Firsts, Fourths, and Farewells (4/28 Back to the Future!)

[thecapells]

After filling under tumblies, we gathered up the troops and headed for the Castle.
J headed off to Frontierland to snag a fastpass for Big Thunder Mountain for himself (remember, we don’t do rollercoasters…yet)

We parked the stroller by the old skyway building and waited for a bit until J ran up through Liberty Square.
Then we boarded our ships to Neverland!
Here we goooooooooooooooooooooo…

Pictures inside never come out for us so we didn’t even try this time around.
When we returned to the Magic Kingdom, we headed back into Fantasyland.
X announced that he really wanted to ride the carrousel.
Okay, we could do that…

Then I took a break to check out the walls advertising the New Fantasyland.
(Yes, I know it just opened and I’m really behind in my trip reporting. Sue me…)

Then we headed past the Seven Dwarves Mine store once more on the way to our next attraction.

 

[thecapells]

Next up, we decided to go visit the home of our breakfast companions.
It was time for a journey into the Hundred Acre Wood.
We hopped on line and enjoyed a bit of the interactive queue…

We rounded back into the regular queue and around the corner.
When we got to about 5 people left before boarding our honey pots, the princess turned to me and announced she had to go the bathroom.
Of course.
I informed her that we’re not waiting on line again and she should’ve gone when we all went a little while before (she had refused).
So I skipped the ride and took her around the corner to the Enchanted Grove.
The rest of the gang continued on.

As the princess exited the restrooms, a cast member door opened and out came the White Rabbit.
So of course we followed him to get some pictures.

Then we headed back to Fantasyland and explored the signage for the rest of New Fantasyland while we waited for the gang.
The princess can’t wait for the new Ariel ride…

After the pics, we headed over for our second rope drop of the day – Toontown.
We arrived and were right at the rope and ready to go!
Why did we arrive so early?
Come on back and I’ll tell you the tale!

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm all caught up!
Fun updates
Your CP breakfast looks so good and the pics are so cute!

Too bad the princess had to miss Pooh's adventure but at least she scored her own character meet. I agree with her about looking forward to the Little Mermaid ride. Although I am looking forward to dining in the castle I am most excited about Ariel's ride

 

[thecapells]

I'm all caught up!
Fun updates
Your CP breakfast looks so good and the pics are so cute!

Too bad the princess had to miss Pooh's adventure but at least she scored her own character meet. I agree with her about looking forward to the Little Mermaid ride. Although I am looking forward to dining in the castle I am most excited about Ariel's ride

Well, we did get a sneak peek at Disneyland this past November and she loved it!
It is a great ride but we're looking forward to the theming and queue of the New Fantasyland to really immerse ourselves!

 

[MEK]

I think the Mine Train ride is going to be SO cool! I absolutely loved the Mermaid ride. Think Nemo but 1000 times better.

More wonderful pictures! Looks like a gorgeous weather day!

 

[thecapells]

I think the Mine Train ride is going to be SO cool! I absolutely loved the Mermaid ride. Think Nemo but 1000 times better.

More wonderful pictures! Looks like a gorgeous weather day!

We really enjoyed it as Disneyland and are looking forward to trying it at WDW later this year!

 

[thecapells]

The rest of the gang soon found us standing by the Toontown Rope Drop.
And the crowd began to gather.
A couple of rows back, I even spotted my friend from work who had come with his daughter all decked out as well.
As you might have guessed, the growing line was waiting for the morning opening of Pixie Hollow!

Finally the rope dropped and the princess and I took off at a brisk pace.
A girl ran in front of us but was called back by CM’s - no running!
At the Fairy Tale Pavillion, the entire line headed to the fairies and sure enough, we were the first family admitted.

We have been to see Tinker Bell before but I really wanted to surprise our princess with the newest fairy, Vidia!
Sure enough we entered, there was Vidia with Tink and my daughter’s favorite of the bunch – Rosetta.
What luck!

Then Tink beckoned but X wanted no part of it.
But Tink would have none of that.
So she came over to coerce the little guy and even managed a high 5!
It was sooooo cute and I’m so glad she took the time to include him despite his resistance!
She even snuck a hug!!
Check it out:

Then Vidia had a loooong talk with our princess.
She said that our princess must be a Multi-Talented Fairy.
Her mouse ears made her an Animal Talent, her Tinker Bell shirt made her a Tinker Talent, and the flower petal skirt made her a Garden Talent!
I love the time they spend with you here – it’s worth the wait (if you get here early that is).

Our princess was delighted and it was time for the next family so first we grew back to our normal size and then headed back into Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

Some details around the pavilion (which no longer exists):

From a Farewell to the Fast Flying Fairies, we were off to try a Family First.
Anyone know our destination?

 

[dawnbu40]

What great meets! The fairy pictures are all so cute, the photopass guys did a wonderful job!

I have no idea where you went next, maybe the Barnstormer?

 

[MEK]

I have no idea where you went next, maybe the Barnstormer?

I'm going to guess the same thing. Sorry I can't see pics now, but I will be back to see them later.

 

[thecapells]

What great meets! The fairy pictures are all so cute, the photopass guys did a wonderful job!

I have no idea where you went next, maybe the Barnstormer?

I'm going to guess the same thing. Sorry I can't see pics now, but I will be back to see them later.

You guys know us too well...

 

[thecapells]

Yes, you read that right.
We were about to embark on the first rollercoaster experience for not only the kids, but for myself as well.
I don't like that "drop" feeling so I've never ventured onto one before.
But I figured this was my last shot to try the Barnstormer before it was re-themed and possibly changed.
I scoped it out and it didn’t look so bad.
So buckle up ‘cause here we go…

First the queue – J and I took lots of pics here as we knew this was all going away.
Sad too – lots of great detail in here…

Finally, we arrived at the loading platform.
There was no line at all since Toontown had just opened.
Yet DS was very uncertain and said we should ride it first.
With no line, we figured we could go again if we wanted.
So, the princess boarded with J and I hopped in with X and took a deep breath.
I don’t like these things…

And off we went!
The hill climb really started to freak me out.
And then we spiraled down and, you know what?
It wasn’t so bad.
And it was very short.
We flew through the barn and past Mom and DS and back to the platform.
Smiles all around…

DS still wasn’t so sure but the other 2 kids were jumping up and down.
So we rode again – this time the princess joined me.
And Mom even got some pics on the way back into the platform...

 

[thecapells]

When we exited the second time, DS finally worked up his nerve and asked to try it.
Sure!
So we headed back up the ramp and Mom stayed behind to take some pictures.
While Mom waited, she snagged these:

This time J rode with X and the princess decided to ride herself so DS could ride with me:

In the car, DS asked if we could ride again if he liked it.
The line was still nonexistent so I said “of course!”
Maybe we’d even get Mom to join us for Round Four.
We got to the first lift hill and DS was nervous.
I explained that it wasn’t so bad – just a big corkscrew and no real drop.
The “drop” is what Mom and I can’t stand.
Speed and going in circles is fine.

Over the launch hill and into the corkscrew.
DS’ eyes widen and he screams
“I…AM…NOT…GOING…ON…THIS…AGAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!”
I couldn’t stop laughing as he gripped the lap bar with all his might.
I wish I had a picture of his reaction.
Mom was standing by at the end though...

But he ran off and told Mom that the ride was evil and apparently that was all there was.
So we figured we should continue our Farewell Tour through Toontown before the lines started to arrive.

On the way, we took some exterior shots of the County Bounty.
After all, this land would not even exist if it wasn’t for Cornelius Coot!
Thanks Cornelius!

Then it was time to see the Mouse House – or at least his vacation place.
Stay tuned for all of the details – J and my camera’s were snapping away to memoralize the experience!

 

[boxmaster]

Yes, you read that right.
We were about to embark on the first rollercoaster experience for not only the kids, but for myself as well.
I don't like that "drop" feeling so I've never ventured onto one before.
But I figured this was my last shot to try the Barnstormer before it was re-themed and possibly changed.

I scoped it out and it didn’t look so bad.
So buckle up ‘cause here we go…

You don't quite get the feeling of trepidation in Mike's words that come across when he talks about going on the “thrill rides” (such as you could possibly
call Barnstormer). Or at least prior to his first-ever ride on a roller coaster. He's definitely improved since then.

So, the princess boarded with J and I hopped in with X and took a deep breath.
I don’t like these things…

DD was also very leary about going on this. With her mom's thorough fear of going on these rides (she has a sort-of logical explanation about her fear of
these rides...sort of), and her dad also having never gone on and not being overly enthusiastic about even going on this one , she was understandably
quite scared, as you could see. As will be clear later, she is the first official convert in the family to “thrill ride afficionado.”

And off we went!
The hill climb really started to freak me out.

I still don't know why. It's not like it was that much of a climb. But, this being Mike's first time on a coaster, I guess I need to cut him a little slack. Only a little.

And then we spiraled down and, you know what?
It wasn’t so bad.
And it was very short.

Proof that you need to listen to me more often!

When we exited the second time, DS finally worked up his nerve and asked to try it.
Sure!

This time J rode with X and the princess decided to ride herself so DS could ride with me:

Yep, definitely a good first step in DD becoming a thrill ride afficionado.

Over the launch hill and into the corkscrew.
DS’ eyes widen and he screams
“I…AM…NOT…GOING…ON…THIS…AGAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!”
I couldn’t stop laughing as he gripped the lap bar with all his might.
I wish I had a picture of his reaction.

Not to give away too much, but this sort of reaction is repeated on a couple of future occasions. (You'll have to wait a while before we get to THAT
particular TR.) But at least some of it is a mixture of freaking out and laughing hysterically , so it's all good.
That he's willing to continue to experiment with some of them is a good thing, too.
(Definitely getting nearly 2 years ahead of myself, though. Or Mike, anyway.)

 

[dawnbu40]

for you and kids all being so brave! It's too L didn't like it. Maybe now that he's older he'll like the revamped Goofini ride

 

[MEK]

The fairy meet and greet pictures are so great. I obviously couldn't see them they last time I comments. And while X didn't look all that thrilled to be getting a hug from tink, he certainly gives a mean High Five!

Nice pictures from the Barnstormer. I am glad that all the kids rode it at least once. Having just ridden the Great Goofini, I have to say that I like the Barnstormer theming better.

 

[boxmaster]

Nice pictures from the Barnstormer. I am glad that all the kids rode it at least once. Having just ridden the Great Goofini, I have to say that I like the Barnstormer theming better.

Having just done the Great Goofini yesterday (Hooray for being in WDW!), I'd say you're right, though the theming is ok for Goofini.

for you and kids all being so brave! It's too L didn't like it. Maybe now that he's older he'll like the revamped Goofini ride

Alas, given other more recent reactions (no spoilers), I think that DS would have an even MORE negative reaction to Goofini than he did to Barnstormer , even though the ride is not even one minute in duration. Heck, I'm not sure how Mike would even feel about it. (Well, now that I think about it a bit more, he just might be okay with it.)

Half-way through my current trip and will definitely get a TR up a bit quicker than some of the others big M has put out.

 

[thecapells]

for you and kids all being so brave! It's too L didn't like it. Maybe now that he's older he'll like the revamped Goofini ride

We'll see although I doubt we'll get him back on that one.
Maybe we can try something else...

The fairy meet and greet pictures are so great. I obviously couldn't see them they last time I comments. And while X didn't look all that thrilled to be getting a hug from tink, he certainly gives a mean High Five!

Nice pictures from the Barnstormer. I am glad that all the kids rode it at least once. Having just ridden the Great Goofini, I have to say that I like the Barnstormer theming better.

I thought it was amazing that Tink spent some extra time with him and did not just dawn over the fairy princess.
It definitely helped make it memorable.
And is that hug not precious?

Alas, given other more recent reactions (no spoilers), I think that DS would have an even MORE negative reaction to Goofini than he did to Barnstormer , even though the ride is not even one minute in duration. Heck, I'm not sure how Mike would even feel about it. (Well, now that I think about it a bit more, he just might be okay with it.)

Why would the reaction be different J?
Isn't it the same track?

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm so proud that you and the kids went on a rollarcoaster! Hopefully X becomes a thrill ride aficionado as well so DD has someone to ride with.

 

[boxmaster]

Why would the reaction be different J?
Isn't it the same track?

Not that I remember the track for Barnstormer, but I didn't think that it was. (I know, it doesn't make sense for them to construct a wholly new coaster here rather than just change the theming add-ons.)

Guess you'll just have to figure it out for yourself when you return next.

 

[thecapells]

I'm so proud that you and the kids went on a rollarcoaster! Hopefully X becomes a thrill ride aficionado as well so DD has someone to ride with.

Well, he's certainly on his way.
We really enjoyed it.

Not that I remember the track for Barnstormer, but I didn't think that it was. (I know, it doesn't make sense for them to construct a wholly new coaster here rather than just change the theming add-ons.)

Guess you'll just have to figure it out for yourself when you return next.

Track is the same - I know that much.
But it's possible the theming makes it look and feel different.
We'll see this summer!