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

[kimbo0569]

Loving your TR so far! Trying to get ready to plan our next trip for sometime next year...not sure when we want to go, definately fall (thinking late September/early October or right after Thanksgiving...)

My oldest daughter will be 10 in December and on our last trip (she was 6 1/2 then) and her favorite princess was Ariel as well.

 

[MEK]

Yeah - little known fact.
Credits come off the meal plan as just a credit.
There is no distinction between kids meal and adult meal.
So for a family of 6, you can get 6 adult meals at a counter service and it is 6 credits.
It makes no difference if it is a child or an adult.
A CM pointed this out to us when Princess wanted a Bacon Cheeseburger and there was none on the kid's menu.
She advised us to just order the regular meal and it worked.
We've been using the trick ever since!

I really wish I had known this when I took my 8 year old nephew a few years ago. It was painful watching him pick from the kids meals. Painful.

 

[thecapells]

Loving your TR so far! Trying to get ready to plan our next trip for sometime next year...not sure when we want to go, definately fall (thinking late September/early October or right after Thanksgiving...)

My oldest daughter will be 10 in December and on our last trip (she was 6 1/2 then) and her favorite princess was Ariel as well.

Welcome to our TR!
September is always a great time to go since there's little to no crowds.
Although we're partial to November right after Halloween since the kids get off 2 days for Election Day.

As for the Princess, hopefully she hasn't grown "out" of princesses.
I hope my Princess never does...

I really wish I had known this when I took my 8 year old nephew a few years ago. It was painful watching him pick from the kids meals. Painful.

Yeah, I know the feeling.
Our Princess is done with kid's menus and wants "real food" everytime we go anywhere these days.

 

[thecapells]

We had heard good things about the Wishes Dessert Party but were most excited about the reserved viewing location for Wishes.
We had been looking forward to sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the view without camping out hours ahead of time.
Unfortunately, this was the one night of our trip that was really, really cold.
By the time they started letting us in for the party, the kids were already bundled up.

But this was Disney, and fireworks were coming so we pressed on.
They gave us each a bracelet so we could get back into the reserved area if we needed to leave to use the restrooms.
And then they escorted us to our table.
We lucked out and had a table right next to the railing with a nice view of the castle.

Our table was decorated with little sparkling castles and a little centerpiece reserving the table just for us!

We had some time before the fireworks so as everyone rushed to the dessert tables, we headed over the Photopass photographer.
No one was there so we got lots of pictures.

Hooray for Mickey!

Then we headed back to the table and took turns taking the kids to pick out treats.
In the background was the early Main Street Electrical Parade.
From our table, we could see the tops of the floats but that was about it.
Don’t worry, we planned to see the late parade and will have LOTS of pictures to prove it!

The buffet was on the upper level up a small ramp and had several carts like this one:

There were lots of snack-size treats but the winners were the chocolate truffles and the mini glasses of chocolate mousse.
And, on this night because of the cold, the hot chocolate was amazing!
We scooped up our desserts and headed back to the table.
As you can see, the “Let the Memories Begin” campaign was in full swing

By now, we were bundled up trying to stay warm.
I honestly thought about rescheduling our Dessert Party so we could enjoy it more when it was warmer but we made it through.
Mom was smart enough that she brought extra blankets for us while we waiting for the fireworks.

But while we waited, we had to eat these wonderful desserts so we couldn’t complain too much.
Our princess was delighted with her hot cocoa.
You can see she also had a HUGE chocolate strawberry along with some mini chocolate mousse and a tart of some kind.

DS was not interested in the hot chocolate surprisingly but did grab a chocolate strawberry.
He also had some tarts and a chocolate chip cookie.

X was content with chocolate chip cookies.

The adults experimented with all of the treats.
J even tried putting a chocolate chip cookie in the bottom of his hot chocolate for extra flavor!

After stuffing ourselves with dessert, we were in for another treat!
Disney’s “The Magic, the Memories, and You!” show had just recently debuted as a sort of pre-show to Wishes!
It was hard to get a picture of so this is the best I could do:

But the show is great!
While we didn’t care so much about the pictures of people, the things they did to the castle are simply amazing!
From changing colors to having characters appear in windows to our favorite part – literally launching the castle into space with Buzz Lightyear flying among the stars!
It was INCREDIBLE!
While the pictures can be removed, I really hope they keep this kind of show for a loooong time.

 

[thecapells]

After the “pre-show”, we cuddled up to watch the spectacle that is Wishes!
What a great fireworks show – it makes all other fireworks shows (including July 4th) such a letdown.

And the grand finale literally lighting up the sky with a brilliant flash!

What a wonderful sight!
And a wonderful way to end our first night in the World.
But wait, we weren’t quite done yet.
First off, some pictures from our terrace.

And then it was off for some more adventures!
The Night, you see, belongs to Tomorrowland!
Come join us for some late night fun in the future!

 

[TheCapellsMom]

We had heard good things about the Wishes Dessert Party but were most excited about the reserved viewing location for Wishes.
We had been looking forward to sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the view without camping out hours ahead of time.
Unfortunately, this was the one night of our trip that was really, really cold.
By the time they started letting us in for the party, the kids were already

There were lots of snack-size treats but the winners were the chocolate truffles and the mini glasses of chocolate mousse.

Now I have GOT TO say that while my DH usually goes into TOO MUCH detail about things, this time he did not say enough!

It wasn't just cold. It was frigid!!! No question it was below 40̊ (or 4.5 celsius for the rest of you). Plus, it was VERY windy.
The kids were wearing 4 layers and still shivered! Thank goodness there was hot cocoa!

Despite the weather, however, I LOOOOVED the dessert buffet! Of course, as DH can tell you, the way to my heart is through chocolate.

My absolute favorite treatsare chocolate covered strawberries & chocolate mousse so I was in heaven.
Unfortunately, it was hard to really enjoy it all with gloves on my hands and kids in my lap.
There was definitely a huge selection of treats to choose from including several fruity things and some non-chocolate pastries as well.

There was NO way we could try it all in one night! We actually slipped a few truffles into a ziploc baggy in my pocket and brought they back to our room to stash in the minifridge.
SHHHH- don't tell!

I would definitely do the Wishes Desert Party again- and hope for better weather!
Oh- and next time I plan to come with an empty stomach and bring more ziplocs!

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm sorry to hear it was so cold on the night of your party! That can put a damper on things!

I agree with you about the Memories pre-show! Very cool!

As for the desserts,I am with mom that those strawberries are heavenly!!

Your day isn't over? You guys had a lot of energy that day!

 

[MEK]

If I shivered my way through the dessert party, you can bet I would ziploc a few goodies for later.

I'll stop back later when I can see the pictures!!!!!


Sounds like you all had fun, despite the cold!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm with Mom--my favorite part of the meal is dessert.

The Wishes Dessert Party looks really fun--and quite tasty! It's too bad that it was so darn cold, but it seems you still had a good time. I don't think I ever realized that it was technically "outdoors"--I always thought you saw the fireworks through windows. Bravo to all of you for toughing it out! (And an extra bravo to Mom for the Ziploc bag--extra chocolate for later is ALWAYS a good idea.)

 

[MEK]

Nice pictures - love the group shots! They are great. Love the couples shots, too. You all look like you are having a fab time!

 

[thecapells]

I'm sorry to hear it was so cold on the night of your party! That can put a damper on things!

I agree with you about the Memories pre-show! Very cool!

As for the desserts,I am with mom that those strawberries are heavenly!!

Your day isn't over? You guys had a lot of energy that day!

First day in the Magic Kingdom on our First Day back in Disney World!
OF COURSE we had lots of energy!

If I shivered my way through the dessert party, you can bet I would ziploc a few goodies for later.

I'll stop back later when I can see the pictures!!!!!


Sounds like you all had fun, despite the cold!

I definitely would have rather gone on a warmer day but we still had a blast!

I'm with Mom--my favorite part of the meal is dessert.

The Wishes Dessert Party looks really fun--and quite tasty! It's too bad that it was so darn cold, but it seems you still had a good time. I don't think I ever realized that it was technically "outdoors"--I always thought you saw the fireworks through windows. Bravo to all of you for toughing it out! (And an extra bravo to Mom for the Ziploc bag--extra chocolate for later is ALWAYS a good idea.)

And I'm not sure being "sort-of" inside even helped as it was probably a wind tunnel.
Oh well, still a great view of the fireworks with no reserving a spot.
And the hot chocolate made it all okay.

Nice pictures - love the group shots! They are great. Love the couples shots, too. You all look like you are having a fab time!

It was definitely a great way to start the vacation!

 

[boxmaster]

Now I have GOT TO say that while my DH usually goes into TOO MUCH detail about things, this time he did not say enough!

It wasn't just cold. It was frigid!!! No question it was below 40̊ (or 4.5 celsius for the rest of you). Plus, it was VERY windy.
The kids were wearing 4 layers and still shivered! Thank goodness there was hot cocoa!

Yes and no. As it turns out, while I managed to GET hot cocoa, I didn't manage to HAVE it. At least while it was hot, and that after standing around for about 5 or so minutes for new tureens of it to come out so I could get some for me, DD, and Mom. (OK, any thoughts on how *I* should refer to you on-list? Both Mom and DW seem odd for me.) Alas, moments after I put the chocolate chip cookie into my hot chocolate (something I did PLENTY of times in college - mmm....), I had a certain someone ask to go to the restroom. (With it being as frigid as it was and active shivering going on, it wasn't at all surprising.) So, by the time we got back (literally as the show was just starting off), my hot chocolate was cold. Still tasty, though!

Despite the weather, however, I LOOOOVED the dessert buffet! Of course, as DH can tell you, the way to my heart is through chocolate.

And mine as well. Give me some good chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet chocolate, and my mood improves vastly.

I could easily go back to this again, and hope for warmer weather.

 

[thecapells]

After hanging out on the terrace a bit more, we headed off into Tomorrowland.
You see, I had some fastpasses burning a hole in my pocket!
It was time to join the Space Ranger Corps.
To Infinity and Beyond!

For those of you playing at home, here’s a map of where we are.
Just find the “You are Here” and you should be able to figure out the rest.

And it’s always a good thing to keep your batteries in the Power Center.
We want them fully charged and ready to go for our mission!

Ummm.
So I’m not sure what X was doing here.
Maybe he was trying to be a Little Green Man?
Maybe he was just hyped up from all that chocolate.
Either way, I’m not quite sure what to say…

Buzz then gave us our last minute instructions before launch.
We hoped to do him proud.

And just before we boarded our vessels, one last glimpse of the enemy target.
The Evil Emperor Zurg.

DS joined me as I tried to teach him all the tricks.
I even manned the swivel controls to try and steer him toward the correct targets.
He did pretty good but then I hit some of the sweet spots and came out way ahead.
I didn't match my high score of all 9's but I did okay.

He was upset but he held it together this time – I was proud of him.
He’s getting much better at losing.
Meanwhile, J was battling the Princess head to head.
Looks to me like they were both concentrating pretty hard.
Unfortunately neither one did fairly well (DS’ consolation prize was that he beat them both).

DS was even happy enough to torment Zurg in his prison cell.

In the corner, I discovered this little picture.
Who knew Buzz’s right-hand Space Ranger was none other than the intergalactic alien himself - Stitch!

After returning from our missions as Space Rangers, the girls had another mission – the restrooms.
The boys took this opportunity to go tour Tomorrowland in one of my favorite attractions.
And yes, folks, the old and “proper” name is back.

For those of you needing proof of my high regard of this attraction,
Take a gander at the license plate on my new car:

So we bundled together in our Blue Line car and headed off on a Grand Circle Tour of Tomorrowland departing from Rocket Tower Plaza.
We tried to catch a glimpse of the girls heading off to the restrooms but had no luck.
Instead we took pics of each other.
And yes, X was still covered in chocolate.

The Peoplemover is so relaxing and a great way to unwind and watch the park at night.
Especially Tomorrowland with all the neon lights glowing.
And there’s the robots bustling all about.
What? You’ve never seen the robots rushing to get to their next robot appointments?

Our tour rounded some bends and we arrived at Starport Seven-Five.
This sign is a nice new homage to Space Mountain since it was created in 1975.

Which brings me to the other great thing about the TTA.
Since I will never in my lifetime go on Space Mountain, I can always go through it to see what I may have been missing!

Then there’s always the wonderful view of the castle lit up in all its glory.
You can get some great shots from the Peoplemover.

And from the castle to EPCOT – the “real” Epcot.
That’s Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow for those trivia buffs.
But, yes, here on the good ol’ TTA is Walt’s original prototype for the prototype.
Just imagine what could have been…

Alas, we returned to Rocket Tower Plaza as our journey had concluded.
I would’ve stayed on for another round but we had other plans.
We regrouped with the gals and heading towards the hub.
Mickey and Minnie were even showing us the way!

It was time for the finale of the evening.
And if we were lucky, we might even catch sight of a dragon…

 

[dawnbu40]

Looks like you guys were having a lot of fun!

I love your license plate! How cool!

That last picture is lovely! Nice job

 

[thecapells]

Looks like you guys were having a lot of fun!

I love your license plate! How cool!

That last picture is lovely! Nice job

Thanks so much!
We were definitely having a blast despite the cold!

 

[MEK]

I will make sure to look for that license plate the next time I am driving through Virginia! Love it!

Fun evening!!!!! Love Buzz Lightyear - stink at it - but love it all the same!

 

[thecapells]

I will make sure to look for that license plate the next time I am driving through Virginia! Love it!

Fun evening!!!!! Love Buzz Lightyear - stink at it - but love it all the same!

Yeah we had fun coming up with that plate.
We love Buzz - it's alot of fun and a great family attraction for everyone!

 

[lbuzz52]

Thanks!
It's funny but DD has since moved on.
When asked who she wants on her backpack for school this year, the new #1 Princess is Rapunzel.
I think that change actually happened later this trip (more on that later).
And I think Tiana may have slid into the #2 slot leaving Ariel a distant third.

My dd would no longer call Ariel her favorite, but would still tell you she was her first (princess) love. she did the same thing- for her birthday, she asked for Rapunzel hair, Rapunzel shoes, Rapunzel bedding, Rapunzel backpack- i could go on

I'm really enjoying this. i like your writing style. Pair this TR up with some Magic Kingdom music on yoitube or cd, and its like i'm right there

 

[thecapells]

My dd would no longer call Ariel her favorite, but would still tell you she was her first (princess) love. she did the same thing- for her birthday, she asked for Rapunzel hair, Rapunzel shoes, Rapunzel bedding, Rapunzel backpack- i could go on

I'm really enjoying this. i like your writing style. Pair this TR up with some Magic Kingdom music on yoitube or cd, and its like i'm right there

Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you enjoy my storytelling.
You should try the previous TR when I, according to my wife, went a bit overboard with that part of the TR.
Check my signature for the link.

As for DD, she's now come full circle back to Ariel.
I think depending on the day it's either Ariel, Rapunzel, or Tiana.
Hey, as long as she's still my princess, Daddy's happy.

 

[thecapells]

We returned to Rocket Tower Plaza and found the girls and then headed for the hub.
The final entertainment for the evening was about to start!
Yes, we were still going!

J and DS headed for the restrooms while the rest of us found a spot in the hub.
The park was mostly empty around here as it tends to be for the second parade of the night.
So the kids bundled up but were very excited.

You see, this was monumental – our kids had never seen the Main Street Electrical Parade before.
Heck, they haven’t even seen Spectromagic before.
And Mom and I – well, we just missed good ol’ Elliott.
We even showed Pete’s Dragon to the kids recently so they could appreciate the jolly green dragon.
J and DS had trouble finding us but finally – minutes before Main Street went dark, they arrived.
We all beamed with anticipation.
And then, that magnificent song began…

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Magic Kingdom proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nightime magic and imagination;
In thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds. The Main Street Electrical Parade!

And there, around the corner came that famous train…

We got some odd shots during the next wave of swirling characters.
The flash does some interesting things with those moving lights…

Alice made her appearance next riding on a mushroom.
Right in front of her (periodically disappearing) was the Cheshire Cat.

Following Alice, some more twirling creatures.
And butterflies, ladybugs, and mushrooms.

But not too far behind was that good ol’ caterpillar.
“Whoooooo R Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu?”

Following the caterpillar was a centipede of sorts.

And a creepy frog.

Dancing mice signified a scene change.
From Alice in Wonderland, we were now entering the world where the clock approaches midnight.
And just in time, Cinderella’s Coach appeared.

And an entire royal entourage followed the princess.
There was dancing and twirling and a grand ol’ time being had by one and by all!
Even Cindy’s stepsisters were getting into the act – pressuring the Prince into a dance no less!