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

[thecapells]

It sounds like you were all having such a fun morning

Very cool that little X got to drive but even cooler that he got his license. I don't think I've ever seen one of those before. Gotta love that extra pixie dust!

My guess is you're off to meet Rapunzel?

I didn't know about the licenses either but it was pretty cool.
As for our next destination, my clues were too easy on that one, huh?

Hey!

Next time maybe someone will listen to our advice!

Such an adorable picture!
Ouch! Major burn!

Great pictures on the speedway and woo hoo for X earning his driver's license. Way to go X - 17th place is not shabby at all!

I hadn't realized that they actually track the car numbers on the standings.
I wonder if they accurately track the cars going around the track.
Sounds like we need a research trip!

 

[thecapells]

As some of you guessed, our next stop was the Fairytale Garden for our first visit with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
We had heard that lines here grew rapidly since this just came out (remember, this TR is from January 2011), so we got there early.
We easily made the first group but were about 20 people back in line.
While the parents stayed in line, the kids gathered round the table and colored.
And we told the Photopass photographer to take lots of our kids.
So we have a ton of pics (as if you’d expect anything less).
While the photographer snapped the kids, I shot the scenery of course.
I liked how they redecorated this area in Rapunzel’s coat of arms and colors from the movie.

Even the big table in the middle had the famous golden seal…

I heard now it’s taken a Scottish turn and become the home to Merida but for us, it was time to get Tangled.
Let’s check out the artists at work…

After some coloring, the CM’s had the kids all hold hands and get ready to dance.
That was the boys’ cue to leave the area and go hang out with Mom.
I stayed on line to watch the festivities.
Our princess wasn’t too sure about this…

After the children all made their circle, the magical gates opened and Flynn Rider appeared!

He was followed shortly by Rapunzel.
While Flynn looked a little odd in the real world, I thought the Rapunzel was very pretty and fitting for her character.

Then Rapunzel and Flynn jumped into the circle of children and they all danced around the table.

Our princess was a little too far away from the Disney princess but I did manage to get them both in this shot.
Not that is was a good picture mind you…

Then Rapunzel went back on stage and the Meet and Greet portion began.
The children ran over to their parents and, when it was their turn, they got to talk to and take pictures with the famous couple.

 

[thecapells]

Those still in line, however, got to meet someone else.
It seems Pascal joined us as well.

So the boys got into line with our Princess and a huge game of “hot potato” began except that Pascal was the potato!

After the game, each child got to pose with Pascal.
X wasn’t too into this but he did want to hug the stuffy.

But it was DS who stole the show.
From perfectly posed pictures to this great look of shock when Pascal turned to give him a Wet Willie!
I LOVE that picture!

Our princess was a bit more elegant with the little guy.

After the pictures with Pascal, the boys headed off with Mom for some snacks.
I promised to stay with our Princess so she could meet one of her new favorite princesses.
The wait was a little long as the duo actually spent a lot of time with each girl which was really nice.
Finally it was our turn and I started with shots of the happy couple

My little princess was busting to meet a new princess.
All decked out in her brand new Rapunzel shirt, she darted over to the couple.
They talked for quite some time about my little princess’ shirt, her long hair, her day, and things like that.
Then my little girl tried to stump them and almost got away with it.
“What’s your real name?” she asked Flynn nervously.
Now I think Flynn thought she was asking what the CM’s name was.
He looked confused and answered “Flynn Rider.”
“No, your real name.”
It was Rapunzel who saved him though.
“Why, it’s Eugene Fitzherbert of course.”
A smile grew across Flynn’s face when he realized what was being asked.
It was really cute.
But they passed the test!

How adorable is that?
I’ve heard since that Flynn actually carried Rapunzel’s crown in his satchel and would show it to knowing girls who asked.
Shame I didn’t know that earlier.
But we had fun nevertheless.
So with a girl on cloud nine after her wish came true, where could we possibly be off to next?
It was yet another location the kids have never been.
I figured since one wish came true, it was time to make some more…
Come along!

 

[boxmaster]

After the game, each child got to pose with Pascal.
X wasn’t too into this but he did want to hug the stuffy.

Looks like someone should've been wearing a Grumpy t-shirt. But you can't help but smiling at the ears on that sweatshirt. Too cute.

But it was DS who stole the show.
From perfectly posed pictures to this great look of shock when Pascal turned to give him a Wet Willie!
I LOVE that picture!

What a great shot.

Then my little girl tried to stump them and almost got away with it.
“What’s your real name?” she asked Flynn nervously.
Now I think Flynn thought she was asking what the CM’s name was.
He looked confused and answered “Flynn Rider.”
“No, your real name.”
It was Rapunzel who saved him though.
“Why, it’s Eugene Fitzherbert of course.”

Now all DD needs to do is get herself picked to ask Crush a question at Turtle Talk to ask your favorite question.

Wonderful photo of DD with her newest favorite Disney couple.

 

[MEK]

Now you know I think that you have the most photogenic kids and you always have the best PP and regular character pictures, but honestly - this IS the best I have seen to date. Holy Moly. This needs to be in a contest, on a poster, on the castle. It really captures the magic is so many ways.

What a great experience for all of the kids. Thanks for sharing.

 

[dawnbu40]

I totally agree with MES's above post! That picture is absolutely beautiful!
Great update! All the pics are wonderful and it looks like you made some great memories

 

[thecapells]

Now you know I think that you have the most photogenic kids and you always have the best PP and regular character pictures, but honestly - this IS the best I have seen to date. Holy Moly. This needs to be in a contest, on a poster, on the castle. It really captures the magic is so many ways.

What a great experience for all of the kids. Thanks for sharing.

It did come out rather well.
Usually the "hug" gets the back of your child as they hug the character tightly.
But this photographer actually got her face and that makes the whole difference!

I totally agree with MES's above post! That picture is absolutely beautiful!
Great update! All the pics are wonderful and it looks like you made some great memories

We were having alot of fun this morning.
Too bad we all weren't there.
Talk about missing one of the better days...

 

[thecapells]

We headed up the pathway towards the castle to see Cinderella’s Wishing Well.
DD was very excited to see this and didn’t even know it existed!

I love the artwork of Lucifer and the mice all around the base of the well.
It’s all about those Disney details.
Then we continued up the path and I called Mom.
They were busy snacking and were starting to head up our way.
Since we had some time, it was time to continue our regal morning and take a ride on Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel.
(And yes it still was Cinderella’s at this point).
I remembered the urban legend about one special horse so we went looking and found it.
A long time ago a CM told a child that the one horse with the golden ribbon was Cinderella’s favorite.
I told this story to DD and, of course, she had to ride this special horse.
So she found it and hopped on!
She was so excited to know the secret of the carrousel and Cinderella’s favorite horse!
I just thought the details on the horse were stunning.

Mom still had not arrived so we ventured from equines to pachyderms – flying pachyderms.
The line for Dumbo was very long as one might expect so we grabbed a different picture.
I really like how this elephant is always available for a photo shoot.
I wonder if one like this exists in the new Storybook Circusland.

There was one more fantasy we had to try – who is the strongest in the family?
DD gave it all her might but to no avail – she could not life the Sword from the Stone.

Instead we wandered into the Royal Dressmaker’s shop to see the dresses.
In a corner reserved for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique photo sessions was Cinderella’s dress.

Finally, Mom arrived with the boys in the store.
We stayed for a moment to shop as DD was looking for her new charm.
You see, we had started a tradition that she purchases a charm for each trip.
After looking a bit, our observant little princess asked,
“Why is everything made in China?”

Mom and I chuckled and had to explain.
Then we headed back into Fantasyland.
But before we move forward, let’s hear how Mom and the boys spent their morning…

 

[TheCapellsMom]

While DD was waiting to take pictures with Rapunzel, the boys and I took a quick walk over to one of my favorite snack places in MK…
But first, we stopped on the way to take some quick pics in front of the castle.
Unfortunately, the sun was way too bright and the boys were way too wacky.

So I quickly gave up and headed over to the Main Street Bakery!
For some reason, my DH just doesn’t love this place as much as I do, so I often try to stop here without him.
They have some really tasty breakfast-on-the-go options and some surprisingly good sandwiches for lunch/dinner too.
This time, I got myself a much-needed cup of hot tea and a chocolate croissant.
The boys agreed to share a cinnamon muffin and a bottle of juice with their sister.
Everyone was happy- although I had my hands too full to take any photos of our snack.

One note of warning to any readers who have never been to the Main Street Bakery:
When you enter MK, this is the FIRST place you pass that serves breakfast.
Consequently, if you try to go there right when the park opens, the place is jammed with twitchy parents jonesing for their coffee.
And don’t forget those grumpy kids desperate to get further into the park and onto the rides!

I avoid it at all costs before 10am (especially when it’s cold out)!
Even later in the day, the lines can be long but if the line is inside the doorway, I think it’s worth the wait.
If the line is out the door and onto the sidewalk, try again later!

 

[thecapells]

Reunited, we headed back into Fantasyland to get our bearings.
And just as we gathered, we noticed a lost little boy – one who would never grew up.
Instead of calling CM’s to help out, we decided to take pictures!!

DD approached first and started up the conversation.
Her brother joined in shortly but little X was protesting.

I love that last pic of X’s protests.
He would not show his face for this picture.

After our brush with Neverland we headed to the back of Fantasyland.
For starters, I had to get a picture of the new designs for Fantasyland Forest.

And then, DD decided it was time for restrooms.
These are some of my favorite due to the theming…

Duck, Duck, Goose!

Outside the restrooms, we had another encounter.
This time, the boy was not lost but wooden!!

The best part of this encounter was Mom’s return.
Pinocchio caught site of my beautiful bride and wanted her for his own.
So he told me to go away, grabbed Mom, and off they went.
Quickly, I switched the camera to continuous shot to capture his antics.

Finally, he stopped and giggled.
And he allowed us to take a nice picture before he “freed” Mom.

Fantasyland was a happening place about now.
But we had more things to see today!
Next up was another one of Mom’s favorites.
It was time to meet some ghosts!

 

[dawnbu40]

The pics of mom and Pinocchio are too cute! How nice that she got some extra attention and had such a fun meet and greet Afterall, at Disney parents are just big kids!

 

[thecapells]

The pics of mom and Pinocchio are too cute! How nice that she got some extra attention and had such a fun meet and greet Afterall, at Disney parents are just big kids!

I thought it was really funny.
He just took her and heading off.
I've heard of chars doing that with kids, but it's even funnier with adults!

 

[thecapells]

As we headed out of Fantasyland, we saw some very artistic CM’s.
I love when they make pictures like these!

Then we arrived at Mom’s “other” favorite attraction – the Haunted Mansion

Once again, I tried to snap some pictures inside but didn’t do a great job.
I did manage one of the recently added “floating” Madame Leotta

During the ride, we ended up stopping several times.
Once was in the hallway with the knocking doors.
By the time we were ready to go, I was going crazy.
“Let them out already!” I said.
I was with the boys and they busted out laughing and agreed!

Our second stop was when we were “falling” out of the attic.
This is a very weird place to stop.
You are basically backwards and at a 45-degree angle.
Very, very weird.
DS wanted to go to sleep...

Our last stop was right at the new mirrors.
However, when they stop the ride, the ghosts disappear.
When we started again, they re-appear but you lose the effect for the most part.
That was a bit disappointing.
Although I do like the new sequence where the ghosts are animated and do stuff to the unsuspecting riders.

Afterwards, we visited the pet cemetery to see good ol’ Mr. Toad.
I had to explain the story of why he was here.
The kids have since seen the Adventures of Mr. Toad so they sort of get it.
I guess it will make more sense after we visit Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in Disneyland.

One of my favorite details here is the hoof prints of the ghostly horse who pulls the carriage out front.
Entirely not necessary but it just is another example of that great Disney attention to detail.

Next up - a trip through Liberty Square!

 

[thecapells]

After getting spooked, it was time to meet another favorite of DD’s so we headed across Liberty Square to Tiana’s Garden Glen.

There was some royalty waiting there and DD was very excited as usual.

X didn’t want to go but Tiana dragged DS into the gazebo.
He was a bit shy but warmed up nicely.
I thought this Tiana was perfectly cast but the Naveen didn't quite look right.

Anyway, when we got home, I had fun with the Photopass borders…

After our visit with Prince and Princess, we explored Liberty Square a bit.
DD thought this was the cutest thing ever…

But I think the highlight was putting everyone in the stocks.
This was a tradition of ours when I was a little kid.
The kids thought this was a blast!

Flashing back to 1978, here’s me as a little guy enduring the same punishment.
What a horrible outfit they had me in…

After the stocks, DS took the historical tour as he’s been covering the Revolutionary War in school.
And now, my trivia question.
For the bicentennial, each state was given a Liberty Bell made from the original mold.
Does anyone know which state has 2 of them?

The answer is Florida.
Each state placed the bell in their state capitol or a place of importance.
Pennsylvania, however, already has the original in Philadelphia so they didn't need a copy.
Walt Disney World stepped in and asked if they could have the copy for their new Liberty Square.
Pennsylvania gladly agreed so Florida now has one in their capitol and one in Walt Disney World!

Another interesting story here is replica of the Liberty Tree with 13 lanterns – one for each colony.

Behind Liberty Square is Ye Old Christmas Shoppe which I always thought was a bit out of place.
But the sleigh makes for fun photo op.

DD fell in love with the parasol stand.

Then it was back to Sleepy Hollow for one of our favorite treats.
Everyone knows about the Dole Whip Float and the Citrus Swirl.
But who among you knows about this hidden gem – the Liberty Swirl!

And sitting at Sleepy Hollow offers a great side view of the castle.

While the boys were eating their snacks, I snuck DD back to the photopass photographer near Tiana.
I had talked to her before and she told me to come back for what I requested.
Sure enough, there she was and she made DD pose for these awesome shots.

Unfortunately they don't do the "kissy" pose anymore with the frog.
Apparently there is now a rule against it.
No, I have no idea why.
But at least we got a new fun "magic" photopass shot.

Since there was still a bit of time before lunch, we headed back into Fantasyland.
Stay tuned!

 

[dawnbu40]

Great updates

I love the flashback picture It's so fun to recreate moments from childhood Disney trips with your own kids

I enjoyd the facts about the bell. I learned something

The pics with Tiana and Naveen and the frog are all adorable. I wonder why they stopped the kissing one though That pose was so cute!

The pic of the princess with the parasol brought back memories of Caitlin at 5 and she had to have one of those. We of course indulged her and she was to carry it to be "Miss U" in the kdg play. I remember watching her during the play and she broke it before she ever got on stage

Looking forward to more

 

[thecapells]

I enjoyd the facts about the bell. I learned something

See? Trip Reports (like Disney) can be educational!

The pics with Tiana and Naveen and the frog are all adorable. I wonder why they stopped the kissing one though That pose was so cute!

I know, when I saw Caitlin in that pose, I knew I had take DD there.
I was disappointed when the CM told me that.
But DD didn't mind and had fun with the frog nevertheless.

The pic of the princess with the parasol brought back memories of Caitlin at 5 and she had to have one of those. We of course indulged her and she was to carry it to be "Miss U" in the kdg play. I remember watching her during the play and she broke it before she ever got on stage

That's awesome!
Gotta love fun memories.
We held firm though.
No parasols on this trip.
(But we spoiled her in plenty of other ways so we didn't get off the hook scott free...)

 

[MEK]

So, I've been away and I just did the quickest look-see at your pictures before I go to work. Great, as always.

I have to agree that mom looks like she is having a great time with pinochio (whose name I am not even going to try to spell right).

I see you got tired of the kids and tried to lock them up in Liberty Square. Poor kids.

 

[thecapells]

I see you got tired of the kids and tried to lock them up in Liberty Square. Poor kids.

Hey, I figured if my parents did it to me, I can do it to my kids!!

 

[HilJoy14]

I love the pics of the littler kids in the too-high stocks! LOL to the one of you from when you were small. Nice to recreate those memories!

HM always stops when we ride, too! And our kids are a little scared of it, so we almost never ride anymore. No need to terrify them by it being stuck even longer!

 

[thecapells]

I love the pics of the littler kids in the too-high stocks! LOL to the one of you from when you were small. Nice to recreate those memories!

HM always stops when we ride, too! And our kids are a little scared of it, so we almost never ride anymore. No need to terrify them by it being stuck even longer!

I think the "stops" on HM actually helped since we started making light of the situation instead.
And DS was so relaxed on the way down when we stopped, he almost fell asleep!