DWeav
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2016
- Messages
- 281
I've seen others post this kind of thread and liked reading the experiences to gain any tips...so here goes mine! I apologize ahead of time for the length and detail (if you wanted just a summary).
My family of 3 (myself, wife, both in early 30's and soon to be 5 year old girl) are from Central PA, flew out of Baltimore with a stop in Atlanta, arriving in Orlando on 8/25/2016, a Thursday.
We arrived on time around 10:30 AM in Orlando and were in Magic Kingdom by 12:30 PM (this is with a stop at Pop Century to unload our carry-ons). We got to Pop around 11:45, was very happy with the Magical Express, we didn't have to wait long. Our room was not ready, but on the bus to MK, we received the text saying it was (doh!).
Then of course, to start the vacation just right, I noticed while in the bus to MK, that my new green magic band had vanished from my wrist. Must have fallen off while unloading luggage, folding or unfolding stroller while at Pop. I just had my wife run into MK and grab me a BB8 magic band, linked it quick, and off we went, wasn't bothering with Guest Relations at the very start of our first day at MK. (later I stopped at the front desk at Pop to see if they found it, they had not, but gave me a replacement green magicband, no cost to me, nice!)
So when we first arrived to MK, after getting my new band, we made it into the park (Security wasn't a problem the entire trip. Moved along well, understand the need). Our first fastpass wasn't until 1:15 PM and it was for talking Mickey. We wanted that to be our girls first thing we did, but thanks to the quick Magical Express and our giddiness to get to the park, we did Tinkerbell first and caught Stitch just inside MK (thanks characterlocator.com by the way for the times for characters and where to catch them).
The crane was up when we first got there, but we expected it from reading about it on here. There were many times though during our trip that it was completely down, so we got great pictures.
After meets with Tink, Stitch, Mickey and a few castle pictures, we went to the Pinocchio Haus for lunch, sat on the outdoor balcony area that I read about on the internet, views of the carousel and castle, so awesome. We were the only ones out there, is kind of tricky to find if you don’t know it’s there.
Did Enchanted Tales FP (we did this 4 times during our trip, lol). Our little one loved it. She didn’t participate the first time, but I made a deal with her that I would try to be one of the Knights if she would try to volunteer. I was the Knight the next three times and she was Chip once and the horse (Felipe?) 2 times. Great pictures (thanks memory maker, can’t stress enough how nice it is to have as many pictures taken and get them all at the end of the trip (and look at them instantly for the most part on the phone during queue lines, we had over 700 photos taken, insane!).
Then did Philarmagic and took a break to our resort to check out our room and unpack & get our resort mugs (from the free dining promotion). We did not do well on our meal credits, had so many leftover. We even did the Cinderella Table, Tusker House, Crystal Palace, Disney Jr Hollywood and Vine and so much more, but just way too much food! Had many snack credits left too, turned them in for stuff to take home (candy/mixed nuts/etc from the Pop Century store). We did two early morning magics (MK and HS) as well as the Star Wars dessert party, so that obviously took away from meals. We paid for our pizza at Via Napoli and paid for Yak and Yeti, as we were not going to have enough table credits, but then later in the trip ended up cancelling Ohana and Minnie’s Dinner at Hollywood Studios. Oops.
Sorry I get off topic.
Anyway, after our break, we returned to MK for a ride on the people mover, buzz lightyear, little mermaid (I kid you not, we probably rode this thing 15-20 times during our trip as it was our child’s favorite and you could walk right on, except for this past weekend, labor day weekend, it got crazy in the parks. It actually had waits. So spoiled by the dead crowds last week) Then got a sticky bun from Gaston’s Tavern, my goodness it was huge! So good! Then did the Dumbo ride, M&G with Minnie and Daisy and then caught the Electrical Parade.
Friday the 26th, we rope dropped MK, caught the welcome show, it was an extra magic hour morning. We got so much done in our first few hours of each park (and not just because of extra magic hours, as we only did that this day and avoided it the rest). I don’t understand why some people take forever to get in the park only to wait in long lines at that point, but I appreciate them doing so!. We would go back to the resort for a break midday, most days. Before our scheduled 1 PM haircut at the barber shop for our girls very first haircut, we rode Astro Orbiter, Speedway, Tea Cups, picture with Alice, Dumbo X2, Little Mermaid, met with Merida, rode magic carpets, got a dole whip!, the girls rode Mermaid again while I used FP on Seven Dwarfs (too much for them), and ate at Cosmic Rays, and still had time to spare before 1 PM haircut (walked around a nearby store). After haircut, had a FP for Aurora and Cinderella, rode carousel, did Philarmagic again, picture with sword in the stone, and rode Pooh with another FP. Break to resort.
Came back for dinner at Be Our Guest. We booked it 6 months in advance and we had been there before on a previous trip a couple years ago, ate in the room with the rose. Our girl was so scared, didn’t like the experience. So when we got there this time, the girl said we were going to be seated there, and if that was ok. I said no, explained our previous trip and she said well it would be an hour wait to get a table in another room. Without me pressing, she said she would check to be sure, when she came back she said she could get us in the ballroom with no wait. Thank goodness! Our girl did not want to even get near the Beast, so the wife and I were going to get our picture while she stood near the photopass folks. The line was so long and not moving, we just bypassed it. Rode rides the rest of the evening and left.
Saturday the 27th, we went to Hollywood Studios, planned to hit Chewy at park open (as we had FP for Toy Story and were going on the 31st to an early morning magic ticketed event). Then did Star Tours (took my girl on, I so wanted her to love it, sadly she didn't, so I only got to ride one other time by myself later in trip). Then FP Toy Story, did Minnie/Mickey M&G (which we had Mickey hold a sign, which he hung from his nose, saying we were expecting), would have been great, but the photopass girl’s camera went down and gave us a card that it was to be on. Later on that. (also, we knew the risk of Zika, went anyway, personally know some pregnant women that live in Florida, their doctors were not concerned, but I don’t want to start any arguments on that, it was our choice). Used FP on the Frozen show, pleasantly surprised, the hosts were so hilarious, jokes targeting adults as well. Did the Disney Jr Lunch at Hollywood and Vine, our girl loved meeting the characters. Watched the Beauty and the Beast show, wonderful as always! Built a droid, our girl enjoyed that at the Star Wars store. During us waiting for characterpalooza, we noticed our pictures not showing up for Mickey Mouse. (We tried Characterpalooza twice, rain in area both times, they didn’t show, sadly). Went to the “Dark Room” to ask about our pictures, waited probably a good 45 minutes in there while one fellow tried hard to find them, called somewhere else, no luck. Pictures no where to be found. He called someone to come and try to give us a fastpass to do the Mickey/Minnie M&G (but our girl was asleep anyway, we just wanted the previous pictures). The guy that came said he couldn’t give us a FP for a M&G, gave us one for Toy Story. Then after he left, the photopass crew broke out their book of anytime fastpasses and wrote us one anyway, lol. When we arrived at the M&G, they were not sure how to get us directly to Mickey. We got to bypass the line and bypass Minnie, but waited a short wait for Mickey. Pictures still didn’t turn out too well, our fault with the little chalkboards. Caused a light reflection. Ate at Backlot Express and caught Fantasmic. (we did get a picture during Halloween night with the Genie pointing at my wife's belly)
Sunday the 28th, Animal Kingdom. Hit Pocahontas first at rope drop (see a theme here?). M&G with Minnie and Mickey as "It’s tough to be a bug" was down. Watched Lion King show, did the safari, flights of wonder, then bugs ride was open. All before 12:30 lunch at Tusker House, Jungle Book showing included. Took a long afternoon break, skipping our Nemo FP show and came back for Yak and Yeti, wonderful food! Did the dinosaur dig area, and the little Triceratops ride a few times. I went and rode Everest as single rider, drool! Saw the Jungle Book show...my goodness, if we waited for that show like most people did, I would have kicked myself, very very underwhelming show. They have the show so close to the stage that it was extremely tough to see much of anything with people’s heads in our way. Wish we skipped this like many people suggested. Awful. I rode Everest again at night and left.
Monday 29th at Epcot, I didn’t make the greatest log of it, but we did Akershus at 8:00 AM prepark opening. By the time we were seated and had food, it was already 8:25 and not one princess in sight. Our plan was to leave around 8:45-8:50 to catch the Frozen ride. Princesses then came quickly, but by that time we asked our little girl if she would like to stay and do every princess and the little parade thing they do our the tables or go ride Frozen. She chose to stay, even with being a Frozen freak. We finished without rushing and were ready to leave the Showcase until later (this was 9:02 AM), only to see that there was no line for Frozen yet! So we jumped on. My wife and I loved the ride, our girl didn’t like the drops, as small as they were. The animatronics were cool for Olaf and Sven, Anna and Elsa just okay, a little weird on the faces. But liked how the drop was incororpated and such. We had to force our child to ride again later in trip with a fastpass, she preferred the Figment ride (my goodness, I hate that ride now…). Did the Anna and Elsa M&G with small line, then left the showcase to ride Living with the Land for the first time, loved it. So interesting. Made it back to the Showcase at 11, did Mary Poppins right away, she was 10 minutes late with impending rain, then showed up right before the rain and had to be moved inside. Then off to Jasmine and Alladin, back to Belle, checked out the one side of the showcase (the chair balancing act was cool, did the pearls in Japan and ate at Napoli. Worked our way back and did Soarin (loved the new film, I remember reading people thought it looked too fake, I loved it. So clear and the new locations were a nice touch. Much better than previous version, in my opinion. We left a little early, with only a short break at the American Adventure show, after hearing them sing in the lobby, so nice.
Tuesday 30th, back to MK, early morning magic ticketed event. Went right in at 7:45 AM, rode Pooh all together, then pictures with empty castle. I rode 7 Dwarfs myself 4 times, Pooh with the family I believe 3-4 times, rode Peter Pan with the family 3 times (they obviously did Pooh and Pan more than that while I rode 7 Dwarfs), then I took a video of them riding the Carousel all by themselves, so cool, the ticketed event so worth it if you can swing the $. Then we went to Pinochhio Haus for our included buffet meal. When we arrived at the door, they said “are you the party of 3?” And we were confused, they said they were waiting on us? We were told we were the family of the day, thought it was a mistake, lol. We sat at a special table and while everyone else got up to get their own food (it was a buffet afterall), we had a menu of what was there and two castmembers were assigned to bring us what we wanted along with a huge platter of meat and cheese and a huge platter of pastries. We felt like royalty! They would stop and talk with us, ask us our plans and what else we wanted to do that day (we had a Bibbidy Bobbidy planned for our girl followed by Cinderella Table dining). They had our girl write her wish in the book (to meet Elsa, which she already did, lol), and then they gave us a fastpass for any ride that day or the next at MK, then they brought out a fancy looking pastry with a Congratulations on it (at first I thought they somehow were told we were expecting, lol, but it was just for being the “family of the day”, of just the early morning magic I assume (as I know a family opens the park at the welcome show). Rode some rides, did Bibbidy Bobbidy (her hair stayed that way from Tuesday the 30th until the night before we left, lol, score!), did Cinderella Table, left for break, came back and rode the rest of the night, coming back to the resort early because:
Wednesday 31st, back to HS, early morning magic ticketed event. This one was dampered for me as I expected to do the Star Tours ride a few times, but since my girl didn’t care for it, we did all of the characters (Minnie/Mickey (yes again), Olaf, Buzz and Woody) and rode Toy Story 5 Times. Then went to eat at ABC Commisary, good food. There was a fine mist type rain most of the day, it was wonderful as it kept the heat and crowds away. Did the Muppets show, Indiana Jones, and ate lunch at Sci Fi Dine in Theatre (such good food and awesome atmosphere, will do again!). Characterpalooza a bust again, went and did the Storm Trooper March and Far Far Away show, Star Wars geek here so this was so freakin cool to see R2D2 and C3P0 and the gang walk around on stage. Did the Little Mermaid show, our girl loved it. Did not do the Disney Jr show, did that a few years ago and it was a killer when they made us adults sit scrunched together on the floor and our child would not go to the front to sit with the other kids. I then had some me time and did RNR and TOT myself. Then I went and rode the Star Tours ride again, as I was getting on, the castmember girl must have seen tha t I left my family to get on and she gave us an anytime fastpass for any ride for up to 5 guests! After Star Tours, we rode (I’m not kidding), Toy Story Mania 5 more times (kept getting fastpasses, by checking the app and moving the time up) We didn’t even use the complimentary fastpass given to us so as we were leaving the Toy Story area, I saw a couple with 2 kids and gave them the fastpass, they were so happy! We went and did the Star Wars dessert party. By this time, the rain was coming down harder, but we were inside. Wasn’t crazy impressed with the desserts, but we don’t drink, so the open bar was a waste with us. Wish they had some other real food. This was not a good value for us, but the atmosphere was pretty cool. Did the Kylo Ren M&G with no wait and Chewy again with little wait. Then they took us to the roped off area for our viewing of the Star Wars show, so disorganized, but it was pouring at this point. I had to hoist my child up on my shoulders to see, she wouldntn go up with the other kids in the front and it was so crowded in the little roped off section. Very disappointed. Did manage to get some glimpses of the show, which was a good show, just wish I had a better view.
Thusday 1st, Crystal Palace pre opening breakfast, crane down! Grabbed multiple pictures of family with photopass folks and went to breakfast (fall decorations starting to pop up, nice!. Didn’t rush, our girl met with each character ate until stuffed, left while park was still not open to other guests. In one hour at opening, we did the Speedway, Pooh, Dumbo twice , the girls rode again while I tried barnstormer, tea cups, 2 buzz lightyears (all in 1 hour). Then did Mermaid ride, caught the new castle show and left to Epcot.
Did the other side of Epcot, visiting each pavilion, met Mulan and Snow White, Anna and Elsa a 2nd time to avoid a small rain shower, had to force our child on the Frozen ride with a fastpass ( you believe that??? But she loved Figment ride!!! UGH!!!) Did the Visa character spot, meeting Mickey/Minnie/Goofy, Figment twice!!!, Spaceship Earth, Nemo and aquarium, Mexico Ride and dinner there (great atmosphere, food, meh), left at 8 PM before nighttime show.
Friday the 2nd, we did not use a ticket, slept in all day, lol, as we had a Halloween ticket for that night. Got to the park at 4 PM, my daughter was Rey, I was Han Solo and my wife had black leggings with a Chewbacca tanktop that made her look like, well, you get it. So many compliments, it was awesome. We went and stood in line for the Dwarfs at 4:50 or so, I know, crazy right? Well, there was 2 other couples already there. They put us under a tent by the Minnie/Mickey M&G, which was great as a small rainstorm came through. Then they announced that the Dwarfs would come early! Was to be 7, showed up at 6:18 or so. Awesome. Then jumped in a small line for Pooh and friends M&G, 15 minute wait or so. Then Minnie/Daisy/Donald line, then some candy stops. Then to the front for Mickey Mouse, then over to Jasmine/Genie with more candy stops. Then caught 2nd parade and nighttime show, left. Worth it, but soooooooooo crowded. Caught a break with the Dwarfs.
Nothing too eventual Saturday and Sunday, took it easy, went to MK, Epcot, and even back to AK for a little (Everest a few more times, lol). Sunday we had an early morning Be Our Guest breakfast, food wasn’t that great. I should have taken a picture of the Gaston meal, very underwhelming. With that said, I still went away full. Left around 8:30 to an empty park (where we could travel), our girl pulled on the sword in the stone and it came up! This was probably 8:40 AM, before 9 AM opening. Went to Peter Pan, rode twice before crowd got too crazy. Spent the morning riding my girl’s favorites and got picture with Woody and Jessie, and did the Countrybear Jamborie (underrated, found it amusing). She even enjoyed the Haunted Mansion, huge shock to us, which is why we didn’t ride until the last day, lol. We also had a lunch at BOG, much better! I had the roast beef sandwich, wife had Turkey, we split each other’s.
Weather held off most days, was a great trip that we finally got to do on our own. We went with my family two times previously, but they are not early risers like us, so the last time we went was depressing. (they would get around too late and want to leave the parks early ***?)
Our planning had to be altered on the go, which from what you folks said, would occur. Some hiccups along the way, I kept losing stuff!!! UGH! We had a camelback water backup which worked awesome the first few days with the heat, then the valve where you drink water from disappeared! Ordered another off of amazon, overnight shipping, arrived 4 days later?!?! Our girl lost her Mickey ears, we thought was at Animal Kingdom, so late in the trip we stopped there at Guest Relations. Said that they ship lost and found items to MK the very next day after they have the item, but wrote us a slip to get another pair of ears anywhere on Disney property free of charge!!!
Overall a memorable trip that we all enjoyed. Sorry for the length!
My family of 3 (myself, wife, both in early 30's and soon to be 5 year old girl) are from Central PA, flew out of Baltimore with a stop in Atlanta, arriving in Orlando on 8/25/2016, a Thursday.
We arrived on time around 10:30 AM in Orlando and were in Magic Kingdom by 12:30 PM (this is with a stop at Pop Century to unload our carry-ons). We got to Pop around 11:45, was very happy with the Magical Express, we didn't have to wait long. Our room was not ready, but on the bus to MK, we received the text saying it was (doh!).
Then of course, to start the vacation just right, I noticed while in the bus to MK, that my new green magic band had vanished from my wrist. Must have fallen off while unloading luggage, folding or unfolding stroller while at Pop. I just had my wife run into MK and grab me a BB8 magic band, linked it quick, and off we went, wasn't bothering with Guest Relations at the very start of our first day at MK. (later I stopped at the front desk at Pop to see if they found it, they had not, but gave me a replacement green magicband, no cost to me, nice!)
So when we first arrived to MK, after getting my new band, we made it into the park (Security wasn't a problem the entire trip. Moved along well, understand the need). Our first fastpass wasn't until 1:15 PM and it was for talking Mickey. We wanted that to be our girls first thing we did, but thanks to the quick Magical Express and our giddiness to get to the park, we did Tinkerbell first and caught Stitch just inside MK (thanks characterlocator.com by the way for the times for characters and where to catch them).
The crane was up when we first got there, but we expected it from reading about it on here. There were many times though during our trip that it was completely down, so we got great pictures.
After meets with Tink, Stitch, Mickey and a few castle pictures, we went to the Pinocchio Haus for lunch, sat on the outdoor balcony area that I read about on the internet, views of the carousel and castle, so awesome. We were the only ones out there, is kind of tricky to find if you don’t know it’s there.
Did Enchanted Tales FP (we did this 4 times during our trip, lol). Our little one loved it. She didn’t participate the first time, but I made a deal with her that I would try to be one of the Knights if she would try to volunteer. I was the Knight the next three times and she was Chip once and the horse (Felipe?) 2 times. Great pictures (thanks memory maker, can’t stress enough how nice it is to have as many pictures taken and get them all at the end of the trip (and look at them instantly for the most part on the phone during queue lines, we had over 700 photos taken, insane!).
Then did Philarmagic and took a break to our resort to check out our room and unpack & get our resort mugs (from the free dining promotion). We did not do well on our meal credits, had so many leftover. We even did the Cinderella Table, Tusker House, Crystal Palace, Disney Jr Hollywood and Vine and so much more, but just way too much food! Had many snack credits left too, turned them in for stuff to take home (candy/mixed nuts/etc from the Pop Century store). We did two early morning magics (MK and HS) as well as the Star Wars dessert party, so that obviously took away from meals. We paid for our pizza at Via Napoli and paid for Yak and Yeti, as we were not going to have enough table credits, but then later in the trip ended up cancelling Ohana and Minnie’s Dinner at Hollywood Studios. Oops.
Sorry I get off topic.
Anyway, after our break, we returned to MK for a ride on the people mover, buzz lightyear, little mermaid (I kid you not, we probably rode this thing 15-20 times during our trip as it was our child’s favorite and you could walk right on, except for this past weekend, labor day weekend, it got crazy in the parks. It actually had waits. So spoiled by the dead crowds last week) Then got a sticky bun from Gaston’s Tavern, my goodness it was huge! So good! Then did the Dumbo ride, M&G with Minnie and Daisy and then caught the Electrical Parade.
Friday the 26th, we rope dropped MK, caught the welcome show, it was an extra magic hour morning. We got so much done in our first few hours of each park (and not just because of extra magic hours, as we only did that this day and avoided it the rest). I don’t understand why some people take forever to get in the park only to wait in long lines at that point, but I appreciate them doing so!. We would go back to the resort for a break midday, most days. Before our scheduled 1 PM haircut at the barber shop for our girls very first haircut, we rode Astro Orbiter, Speedway, Tea Cups, picture with Alice, Dumbo X2, Little Mermaid, met with Merida, rode magic carpets, got a dole whip!, the girls rode Mermaid again while I used FP on Seven Dwarfs (too much for them), and ate at Cosmic Rays, and still had time to spare before 1 PM haircut (walked around a nearby store). After haircut, had a FP for Aurora and Cinderella, rode carousel, did Philarmagic again, picture with sword in the stone, and rode Pooh with another FP. Break to resort.
Came back for dinner at Be Our Guest. We booked it 6 months in advance and we had been there before on a previous trip a couple years ago, ate in the room with the rose. Our girl was so scared, didn’t like the experience. So when we got there this time, the girl said we were going to be seated there, and if that was ok. I said no, explained our previous trip and she said well it would be an hour wait to get a table in another room. Without me pressing, she said she would check to be sure, when she came back she said she could get us in the ballroom with no wait. Thank goodness! Our girl did not want to even get near the Beast, so the wife and I were going to get our picture while she stood near the photopass folks. The line was so long and not moving, we just bypassed it. Rode rides the rest of the evening and left.
Saturday the 27th, we went to Hollywood Studios, planned to hit Chewy at park open (as we had FP for Toy Story and were going on the 31st to an early morning magic ticketed event). Then did Star Tours (took my girl on, I so wanted her to love it, sadly she didn't, so I only got to ride one other time by myself later in trip). Then FP Toy Story, did Minnie/Mickey M&G (which we had Mickey hold a sign, which he hung from his nose, saying we were expecting), would have been great, but the photopass girl’s camera went down and gave us a card that it was to be on. Later on that. (also, we knew the risk of Zika, went anyway, personally know some pregnant women that live in Florida, their doctors were not concerned, but I don’t want to start any arguments on that, it was our choice). Used FP on the Frozen show, pleasantly surprised, the hosts were so hilarious, jokes targeting adults as well. Did the Disney Jr Lunch at Hollywood and Vine, our girl loved meeting the characters. Watched the Beauty and the Beast show, wonderful as always! Built a droid, our girl enjoyed that at the Star Wars store. During us waiting for characterpalooza, we noticed our pictures not showing up for Mickey Mouse. (We tried Characterpalooza twice, rain in area both times, they didn’t show, sadly). Went to the “Dark Room” to ask about our pictures, waited probably a good 45 minutes in there while one fellow tried hard to find them, called somewhere else, no luck. Pictures no where to be found. He called someone to come and try to give us a fastpass to do the Mickey/Minnie M&G (but our girl was asleep anyway, we just wanted the previous pictures). The guy that came said he couldn’t give us a FP for a M&G, gave us one for Toy Story. Then after he left, the photopass crew broke out their book of anytime fastpasses and wrote us one anyway, lol. When we arrived at the M&G, they were not sure how to get us directly to Mickey. We got to bypass the line and bypass Minnie, but waited a short wait for Mickey. Pictures still didn’t turn out too well, our fault with the little chalkboards. Caused a light reflection. Ate at Backlot Express and caught Fantasmic. (we did get a picture during Halloween night with the Genie pointing at my wife's belly)
Sunday the 28th, Animal Kingdom. Hit Pocahontas first at rope drop (see a theme here?). M&G with Minnie and Mickey as "It’s tough to be a bug" was down. Watched Lion King show, did the safari, flights of wonder, then bugs ride was open. All before 12:30 lunch at Tusker House, Jungle Book showing included. Took a long afternoon break, skipping our Nemo FP show and came back for Yak and Yeti, wonderful food! Did the dinosaur dig area, and the little Triceratops ride a few times. I went and rode Everest as single rider, drool! Saw the Jungle Book show...my goodness, if we waited for that show like most people did, I would have kicked myself, very very underwhelming show. They have the show so close to the stage that it was extremely tough to see much of anything with people’s heads in our way. Wish we skipped this like many people suggested. Awful. I rode Everest again at night and left.
Monday 29th at Epcot, I didn’t make the greatest log of it, but we did Akershus at 8:00 AM prepark opening. By the time we were seated and had food, it was already 8:25 and not one princess in sight. Our plan was to leave around 8:45-8:50 to catch the Frozen ride. Princesses then came quickly, but by that time we asked our little girl if she would like to stay and do every princess and the little parade thing they do our the tables or go ride Frozen. She chose to stay, even with being a Frozen freak. We finished without rushing and were ready to leave the Showcase until later (this was 9:02 AM), only to see that there was no line for Frozen yet! So we jumped on. My wife and I loved the ride, our girl didn’t like the drops, as small as they were. The animatronics were cool for Olaf and Sven, Anna and Elsa just okay, a little weird on the faces. But liked how the drop was incororpated and such. We had to force our child to ride again later in trip with a fastpass, she preferred the Figment ride (my goodness, I hate that ride now…). Did the Anna and Elsa M&G with small line, then left the showcase to ride Living with the Land for the first time, loved it. So interesting. Made it back to the Showcase at 11, did Mary Poppins right away, she was 10 minutes late with impending rain, then showed up right before the rain and had to be moved inside. Then off to Jasmine and Alladin, back to Belle, checked out the one side of the showcase (the chair balancing act was cool, did the pearls in Japan and ate at Napoli. Worked our way back and did Soarin (loved the new film, I remember reading people thought it looked too fake, I loved it. So clear and the new locations were a nice touch. Much better than previous version, in my opinion. We left a little early, with only a short break at the American Adventure show, after hearing them sing in the lobby, so nice.
Tuesday 30th, back to MK, early morning magic ticketed event. Went right in at 7:45 AM, rode Pooh all together, then pictures with empty castle. I rode 7 Dwarfs myself 4 times, Pooh with the family I believe 3-4 times, rode Peter Pan with the family 3 times (they obviously did Pooh and Pan more than that while I rode 7 Dwarfs), then I took a video of them riding the Carousel all by themselves, so cool, the ticketed event so worth it if you can swing the $. Then we went to Pinochhio Haus for our included buffet meal. When we arrived at the door, they said “are you the party of 3?” And we were confused, they said they were waiting on us? We were told we were the family of the day, thought it was a mistake, lol. We sat at a special table and while everyone else got up to get their own food (it was a buffet afterall), we had a menu of what was there and two castmembers were assigned to bring us what we wanted along with a huge platter of meat and cheese and a huge platter of pastries. We felt like royalty! They would stop and talk with us, ask us our plans and what else we wanted to do that day (we had a Bibbidy Bobbidy planned for our girl followed by Cinderella Table dining). They had our girl write her wish in the book (to meet Elsa, which she already did, lol), and then they gave us a fastpass for any ride that day or the next at MK, then they brought out a fancy looking pastry with a Congratulations on it (at first I thought they somehow were told we were expecting, lol, but it was just for being the “family of the day”, of just the early morning magic I assume (as I know a family opens the park at the welcome show). Rode some rides, did Bibbidy Bobbidy (her hair stayed that way from Tuesday the 30th until the night before we left, lol, score!), did Cinderella Table, left for break, came back and rode the rest of the night, coming back to the resort early because:
Wednesday 31st, back to HS, early morning magic ticketed event. This one was dampered for me as I expected to do the Star Tours ride a few times, but since my girl didn’t care for it, we did all of the characters (Minnie/Mickey (yes again), Olaf, Buzz and Woody) and rode Toy Story 5 Times. Then went to eat at ABC Commisary, good food. There was a fine mist type rain most of the day, it was wonderful as it kept the heat and crowds away. Did the Muppets show, Indiana Jones, and ate lunch at Sci Fi Dine in Theatre (such good food and awesome atmosphere, will do again!). Characterpalooza a bust again, went and did the Storm Trooper March and Far Far Away show, Star Wars geek here so this was so freakin cool to see R2D2 and C3P0 and the gang walk around on stage. Did the Little Mermaid show, our girl loved it. Did not do the Disney Jr show, did that a few years ago and it was a killer when they made us adults sit scrunched together on the floor and our child would not go to the front to sit with the other kids. I then had some me time and did RNR and TOT myself. Then I went and rode the Star Tours ride again, as I was getting on, the castmember girl must have seen tha t I left my family to get on and she gave us an anytime fastpass for any ride for up to 5 guests! After Star Tours, we rode (I’m not kidding), Toy Story Mania 5 more times (kept getting fastpasses, by checking the app and moving the time up) We didn’t even use the complimentary fastpass given to us so as we were leaving the Toy Story area, I saw a couple with 2 kids and gave them the fastpass, they were so happy! We went and did the Star Wars dessert party. By this time, the rain was coming down harder, but we were inside. Wasn’t crazy impressed with the desserts, but we don’t drink, so the open bar was a waste with us. Wish they had some other real food. This was not a good value for us, but the atmosphere was pretty cool. Did the Kylo Ren M&G with no wait and Chewy again with little wait. Then they took us to the roped off area for our viewing of the Star Wars show, so disorganized, but it was pouring at this point. I had to hoist my child up on my shoulders to see, she wouldntn go up with the other kids in the front and it was so crowded in the little roped off section. Very disappointed. Did manage to get some glimpses of the show, which was a good show, just wish I had a better view.
Thusday 1st, Crystal Palace pre opening breakfast, crane down! Grabbed multiple pictures of family with photopass folks and went to breakfast (fall decorations starting to pop up, nice!. Didn’t rush, our girl met with each character ate until stuffed, left while park was still not open to other guests. In one hour at opening, we did the Speedway, Pooh, Dumbo twice , the girls rode again while I tried barnstormer, tea cups, 2 buzz lightyears (all in 1 hour). Then did Mermaid ride, caught the new castle show and left to Epcot.
Did the other side of Epcot, visiting each pavilion, met Mulan and Snow White, Anna and Elsa a 2nd time to avoid a small rain shower, had to force our child on the Frozen ride with a fastpass ( you believe that??? But she loved Figment ride!!! UGH!!!) Did the Visa character spot, meeting Mickey/Minnie/Goofy, Figment twice!!!, Spaceship Earth, Nemo and aquarium, Mexico Ride and dinner there (great atmosphere, food, meh), left at 8 PM before nighttime show.
Friday the 2nd, we did not use a ticket, slept in all day, lol, as we had a Halloween ticket for that night. Got to the park at 4 PM, my daughter was Rey, I was Han Solo and my wife had black leggings with a Chewbacca tanktop that made her look like, well, you get it. So many compliments, it was awesome. We went and stood in line for the Dwarfs at 4:50 or so, I know, crazy right? Well, there was 2 other couples already there. They put us under a tent by the Minnie/Mickey M&G, which was great as a small rainstorm came through. Then they announced that the Dwarfs would come early! Was to be 7, showed up at 6:18 or so. Awesome. Then jumped in a small line for Pooh and friends M&G, 15 minute wait or so. Then Minnie/Daisy/Donald line, then some candy stops. Then to the front for Mickey Mouse, then over to Jasmine/Genie with more candy stops. Then caught 2nd parade and nighttime show, left. Worth it, but soooooooooo crowded. Caught a break with the Dwarfs.
Nothing too eventual Saturday and Sunday, took it easy, went to MK, Epcot, and even back to AK for a little (Everest a few more times, lol). Sunday we had an early morning Be Our Guest breakfast, food wasn’t that great. I should have taken a picture of the Gaston meal, very underwhelming. With that said, I still went away full. Left around 8:30 to an empty park (where we could travel), our girl pulled on the sword in the stone and it came up! This was probably 8:40 AM, before 9 AM opening. Went to Peter Pan, rode twice before crowd got too crazy. Spent the morning riding my girl’s favorites and got picture with Woody and Jessie, and did the Countrybear Jamborie (underrated, found it amusing). She even enjoyed the Haunted Mansion, huge shock to us, which is why we didn’t ride until the last day, lol. We also had a lunch at BOG, much better! I had the roast beef sandwich, wife had Turkey, we split each other’s.
Weather held off most days, was a great trip that we finally got to do on our own. We went with my family two times previously, but they are not early risers like us, so the last time we went was depressing. (they would get around too late and want to leave the parks early ***?)
Our planning had to be altered on the go, which from what you folks said, would occur. Some hiccups along the way, I kept losing stuff!!! UGH! We had a camelback water backup which worked awesome the first few days with the heat, then the valve where you drink water from disappeared! Ordered another off of amazon, overnight shipping, arrived 4 days later?!?! Our girl lost her Mickey ears, we thought was at Animal Kingdom, so late in the trip we stopped there at Guest Relations. Said that they ship lost and found items to MK the very next day after they have the item, but wrote us a slip to get another pair of ears anywhere on Disney property free of charge!!!
Overall a memorable trip that we all enjoyed. Sorry for the length!
