I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[mickeystoontown]

Gotta love pictures of an empty park! Even if that means going the long way around to an attraction.

You guys accomplished quite a bit in a short period of time. It's been several years since we've ridden Splash because I don't like walking around soaking wet. I remember back in the day when you didn't get as wet as you do now. Maybe we need to request the back row like you did.

Aww, I hate that Denny wasn't impressed by the Little Mermaid attraction. My guys thought that it was pretty neat.

 

[afwdwfan]

I really enjoy this area of the park first thing in the morning. It's empty!

There's a reason for that.

I had to take a shot of the mine train construction because it wasn't this far along when Cynthia and I were there in October. This looks like a fun ride. Can't wait to check it out.

I think I'm more excited for that than anything else in the new Fantasyland.

Although BoG was close. I'm always excited about food.

When we got to LM I was a little dismayed to find it wasn't opened yet, but we did grab a FP for later.

Well, the good news is that the momentary brain lapse didn't result in a 20 minute line or something.

I could tell that the timing of that major drench at the end of the drop was off, so it gave me hope that I wouldn't need a poncho (which I had inconveniently forgotten in the car).

You want a poncho on Splash??? In June??? Really????

It's so exciting when you get in a queue with no line. It's hard to stop and focus on pictures. I did my best.

No wait, or plenty of time for pictures... Hmmm... I'll take no wait.

Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't love this ride? Whether you are a thrill ride junkie or a thrill ride chicken, this ride has something to offer!

One of my all time favorites. It was the first roller coaster I ever went on and I've loved it since.

I better NOT!!!!! I left my poncho in the car, remember?????

A little water never hurt anybody.

Well, we did get stuck for awhile at one point.

Wouldn't be Splash Mountain if you didn't get stuck somewhere.

So what did Denny think. His exact words were "It's OK. I was expecting more".

I can see that. I mean I enjoyed it, but I guess for a brand new attraction with as much hoopla as there was surrounding the new Fantasyland, I can't argue with that assessment. The outside of the attraction and queue set the expectations awfully high.


And if this was the alternative offered to him vs. Space Mountain...

 

[eandesmom]

Big Thunder is the perfect way to start a day. Nice that you didn't get soaked on splash, at least if you had it was early enough and hot enough out that it would have dried relatively quickly.

I'm not surprised by Denny's reaction to LM. Jeff's would likely be very much the same.

An attempt at a resort visit?????

 

[MEK]

I don't like them either, and they make you sick before the alcohol can even have it's way with you. No fun in that! And I totally agree about the calorie count, at the very least that should be on the label, but then I'm also one who wants to know what the heck is in it. And agreed, if you don't want to know, don't look!

Exactly - because when I DON'T want to know I definitely don't look. Much too depressing.

It doesn't does it? It shouldn't be considering how many GMO's they are using in their product, a lot of people are very allergic to them, including my son. Now that Ty is 21 and brave enough to talk to me about drinking, he's told me he doesn't like to drink beer because he has allergic reactions to it. I asked what they were and he said his mouth itches, throat itches, heavy congestion all of a sudden. I said yup!! Here, read this article......once he read the article I posted to you he understood that he needs to buy German made beer or organic beer from now on. LOL! He said he forgot about the stringent "laws" in making German beer and that he had learned that in school. Aaaaah, glad to see our hard earned dollars aren't wasted on our kids going to college.

Wow - that's terrible. It never occurred to me that people could be allergic to the components of a specific alcoholic beverage. I'm glad that he can at least drink some beers.

The things kids learn in college nowadays. And the things they remember. Priorities, I guess.

You are most welcome!

You would be right, along with lots of research and lots of articles along the way.

So glad!! Now our outside stray kitty is sick. She was bitten by the neighbor cat who's a major butthead, she's mean as heck!! Comes over just to be mean to our kitty who almost never leaves our yard since we started feeding her five years ago.

Oh NO! Poor baby. Is she on an antibiotic? Better question? Can you even corral her in to give her an antibiotic? Poor thing. Outdoor cats have a tough life.

So glad you liked it!! Hope it was informative.

Very informative!

Awww, you are taking Brielle. It's bitter sweet just hearing about you taking her. I'm sure you'll both have a good time, laughing and crying together. It will be a good and hard trip, but one you'll both treasure forever.

I agree. I think its wonderful they will be traveling together. It will bring back so many great memories. I remember how happy Tracy looked last year. It will be wonderful for them to have that memory.

Well, Mary Ellen, it sounds like MK was good choice!! I looove getting there early and enjoying our favorite spots first thing in the morning before everyone else gets there.

I love starting my trip at the MK. Not sure what it is about the MK, but the whole park just screams Walt. It's just a magical way to kick off a trip.

You hit all the spots I like to hit first thing in the morning. And tell Denny he's all washed up!! LM was awesome!! I was expecting it to be a let down because so many said it was, but Mackie and I loved it!! The que alone is amazing!!

He IS all washed up, isn't he?

I loved it too. Everything was so bright, interactive, and engaging. He's a guy, what can I say?

And I too looooove that exact same side view of the castle. On our second trip I sat right there watching that same view with a funnel cake in hand as the park was clearing out for the evening and sat in peace watching the castle change colors at least 30 times. <happy sigh>

There is something so special about that view. It's so relaxing and engaging - all at the same time.

I always feel like someone is going to get upset with me for not rushing through the queue. I hate that feeling, so sadly I never stop to enjoy quite the way I would like.

I feel the same way. I love to stop and "smell the roses", so to speak, but I never want to hold someone else up. I'm so conflicted sometimes!

I love MK when there are low crowds. Such great photo ops then!

I agree. First thing in the morning is the absolute best. The park is still so peaceful.

Kinda odd that LM was not open yet. It seems to me like if the park is open EVERYTHING should be open. Not sure why it isn't the case though. I know in February, all of Liberty square and Frontierland were closed when we first got there. We had no choice, but to head to fantasyland. Glad you were able to get over to see it though once it finally opened. It is a neat ride, but really I think I am more impressed with the queue and the general area around the ride than the ride itself.

I'm not sure why it wasn't opened when we got there. I just thought it was a fluke. For all I know it may have opened as soon as we left. It worked out well because I rarely head over to BTMRR and Splash first, so that was a new twist.

I am anxious to use the tangled bathrooms! They sound so cool! I have yet to see any one who has taken any pictures even though. Guess bathroom pics are frown upon.

I have seen some pictures of it, but I can't remember who took them. If I come across them again I will post a link!

BTMRR is my FAVORITE ride!!!

SUCH a GREAT ride!

 

[Poolrat]

I have seen some pictures of it, but I can't remember who took them. If I come across them again I will post a link!

It wasn't me!!!! I haven't been in there either. I need to rectify that.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Getting stuck on Splash wasn't too bad, something different to see.

Here beer & wine can be bought in grocery stores, but liquor is sold in state run stores.

Lovely pictures as always.

We are leaving this coming Monday for AKL CL, I'm so looking forward to this trip.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Mary Ellen! I had to catch up from the end of your HHI part of your TR... I'm so far behind!

That was so funny about the anatomy lesson for Denny and the very educational piece about throwing a clot through a vein (DVT). You alluded to more to come during the WDW part of your TR... again, so funny, I'm definitely tuned in!

Yikes for a bumpy and extended flight. We had to hold for about 45 minutes in the air recently because of severe thunderstorms in the Orlando area and no gates at the airport since they had held all flights on the ground. No bueno when you just want to be on the ground and get on that Magic Express bus or grab the rental car and pass under that iconic sign!

Glad you made it to Epcot that first night... I hate to leave any park time on the table - even on arrival night! Sorry Marrakesh didn't work out but the CS option looked yummy!

Man, you really tried to make MK park open. At least you were there... just not beyond the gates but near enough to see it. Your photos totally count even with heads in the way!

Great job getting two of the mountain rides accomplished so early in the day. I completely related to what you said about queue photos... I hate to hold anyone up to get a photo so I can only squeeze those off if there's no one close by.

I think Disney did a great job with LM and even though we have a version here in CA it is even better in MK due to the amazing theming of the queue.

Ok, now I'm caught up!

 

[MEK]

Yep, you have to take the class, spend a certain number of hours driving, etc. It's ridiculous! But what's even more ridiculous is that he had A WHOLE YEAR in which he could've just strolled into the DMV and gotten a new one (without any re-testing), and he didn't. So it's his own fault. But I'm the one that suffers!

Seriously. It is pretty ridiculous he put it off. I'm sorry you are now paying the price. That really stinks. Especially since you have a baby and you just never know when you might really need to drive. Although I suspect its probably just as easy to take a cab most places.

Nice update, Love the castle pics, I like the side view too, especially with the water there.

Thanks! I always try that view at different times of the day, but I think first thing in the morning wins! I love the water, too.

I am looking forward to seeing that Little Mermaid ride next trip. Too bad your Hubby wasn't impressed with it..

It's a really cool ride. You will love it. I think the problem was I didn't prep him for what to expect. I'm sure he wanted something with a little more thrill. I think that's what he was expecting.

Great pics of the Mine Train construction. Maybe it will be done by then, at least it should be- we aren't planning to go until Fall 2014.

I would love if it were ready by October 2014. It looks like its going to be really cute. I can't wait to see what it looks like this October. I am always fascinated by how the construction changes from trip to trip.

I have to agree with you, being in Liberty Square early in the morning is nice. you pretty much have the place to yourself!

It really IS empty and that's pretty cool. I enjoyed the solitude and a chance to try to hang myself. I've never gotten to do that before!

Happy to see you were able to get in several rides before the heat really took over. I have yet to see the new queue for Thunder, and your pictures made me excited to return in December! It certainly looks like it was spruced up.

There is so much more to look at now. I really like it. The theme is great and blends in well. Just give the whole queue a more interesting vibe without being over the top,

The LM attraction is great, but I could see where some people might not love it like some of us. After all, it is a dark ride based on a princess film.

Exactly. Plus I didn't prep Denny well enough. I'm sure he thought it was going to have more of a thrill ride component. Oh well, live and learn.

Little Mermaid by way of Liberty Square? You should have made that left turn at Albuquerque.

Yeah, yeah wise guy! Now that would be quite the detour!

I did think of someone who doesn't like Thunder Mountain: my son, Scotty. I still don't know what his problem is. We'll just have to force him back on the ride next time.

That's right. I remember that Scotty wasn't a fan. But I thought he liked it last time. Or is that just wishful thinking?

Wait - now I remember - that's one of those moments that earned you both parent of the year awards.

I guess the key to Little Mermaid is to temper expectations. It's not a thrill ride, it's a dark ride.

Exactly, but I didn't prepare Denny well enough for that. I think he's STILL waiting for the thrill ride component.

Nothing I love more than MK first thing in the morning....but Liberty Square empty....priceless! I love the era so I love spending time in that area!

It was really nice to be in an empty Liberty Square. We never head in that direction. We always hang a right to Space Mountain, so this changed things up a bit and that was fun!

Great shots of the new Fantasyland! I can't wait to see it on our next trip....something brand new to look forward to!

I know you are going to love it. It is really nicely done. Great detail. Everything is so vibrant and bright. Well done Disney!

 

[DWGal210]

Another great update!

I have to admit, Splash Mountain isn't one of my favorites. I think I've only done it once. (ducks for cover) I know, I know, take away my Disney fan card for that one!! I just hate drops - I also did ToT ONCE and I felt sick the rest of the day.

I love the new Little Mermaid! I think it's so well done. Denny is too funny

I wish I was going in October this year!! I'm going in December so I shouldn't complain at all. I'd like to go this fall but I'm socking away money for my new house.

Hope you have a great day!!

 

[Nermel9]

Great update! Gotta love Liberty Square and Frontierland in the morning! It's funny, BTMRR is such a classic Disney ride, and I've been going on it all my life, but for some reason, I feel like it's still new to me, maybe because of all the times I've gone with Brandon, we just started going on it a few trips ago? I don't know, but I'm glad it's still fun for me and not boring!

Haha, I think I'll request the last row on Splash from now on, unless I happen to go when it's really hot or something! I hate walking around MK soaked!

I can't imagine the heat in June, it was bad enough in May, so June must be so much worse!

 

[jash08]

Love Liberty Square first thing!

June is soooo hot. By 11:30 I am ready to rest and not come back out until 7:00 pm

 

[MEK]

Gotta love pictures of an empty park! Even if that means going the long way around to an attraction.

Yup - definitely a silver lining. There's nothing cooler than an empty park.

You guys accomplished quite a bit in a short period of time. It's been several years since we've ridden Splash because I don't like walking around soaking wet. I remember back in the day when you didn't get as wet as you do now. Maybe we need to request the back row like you did.

I hate getting soaking wet. Hate it! But I could tell the timing was off so our odds of getting soaked were small. The back row is definitely the driest row. It's the front row you really need to worry about.

Aww, I hate that Denny wasn't impressed by the Little Mermaid attraction. My guys thought that it was pretty neat.

So glad to hear your guys loved it. They probably had a good idea about what to expect. I am sure you prepped them well.

There's a reason for that.

Are you implying that Liberty Square is..eh ...um....boring? Say it isn't so!

I think I'm more excited for that than anything else in the new Fantasyland.

I have to agree with you on that. I like the idea of a roller coaster, even if it is a tame one. Great theming goes a long way in making a tame coaster seem a lot more exciting. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Although BoG was close. I'm always excited about food.

Me too! But I wasn't planning on eating lunch there since we had a dinner ADR scheduled.

Well, the good news is that the momentary brain lapse didn't result in a 20 minute line or something.

True! Good point!

¥ou want a poncho on Splash??? In June??? Really????

Hey - don't be a hater. I'm a girl. I hate getting my hair wet. It can get frizzy enough without funky Splash Mtn water on it.

No wait, or plenty of time for pictures... Hmmm... I'll take no wait.

Me too! Any day!

One of my all time favorites. It was the first roller coaster I ever went on and I've loved it since.

Me too! Well, it wasn't my first coaster but I loved it the first time I rode it. And when I rode it at night it got even better.

A little water never hurt anybody.

The hair, remember? Think major frizz. MAJOR FRIZZ! Not good!

Wouldn't be Splash Mountain if you didn't get stuck somewhere.

So true. I would estimate that I get stuck on the ride just about every other ride. I marvel when I get to go straight through.

I can see that. I mean I enjoyed it, but I guess for a brand new attraction with as much hoopla as there was surrounding the new Fantasyland, I can't argue with that assessment. The outside of the attraction and queue set the expectations awfully high.

Good point. they really do and you're really not sure what to expect. I guess another dark ride just didn't do it for him.

And if this was the alternative offered to him vs. Space Mountain...

Another good point because usually we get the FP for Space first. Can't really compare the two in terms of excitement. I probably won't take him there again. I'll just go on my own.

 

[afwdwfan]

Are you implying that Liberty Square is..eh ...um....boring? Say it isn't so!

Not at all. I'm just saying there is nothing there that can't be done during peak hours.

 

[norybell]

Seriously. It is pretty ridiculous he put it off. I'm sorry you are now paying the price. That really stinks. Especially since you have a baby and you just never know when you might really need to drive. Although I suspect its probably just as easy to take a cab most places.

I guess I'll forgive him. Being that he's the father of my child and all. But the second we move out of this city, I'm packing him off to the DMV!

 

[teekathepony]

Alrighty here we go, finally getting caught up! Glad I only missed one update!
Too bad LM wasn't open yet, but glad you were able to grab a FP for later
Love the gallows pic! I have never been able to get one of those, always too crowded!
I LOVE BTMRR! I got my parents on it with me in Paris... a little too much thrill for them! They're big time thrill wimps!
Glad you didn't get wet on Splash! If it's a hot day I usually head there first and hope to get really wet to cool off!
LM looks so adorable! Too bad Denny wasn't impressed though! I guess after the wonders of Soarin or ToT or RnR it's hard to be impressed by a tame dark ride.

 

[Moira222]

I just looked at the prices for next June and they are HIGH! More than twice what I paid for last year. I'm sure it will drop. I would have your sister look at VRBO if they are sold on an off site stay. I think some of the housing rentals are definitely worth the price and a lot of them have private pools. Many of them have specially decorated Disney rooms. Definitely worth a look.

what is VRBO??

Yes you are a bit off track for Little Mermaid
http://s235.photobucket.com/user/me...13 Day 2 Part 1/IMG_2337_zps94ee1ce5.jpg.html

I guess your really don't need two of the same shots but whatever

of course you do, or we would not all take pictures like crazy every time we go to WDW or even to the same park multiple times on one trip!!

Love this! Haven't been able to get this shot for a while because you're right, there is always a load of people.

It was still too early to head over to Tom Sawyer's Island.



Not that we were heading there anyway.

I have STILL never been to Tom Sawyers Island. I will have to put that high on the list for this October!


You have fantastic BTMRR shots! Love your sales pitch there MEK - I'm sold! but truthfully I think BTMRR is the perfect level of thrill ride for all ages.

Looks like Splash was a hit too - glad that you did not get soaked (though I would be disappointed if I didn't get wet!)

I enjoyed the LM ride but if you were expecting something other than Nemo I can see how it would be a bit of a let down. I am SO looking forward to the Mine Train opening up next year. I hope it opens before June!

 

[MEK]

Sorry I can't do replies now from my phone, but for Mary Ellen VRBO is vacation rentals by owners. It's a great website. Check it out. You will be astounded just how many properties there are.

 

[rentayenta]

I totally agree with Denny's view on the Little Mermaid ride, the one in CA anyway. They hyped it up so much that it would have been impossible for it to live up to it.

Love Splash and BTMRR. You are so brave taking pictures during BTMRR. I'd surely drop my camera or phone.

Your photos are fantastic. I especially love the one of the Mark Twain. It's called the Mark Twain at MK isn't it? Both are great pics.

When is the Mine rode supposed to open?

 

[MEK]

Big Thunder is the perfect way to start a day. Nice that you didn't get soaked on splash, at least if you had it was early enough and hot enough out that it would have dried relatively quickly.

Big Thunder was a great way to kick off the day and I was thankful that I didn't get wet on Splash. I knew drying off would not have been a problem, I just wasn't in the mood. Is anyone ever in the mood for that?

I'm not surprised by Denny's reaction to LM. Jeff's would likely be very much the same.

It's a man thing.

An attempt at a resort visit?????

Yes - an attempt. A very valiant attempt, but we ran into a snafu. Fortunately we adjusted our plans and....well, stick around for that.

It wasn't me!!!! I haven't been in there either. I need to rectify that.

Yes you DO and so DO I! Inexcusable!

Getting stuck on Splash wasn't too bad, something different to see.

I think your behind the scenes experience was pretty cool. I imagine there are probably locations in that ride where it isn't quite as easy to unload. I'm just glad I didn't have to find out.

Here beer & wine can be bought in grocery stores, but liquor is sold in state run stores.

That makes sense to me. Liquor in the liquor store, but beer and wine in the grocery store. How convenient!

Lovely pictures as always.

Thanks!

We are leaving this coming Monday for AKL CL, I'm so looking forward to this trip.

Have a wonderful time! AK CL sounds like absolute heaven. I hope it's your best trip yet! Lots of pictures please!

Hi Mary Ellen! I had to catch up from the end of your HHI part of your TR... I'm so far behind!

Welcome back Brenda! I hope you had a wonderful trip! The only bad part about a Disney trip is it takes forever to catch back up on the DIS boards.

That was so funny about the anatomy lesson for Denny and the very educational piece about throwing a clot through a vein (DVT). You alluded to more to come during the WDW part of your TR... again, so funny, I'm definitely tuned in!

He was really certain a DVT caused his coronary blockage. No amount of convincing could make him believe otherwise. I think he's finally come around.

Yikes for a bumpy and extended flight. We had to hold for about 45 minutes in the air recently because of severe thunderstorms in the Orlando area and no gates at the airport since they had held all flights on the ground. No bueno when you just want to be on the ground and get on that Magic Express bus or grab the rental car and pass under that iconic sign!

I hear you on the no bueno! I know thunderstorms are a common problem and it just makes everything totally back up. Wasn't it insane how crowded the airport was? I have never seen it that bad.

Glad you made it to Epcot that first night... I hate to leave any park time on the table - even on arrival night! Sorry Marrakesh didn't work out but the CS option looked yummy!

I'm so glad we managed to get into Epcot that night. I really wanted to try Marrakesh, but the CS option worked out really well. The timing was perfect for us to get to see Illuminations. It was a great way to kick off the trip.

Man, you really tried to make MK park open. At least you were there... just not beyond the gates but near enough to see it. Your photos totally count even with heads in the way!

Thanks! It was a bummer that we couldn't get there in time. We tried. We really did, but I still didn't judge the timing well enough.

Great job getting two of the mountain rides accomplished so early in the day. I completely related to what you said about queue photos... I hate to hold anyone up to get a photo so I can only squeeze those off if there's no one close by.

I always start taking pictures with no one around but I'm so obsessive that I tend to want that "one last picture" and the next thing you know someone is on my tail. Oops!

I think Disney did a great job with LM and even though we have a version here in CA it is even better in MK due to the amazing theming of the queue.

It's so interesting to hear how different rides compare between DL and WDW. Someday I will see the DL version myself. I am not starting to eye up a trip in 2015!

Ok, now I'm caught up!

Yeah!

 

[MEK]

Great update! Gotta love Liberty Square and Frontierland in the morning! It's funny, BTMRR is such a classic Disney ride, and I've been going on it all my life, but for some reason, I feel like it's still new to me, maybe because of all the times I've gone with Brandon, we just started going on it a few trips ago? I don't know, but I'm glad it's still fun for me and not boring!

Welcome back Jen! Thanks for stopping by!

That's exactly the way I feel about BTMMR. It's always fun and never boring. Doesn't matter how many times I ride it, its always a great ride and it makes me laugh every time!

Haha, I think I'll request the last row on Splash from now on, unless I happen to go when it's really hot or something! I hate walking around MK soaked!

I'm not too proud to ask for a specific row or seat. When I ride RnR I never let them sit me in the back. I hate it back this. I know, I know - I'm a wimp!

I can't imagine the heat in June, it was bad enough in May, so June must be so much worse!

June can be killer. The worst was in 2009. It never rained the week I was there and I thought I was going to literally melt by the end of the week. This June and last June were not nearly as bad. I would pick later in the year over June anyway, but sometimes you do what you gotta do!

Love Liberty Square first thing!

Even though it was an accident, I am happy we got a quick trip through there. It was really neat!

June is soooo hot. By 11:30 I am ready to rest and not come back out until 7:00 pm

I'm not quite that bad, but close! I like to be out of the park by 1pm and I won't go back until 4pm or later. I pray for rain so it cools down a bit!

Not at all. I'm just saying there is nothing there that can't be done during peak hours.

Good point!

I guess I'll forgive him. Being that he's the father of my child and all. But the second we move out of this city, I'm packing him off to the DMV!

OMG Nory! I cracked up when I read this! Yes - I guess you must forgive him, but I agree that he needs to be at the door of DMV the minute you make plans to move!

Alrighty here we go, finally getting caught up! Glad I only missed one update!

You missed an update? Say it isn't so!

Too bad LM wasn't open yet, but glad you were able to grab a FP for later

FP or not, I was going on LM. It's such a cute ride and a great addition. I really want to see the queue at night time!

Love the gallows pic! I have never been able to get one of those, always too crowded!

Well now you know the trick. Just walk the LONG way to LM and you too can have the gallows all to yourself!

I LOVE BTMRR! I got my parents on it with me in Paris... a little too much thrill for them! They're big time thrill wimps!

Is the ride different in Paris? Is it more of a thrill ride or about the same? Sorry your parents didn't love it.

Glad you didn't get wet on Splash! If it's a hot day I usually head there first and hope to get really wet to cool off!

I am sure we would have dried off very quickly, but I still am a wimp. I would have worn my poncho if it wasn't in the car.

LM looks so adorable! Too bad Denny wasn't impressed though! I guess after the wonders of Soarin or ToT or RnR it's hard to be impressed by a tame dark ride.

It is an adorable ride. the problem was I didn't prep Denny well enough. I think he was expecting something very different. Oh well. Live and learn!