Giving Santa his Mickey ears! Our toddler's 1st trip!-UPDATE:We're back! Pic inside

[tofubeast]

Welcome New Pals! Thanks for clipping a (dare I say) E ticket out of your book and joining me on my PTR ride!

Joining in from the Dec roll call thread
Love the retro Disney pics!!

Yay!! I love our little Dec. Roll call board. So happy to have you here too and thanks for the compliment!

Those pics with the retro shirts are ADORABLE. So cute

Thanks!! I am having fun following your PTR!

I'm joining in on the fun and subscribed to your thread. I love the picture with the retro shirts, btw!

If you stick with me, more dorky pics to follow! And in NINE MONTHS , when this becomes a trip report... there will be PLENTY of dorky pics abound! I loved hearing about your experience with your niece. It's nice to hear that even an 8 month old baby was blown away by all that WDW has to offer!! Super cool.

Jumping on from the roll call. We'll be there on 12/12/12 as well. Maybe we should have a meet and greet at the pyramid in Mexico, at EPCOT, and ring in the end of the world with some frozen margaritas?

Thanks as well for joining me from our Dec. Roll Call!! I REALLY like your idea about margaritas!!! As there is debate about the end of the world being 12/12/12 or 12/21/12... really, there are AMPLY opportunities to enjoy 'final' libations!! We will have to revisit this idea as time gets closer!!




We drive up to WDW in NINE MONTHS!!!!!


A new update to come shortly. I have some tentative plans I want to run by you guys!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I was surprised about those attractions as well. I know EVERY child is different. I just think about how dark it is on those rides. I also wonder how she will handle the drop. I am also wondering what should be the first (major) ride outside of Fantasyland. What are you going to do? Have you thought about that for your little guy?

I've definitely thought about where to go after Fantasyland, but I think we're just going to follow DS' lead. If he's overstimulated, maybe a ride on the TTA. Or if it seems like he's really into audio-animatronics, maybe the Jungle Cruise... So much to think about!

 

[tofubeast]

I've definitely thought about where to go after Fantasyland, but I think we're just going to follow DS' lead. If he's overstimulated, maybe a ride on the TTA. Or if it seems like he's really into audio-animatronics, maybe the Jungle Cruise... So much to think about!

I think the Peoplemover is an excellent idea. Heck, maybe he will even nap on it! You can go round and round as you hear them paging Mr. Tom Morrow, over and over again!

I think I am most curious what ride will be our toddlers' faves! Can't wait to hear your experience. Sometime tells me we will both be surprised!

 

[khertz]

I'm here!!

Love your collection of Mickey ears and the fact that you are counting Mickey antenna toppers. That is definitely an interesting way to pass the time until your trip!!

Your little girl is precious, and I love the pics of your loves wearing their vintage Mickey shirts. There is nothing I love more than buying my baby boy Mickey clothes!!

Anyway, count me in for the planning of this trip.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I've been meaning to tell you how awesome I think you all that you do with your children. I haven't shared on here, but I work in child welfare. I have the upmost respect for those who foster/adopt. I got teary reading about your family.

I had posted the same poll on the Theme Parks thread. I will do a little debriefing based on what I learned from the responses. Perhaps I will post about it on here tonight.

Ahhhh, thanx so much!! I knew we'd adopt, since I was adopted....I just didn't know we'd end up adopting 4 kiddos.....lol We would have had one of the twins siblings if our "office" hadn't messed it up for her....but that's a whole nother story.....ugh!

Thanx for posting the results to the toddler rides. No real surprises there....maybe HM......I wasn't sure toddlers would enjoy this since it's dark.....but we'll give it a try.

My twins loved Pirates for the music....but really stiffened up on the drops (as I understand DL's version is way different when it comes to that).....so maybe the WDW one will be milder!

 

[tofubeast]

My twins loved Pirates for the music....but really stiffened up on the drops (as I understand DL's version is way different when it comes to that).....so maybe the WDW one will be milder!

Not to give too much away, but the PotC at WDW is a lot shorter, less scary, and has only 1 drop. I've read so many positive baby/toddler stories regarding the WDW version of this ride. The DL version scared me to bits as a tot!

 

[tofubeast]

Photo Show and Tell #1 - Favorite EPCOT Entertainers

So our next World visit is just under 9 months away. I have done some planning, which i will share in the next week, but with it being still so far away, there is only so much a girl can do. Therefore, to pass time, I am going to periodically post photos from past Disney trips!

First of all, let's get this outta the way...

I can't believe that after two months of counting, I am only at 42. When counting in the past, I would have been over 100 by now. (Yes, I am nuts!) My scientific hypothesis is: "Due to the lack of antennas on new cars, there has been a reduction in the usage of Mickey antenna ears." I will be publishing the results of my study in the Journal of Extremely Useless Information this coming Summer.

Okay, onto the photos, shall we? I thought for my first photo installment, I would post pics I have taken of my favorite EPCOT performers.

Mariachi Cobre

I call them my boyfriends. DH understands they are my boyfriends and accept it for what it is. Perhaps because I grew up in Southern California, I have a warm heart for mariachi music. It reminds me of trips to Mexico as a child, as well as awesome Mexican restaurants in Cali and the Southwest. When I first saw Mariachi Cobre back in 2006, it was first love.

Notice me with the cold margarita? I was in heaven here. I saw them about 4 time over the course of this visit. I even asked them if they could play, "Spanish Eyes" during their next set. While sitting in the Mexico pavilion, they came down the steps on top of that fake house facade and started playing my request. I think my heart skipped a beat. I sure love my boyfriends.

Here are my boyfriends, or shall I saw novios, showing my husband one of their musical instruments. DH is a bass player, so he had a great thrill getting to play with them. I can't wait to see Mariachi Cobre this December.

British Invasion (RIP)

Oh, how I miss my faux Fab Four. I LOVE The Beatles. The British Invasion were so much fun to watch. Similar to my boys in Mexico, I planned my EPCOT visits around them. Nothing like getting a tall ale and sitting back for their set. While I am sure I will enjoy their replacements, they will always hold a special place in my heart.

Tofubeast loves you, yeah yeah yeah

Hat Lady at Rose & Crown Pub

I don't think she is there anymore. (Anybody, anybody??) She was so much fun. I am still in awe of her talent in creating funny songs about people at the pub right on the spot. Oh she had me in tears. I got to speak with her in between sets and what a fascinating life she has had. I miss her. Anyone know where she ended up? (EDIT: I just did a google search and she pops up on the WDW site. Does that mean she is still there? I hope so!)

So who are you favorite performs at EPCOT? I will add that I enjoy Off Kilter as well and look forward to seeing them again. I also enjoy (especially after a couple of beers) the oompah band at the Biergarten in Germany.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Fun update! One of my favorite groups is Matsuriza (is that right?) -- the Taiko drummers in Japan. I also like "the chair show" in France.

 

[tofubeast]

Fun update! One of my favorite groups is Matsuriza (is that right?) -- the Taiko drummers in Japan. I also like "the chair show" in France.

I am embarrassed to say that I have not seen these shows. BUT...since we will be with DD who might be asleep while we tour EPCOT, I imagine we will slow down a bit and watch more of the performers. Plus, I know some of the pavilions do extra stuff for Christmas. I will have to see the drummers and chair show!

 

[ses1230]

tofubeast, the Hat Lady is listed on this week's times guide - is that what the lady in your picture is called?

I also love the band at Biergarten, we are definitely going to go this trip. I really like Miyuki, the candy maker is Japan but I don't know if she is still there.

My favorite performers at Epcot are the Voices of Liberty. Their sound is so beautiful, the fife and drum corps is also entertaining.

Since we are going for the holidays this year, I am going to try to get to the Candlelight Processional. We are debating the lunch or dinner package since I have read here about the lines. I am also excited to see the storytellers. I haven't seen either of these, I'm very excited for the holiday entertainment!

 

[natebenma]

I agree with a previous poster, Miyuki, the candy sculptress really impresses me and cracks me up. I think she is still performing on a very limited schedule, maybe just a couple of days a week? and she is no longer able to give away the masterpieces she creates.

 

[katiekoester]

Joining in! We will be in WDW Dec. 10-18 too with the idea that if the world ends we had at least 1 more trip to my favorite place on Earth Can't wait to see your plans and "steal" some great ideas

 

[tofubeast]

tofubeast, the Hat Lady is listed on this week's times guide - is that what the lady in your picture is called?

Since we are going for the holidays this year, I am going to try to get to the Candlelight Processional. We are debating the lunch or dinner package since I have read here about the lines. I am also excited to see the storytellers. I haven't seen either of these, I'm very excited for the holiday entertainment!

Yep, that's the name of the lady in my pic. That makes me so happy!! She really is a hoot.

Also re: Candlelight Process, from what I have read on here, people rec doing the meal package, but stress doing ADRs early (if for dinner) to ensure you have enough time to finish before showing up to the theater. That way you have enough time to secure good seats (yes, even though they are reserved!)

I agree with a previous poster, Miyuki, the candy sculptress really impresses me and cracks me up. I think she is still performing on a very limited schedule, maybe just a couple of days a week? and she is no longer able to give away the masterpieces she creates.

I had read that too. Why is she no longer allowed to give away her creations? I have only seen her at the very, very tail end of her demonstration. I hope to catch it from the beginning next visit.

 

[tofubeast]

Joining in! We will be in WDW Dec. 10-18 too with the idea that if the world ends we had at least 1 more trip to my favorite place on Earth Can't wait to see your plans and "steal" some great ideas

My husband and I are thinking of making shirts. We are dorky like that.

Feel free to steal away!! Only if I can steal from you as well! Thanks for following me along on here! Happy to have you.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Not to give too much away, but the PotC at WDW is a lot shorter, less scary, and has only 1 drop. I've read so many positive baby/toddler stories regarding the WDW version of this ride. The DL version scared me to bits as a tot!

Hopefully my twins will do better with just the one drop.....but the ride's shorter too?? Huh, I'm very interested in seeing it now to see what they cut out. As long as they do the Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirate's Life for Me song......it's all good!!

 

[tofubeast]

Hopefully my twins will do better with just the one drop.....but the ride's shorter too?? Huh, I'm very interested in seeing it now to see what they cut out. As long as they do the Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirate's Life for Me song......it's all good!!

Yep, definitely shorter by several minutes, but those songs are all in there. Originally, MK was not going to have a PoTC. But as guests first starting coming to the park, they would ask where the pirate ride was located. Finally, they decided to build it. I believe another ride was slated for that same spot. They could only fit so much in the space, so some scenes had to be cut.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Yep, definitely shorter by several minutes, but those songs are all in there. Originally, MK was not going to have a PoTC. But as guests first starting coming to the park, they would ask where the pirate ride was located. Finally, they decided to build it. I believe another ride was slated for that same spot. They could only fit so much in the space, so some scenes had to be cut.

Wow, I didn't know any of that.......I just figured POTC was an original at the MK. I'll be excited to see the differences!!

 

[tofubeast]

MK Fantasyland Touring Plan - Does this work?

Hi, remember me? Yes, I know it has been awhile. I am alive, I promise. I have a brief post today, but want to run something by the WDW experts!

First off, let's do the antenna count check-in.

Antennas are harder to come by. Just a few years ago, I would have easily been over 100 by now. (Yes, I am nutty.)

My planning is coming along. Hoping that a calendar will come out next month so I can start to finalize my schedule and ADR. My next post, I will run my ADR ideas by you, and you can trash or praise accordingly.

So my coworker is going to Disney for just a couple days later next week. She is taking her 2 year old to MK, AK and EPCOT. It will be her daughters first visit. She doesn't care so much about hitting all the E ticket rides as she wants to focus on stuff for her daughter to do. She asked if I would make some plans for her which I gladly volunteered. She had no idea about fastpass, rider swap, so the idea of a plan seemed foreign to her. But she certainly doesn't want to spend forever and a day in line with a toddler. Side note, she hadn't made one ADR!! Fortunately, there was still some availability.

Here is the MK morning I set up for her. I instructed (demanded? hah) she get there for rope drop. Fortunately she will be going to MK (and the other parks) on their recommended days. Do you think this is the best plan of attack for Fantasyland in the morning? (If so, I might follow it myself come December, though it might need to be tweaked if the Little Mermaid opens come then.)

Get there BEFORE opening at 9:00am (8:30/8:45 at latest). Get on a Disney Bus by 8am.

Aim for FANTASYLAND!!!
Dumbo (high priority…make a run for it! Do not stop and linger. GO GO GO)
Collect FastPass (FP) for Peter Pan
Many Adventures of Pooh
Snow White
Small World
Use FP and ride Peter Pan
(Send runner to collect FP for Splash Mountain --Take Break)
Mad Tea Party
Carousel
Frontierland: Country Bear Jamboree
Use Splash Mountain FP (ask for Rider Swap from a Cast Member before using the FP.) There is a little toddler playground there for Sonyah.
Collect FP for Jungle Cruise (Adventureland)

<From here, break for lunch>

Afternoon Touring: Explore Adventureland-- Use FP to ride Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Tiki Room. Move over to Tomorrowland and ride Carousel of Progress, Buzz Lightyear, Tomorrowland Speedway, and can consider Goofy Barnstormer. Don’t forget a trip on the railroad! You can also ride the Liberty Square Riverboat and explore Tom Sawyer Island.
--------------

Thoughts?

 

[Elleshoodat]

I think that's a solid plan for MK. One thing I find interesting is that when I make custom TP plans, it tells me NOT to do Dumbo first ... I don't know if it has to do with the attractions I selected or what, but I found that interesting.

Also, I was watching Lines over Easter week, and in the late afternoon the waits for Dumbo were listed at like, 20 minutes. Not the horror stories I've heard, so I don't know if that was a fluke or if the "new" Dumbo has something to do with it...

Anyway, I'm off track. The plan looks great. I would make sure she knows to be flexible, too.

 

[natebenma]

I think your plan is REALLY good!!! If I had young 'uns, I'd be all over that!

3 comments- with the new Fast Pass rules, there will be less flexibility about when you can cash in the rides. But with your plan, it still works.

Is Goofy's Barnstormer still around? I thought that was a casualty of the Toon Town shutdown. But I could be wrong...

Don't forget the TTA (Peoplemover)- especially if you are waiting for a FP for Buzz Lightyear or Space Mountain (if the big people are ridin) to come due.

Do they care about character greetings at all? That would through an enourmouse (ha ha typed that accidentally) wrench into the plans.