that ride for next time!
On Simon Vs advice of arriving early, we made our way to the amphitheatre for Fantasmic around 50 minutes before the show. It was over half full and filling up rapidly. The wait went fairly swiftly with a Mexican wave or two!
We had obviously heard good reports about the show but nothing had really prepared us for just how spectacular and breathtaking it was. We found it truly awe-inspiring and a super end to our day at MGM.
After our experience of the crush at MK the previous evening, we waited a few minutes before leaving the amphitheatre. This seemed to help a little and we were able to make our way to the exit without being trampled. Tim carried Molly on his shoulders, as she was tiring. We were once again amazed how well the children had coped with such a long day.
Back at the car, we realised we hadnt eaten for some time but didnt think the children would be able to stay awake long enough for us to have a restaurant meal. So Publix it was then! We all went that night to ensure the children stayed awake long enough to eat. Shopping is not their favourite pastime but their spirits were lifted when a nice lady on the bakery department gave them a free cookie each! We selected KFC type chicken, salad, bread and more beer and wine (just in case we should run out!) We also bought the kids a noodle one of those long foam floats for the pool. Back at the hotel room we ate our meal I was pleased I had had the forethought to pack paper plates and plastic knives and forks.
By ten oclock we were all in bed this holiday was turning out to be an endurance test! Tim and I were really pleased that the next day was to be a rest day.
