Kanga1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2004
- Messages
- 1,470
Cast of Characters:
Jana (moi, 40, obsessive planner of this and all trips..think Chevy Chase in the Vacation movies.)
Eric (DH, 41, a big kid at heart, pretty much goes with the flow and can have a good time anywhere as long as theres good food.)
Anna Marie (4 year-old DD and true princess any princess...pick one.)
Theres no morning EMH at any park this today, but theres still no rest for the weary. We have the coveted breakfast at Cinderellas Royal Table scheduled for 8:15 a.m. We awake quite rested and as DD is finding her Disney coins of chocolate in her magical bag, DH is having trouble getting one of the drawers of our bureau closed. Somethings in the way. He takes out the drawer and finds a brand new t-shirt from Epcots Norway (still in the plastic wrap) and its just DDs size! Gee thanks again Tink! $12 one day, a shirt the next at this point Im beginning to believe in magic! DD is excited today, not only because shes having breakfast IN the castle with the number one princess, but because SHE gets to be Cinderella today. She had gotten a Cinderella dress and crown for her birthday a few weeks ago, and we were saving it for this special occasion. Her appearance was breathtaking fair skin, blonde hair, and eyes the color of London blue topaz (she gets that from her Daddy.) She WAS Cinderella and she was beautiful. Our walk to MK this morning was peaceful. DH and I held hands while Cinderella skipped and twirled behind us. I was hoping they would let us in the park at 8:00, for I was looking forward to taking a few pictures of DD in front of the castle with no one in the background. There werent too many people waiting to get in, and several of the little girls had on princess dresses. DD loved this and wanted to talk to everyone of them. Even though shes an only child, shes extremely social and made quite a lot of little friends throughout our trip. Finally, its time and the CMs let us all in. DH got some great video footage of her running up a fairly vacant Main Street and I got some pics in front of the castle. Perfect. On to the breakfast and DD is the first one in the castle. A CM stops to greet Her Royal Heiness and trades a pin with her she trades a princess for (a broken) Rolie Polie Olie. Making our way up the winding staircase, we find that we are the first ones in the castle and are seated at a table by the window overlooking Cinderellas Golden Carousel. Wonderful. I had requested a window seat when booking we couldnt have had a better seat. Our waiter brought out our pre-plated food rather quickly, and to be quite honest, it was cold and not all that appetizing. DD and I didnt eat much. Oh well, well eat later were here to see the princesses! At this point, I see what I thought was Belle at first glance, but ended up being Wendy from Peter Pan. Wendy? When did SHE become a princess? Thats ok DD has this new fascination with Peter and all his friends in Neverland Wendy is awesome. Besides, what a great opportunity for a picture and an autograph we may not get to see her again. Next comes Sleeping Beauty. She is so graceful and admires DDs dress. DD is interested in her shoes, so Sleeping Beauty lifts her dress to show her. I have no idea where this shoe obsession came from, but all week DD is asking to see your shoes. We try to eat but the princesses are coming one right after the other this morning. Over glides Mary Poppins for a cuddle and DD has fabulous interaction with her. DD loves Mary and had been practicing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for months. Mary gets down on DDs level and they chat for some time. Of course, she has to show her shoes. And then the moment we had all been waiting for. The reason we were up at the crack of dawn using 2 phones lines 90 days ago to eat in the castle and meet the princess of all princesses. Cinderella waltzes over to our table, looks at DD, and proclaims what a beautiful princess she is. By this time, I think my DD was a little overwhelmed by this whole princess thing. They all came so fast that I think she was having a hard time comprehending it all. She had been waiting to meet Cinderella for months had many things to tell her and ask her what did she do? She froze and the only thing she said to her was, Can I see your shoes? Go figure. I will say that even though all the princesses were taken aback by this question, all of them complied with her wish although their shoes were just those plain, character-like shoes that most performers wear and some were pretty worn. I think the costume department should take note of this especially if the princesses are going to be showing them to 4 year-old little girls. This completed our line-up of princesses and we were finished eating what little we did eat. Eating breakfast in the castle was fabulous, the atmosphere magical, but I must say I was shocked at the cast of characters at this morning. There were just the 4 of them, and technically only two were princesses. Now, I know, I know they only guarantee that Cindy herself will be there, but I was expecting at least Belle or Snow White and definitely NOT Wendy! If this had been my only chance to meet the princesses, I would have been pretty darn upset, but I had a PS scheduled in Norway in a few days and I was pretty sure wed see Snow White and Belle there. Besides, we were excited to see Wendy. Before exiting the castle, DD gets to see the Fairy Godmother in the lobby and is surprised to find the mice peeking down from the rafters. She was a little concerned because they never moved, and finally asked, Are they real, Mommy? No Sweetie, theyre just pretend but theyre cute arent they? Overall, Id say our experience in the castle was enchanting and worth fretting over securing this PS 90 days prior. Well definitely be doing this again.
Departing the castle, we make our way into a fairly empty Fantasyland. The park has just opened and most people had not gotten back there yet we have our choice of walking on any ride. Its no surprise that DD chooses Peter Pan. She absolutely cannot get enough of this ride, and I must say that its one of our favorites too. Flying over London at night and seeing Peter and the kids flying across the moon are two of my favorite parts. DH likes making the turn and seeing Neverland for the first time and DD likes the bedroom scene, Captain Hook shooting at us, and the mermaids one of which she is SURE is Ariel. We finish the ride and exit our flying ship. Ok everyone listen up and pay attention here is where Cinderella breaks Peter Pan. The order of procession off the ride is as follows: DH in front (holding Pal Mickey), DD in the middle, and me bringing up the end. And this is the succession of events that occurs next: DH drops Pal Mickey on the moving walkway; DD stoops down to pick him up; DD comes to the end of the moving walkway while still trying to pick up Mickey; DDs dress gets caught in the beltway it begins to pull her down; DD starts screaming; DH reaches down and rrriiiiipppppssss her dress loose; CM notices what is happening and pushes the emergency STOP button. The walkway stops; the music stops; the ride stops. We were a mess DH was horrified at the thought of his DD being strangled by a conveyor belt and upset with himself that he had dropped Mickey in the first place; I was checking DD for injuries while at the same time embarrassed by all the commotion suddenly around us and the fact that we had shut down Peter Pan; and poor DD was in tears literally sobbing over the shred of a dress that she was now wearing. She looked so pitiful one of her sleeves had come off, several of the little decorative bobbles were scattered all over the floor, and the back of her dress was ripped to shreds half of it still stuck in the conveyor belt. She looked exactly like the real Cinderella just after the jealous step-sisters destroy her gown. Luckily, DD was not hurt, just terribly shaken and so sad that her brand new dress the one she had just gotten for her birthday was completely ruined. I held her, rocked her, soothed her told her we would get her a new one when one of the CMs asked if we would mind waiting off to the side for a few minutes. Uh-oh. Here it comes. We broke the ride people are stuck in there more people are waiting impatiently in line wondering WHY the ride is NOT WORKING! Were in trouble. I begin forming apologies in my head Were so sorry! I KNOW she shouldnt be wearing a long dress on the rides, but you see, weve just come from having breakfast with Cinderella, and my DD SO much likes being a princess. Please dont make us leave the park Ill put the dress right in the backpack see? Well never take it out again. So there we stand wondering why in the world were asked to wait. A maintenance man arrives (complete with toolbox) and begins to eradicate the remnants of DDs dress from the belt. Wow now that was fast! Wed only shut down the ride about 5 minutes ago 911 wouldnt have responded THAT quickly! So were standing there and Im beginning to think that maybe theyll take our name and address or something and well have to PAY for damages when a manager walks up to us. OH NO! The MANAGER!!! Were really in for it now get out the checkbook honey. Shes very polite thats a good sign. Im so sorry about the trouble you had on Peter Pan today. (SHES sorry?!?) Are you all ok? Yes, I say, followed by a quick, Were sorry. And then, turning to my DD the CM asks, Honey, are you ok? Yes, Im ok sniff sniff but my dress got all torn. Its at this point the CM pulls from a bag (that seemed to appear out of nowhere) are you ready? youd better sit down a brand NEW Cinderella dress straight from Tinkerbells Treasures in JUST DDs size! Here Sweetheart, this is Cinderellas special gown that she wore to the ball and we want you to have it. My DD is thrilled, the CM is hugging her, and Im standing there with tears streaming down my cheeks witnessing the best magic moment of all magic moments! DH and I were truly shocked that Disney would go to all this trouble and I make a mental note to send a letter of gratitude to Guest Relations when we get home. I also need to mention that the dress she had worn into Fantasyland that day was a $17 special from Walmart. The dress she wore out that day sold for $65! Not bad not bad at all!
Still in disbelief over what had just happened we floated out of Fantasyland and over into Liberty Square. At this point in our trip we had only experienced Main Street and Fantasyland. Liberty Square was totally different, very intriguing and almost like we had stepped into an entirely different park. On our way past the Haunted Mansion, I asked DD if she wanted to ride it. Like Snow White, we had talked in great length about what we would see in there and that it was all Mickey Magic. I was hoping she would ride (I wanted all 3 of us to ride it together) but if she had any hesitation, I was not going to force her. I still wanted to ride it myself though and was hoping this might be a baby swap ride. DD was curious and wanted to see more of the mansion. The line was non-existent so we asked DD once more, You ok with this you sure want to ride? Yes, Ill try. We enjoy the pre-show and nothing seems too scary. Stepping onto the ride, DD and I get in one doombuggy, DH in another. Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize... Just like the first ride in Snow White, DD wanted me to hold her close, but I noticed she kept her eyes open most of the time. The ride was fun and, although it was not one of her favorites, DD liked it well enough.
On to Frontierland where we head for Splash Mountain. This was the one ride that I was looking forward to, and I wanted to ride it whether anybody else did or not. We werent sure if DD would want to do this. She loves spinning rides like the tea cups, but we werent sure how shed handle the big drop, besides, we werent even sure she was tall enough. At home, she measured 39 without shoes. We had watched Splash Mountain on the Disney videos over and over again at home Before approaching the line for the ride, we took her over to the viewing area so she could watch a couple of boats go down the flume. Yep, still fine with it ok lets go check your height. DD measured in well over 40 (mustve been the shoes.) It was still early enough in the morning that the line was fairly short and we landed a seat in the front of the boat. Perfect! DD will be able to see without a tall person in front of her and shell be right in front in the picture they take at the moment you make the plummet which you know were going to buy. Away we went everybodys got a laughin place She loved it the song, the animals, the dancing and singing and silliness. She loved all of it until the big drop. My child hung on to me for dear life, head pressed into my chest, little fingers tearing into my skin. Getting off the ride, DD is wet, a little teary-eyed, and in her dramatic 4 year-old stance says, I did NOT like Splash Mountain; I am NOT riding it ever again. Ok. At least Ill get the picture so theres proof she rode it at least once. Resort card out and ready to purchase this valuable photograph, I wait to see our faces on the screen. Wait a minute everybody elses pictures are up there and wait theres a message on one of the screens Picture not available. NO! I wanted that picture I NEEDED that picture! My DDs first (and only) trip to the Laughin Place I HAVE TO HAVE THAT PICTURE! Oh well, nothing we can do about it, and Im sure not going to get her on it again. Guess it wasnt meant to be and I just saved $12.95. Browsing the adjacent gift shop, I find a toy Splash Mountain car for tomorrows magical bag.
Having our fill of Frontierland for the time being we head back to more familiar ground the castle. Since we missed Belle at breakfast, we may find her in her fairytale garden telling stories. We pass by Cinderellas wishing well and DD tosses in a coin. She doesnt tell me her wjsh and I dont ask. Wishes are meant to be kept secret ya know. Aaahhh its hot today and this little alcove of Belles is shaded. Were pretty early for the next story, DD is in need of a break, and we are the only ones there so cool, so peaceful. DH goes to fetch the stroller that we neglected to get on our rush to an empty Main Street this morning and in a few minutes, another family shows up. They have a little girl who just turned 6 and she and DD play before the show. Belle is beautiful and quite good with her performance. After the show there is a meet and greet and DD is thrilled when Belle leaves a lipstick print on her cheek!
By this time we are getting fairly hungry DD and I are STARVED from not eating any breakfast, so we head down Main Street. Ive heard so many great things about the hot dogs at Caseys that it is actually on our schedule today to eat here. DD and I share a bench with a nice oriental couple and DH goes to retrieve the food. This couple speaks no English, but thinks DD is so cute in her Cinderella dress and they take a picture of her. Only at Disney will you find such a vast number of different cultures and backgrounds all here for one common goal to experience the magic. Maybe thats what the magic truly is. Maybe that was Walts goal all along. DH returns with the hot dogs (theyre HUGE and yes, they were very good) while we listen to the street entertainers Im walkin right down the middle of Main Street USA And just like last night at Epcot, I stop and take it all in the crowd, the music, the ring of the trolley bell, the smell of popcorn. I love it here and its at this moment I decide that I will be coming back to this happy place and often.
Since we do not have a scheduled PS for tonight, we have time for both a nap and a swim this afternoon. DD quickly puts on her beloved life jacket (which she proudly can fasten herself) and we make our way to the pool. Today is a milestone today albeit a small one because for the first time in her whole little life, my DD swims. In the past DH or I would always have to hold her up in the water. With the jacket on she quickly learns to float by herself and then finally, via the doggie paddle technique, can swim. She has a grand time swimming and chasing after both of us. We wish we could do this more often. We do not have a pool, nor does the community we live in.
After our nap, we catch the bus to MGM and arrive just as the parade is starting. Its crowded, and like most of the parks, you can go nowhere until the parade is over and people scatter. We try to watch, but the bodies are just too many deep, so we find a shaded spot to rest and stake out tonights plans. Besides, the parade is on our schedule for tomorrow. The first thing on our list for tonight is the Beauty and the Beast show. Our timings perfect, we find good seats (thank God its inside!) and the show begins. The performance was excellent and the costumes were beautiful I really enjoyed seeing Belle in her gown I wish shed wear it more often. All 3 of us enjoyed this show immensely. One thing I have to say about Disney entertainment none of it is bad. In fact, any entertainer weve ever seen at Disney is extremely good. DH and I often fantasize about moving to FL and working as Disney entertainers. Were both singers/dancers and performed our way through college. We miss it. A lot. But I digress sorry. Stomachs are growling, so we go over to the food area and DH stands in the long line at Rosas. He returns with burgers for us and mac-n-chesse for DD (love those little plastic Mickey containers should have brought one home.) The food is good and we enjoy our time in the shade of the picnic umbrellas. Following dinner, our number one mission is to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Upon arriving we see the standby line is 40 minutes. Ugh WHY didnt we think to grab a fastpass for this first thing? Oh well, this show is a must see for DD and at least the line is in the shade. Like all the other performances, this one is fantastic, although, I think, a notch below Belle. We stroll around a bit and I want to get DH and DDs picture in front of the sorcerers hat. DD is being somewhat obstinate about getting out of the stroller, and I get tired of waiting on her, so I take the picture with just DH. She HATED this and began to cry. Please take MY picture! Sorry, I said, but you werent doing what I asked you to do. I will forever regret not getting her picture with that hat and whenever I look at that particular photograph, it tugs at my heart. My intent was to make a point here and then take HER picture the next day when we came back, but there was some kind of show going on the next evening and there were all these lights and scaffolding everywhere. You really couldnt see the hat for all of the metal. (I took her picture anyway, which made her happy just wish I would have done it tonight.) Tears dried, feelings mended, and lesson learned, we browse through some of the shops. In the villains store, DD went crazy for a Barbie-sized Malificient doll she saw. She is so intrigued by both Malificient and the Evil Queen and wanted to see them both in person. She REALLY wanted that doll and 1) since we probably would never find a Malificient doll at the local Walmart; 2) she was truly sorry about not listening to me back at the hat; and 3) I was feeling pretty bad about not taking her picture we bought it. It really is a neat doll and probably a collectors item if youre into that kind of thing.
The sun has set and its getting rather pleasant out now. DD is playing contently with her new villain friend (gosh I hope people seeing her with that thing dont think were some kind of devil worshiping family or something!) and DH and I are strolling along enjoying the atmosphere of MGM. Suddenly his phone rings and when he goes to answer it, no one is there. Now, this probably happens all the time to most people, but nobody EVER calls our cell phones. Our first thought is that its one of our parents is trying to reach us due to an emergency at home. My heart drops to my knees both my parents have been pretty ill this past year I hope nothings wrong. I immediately call my mom. Are you ok? Did you just call us? No, honey were just fine. More conversation and then she says, You all just have fun and stop worrying about us! Its DHs turn next and we find out that it was HIS mom trying to call us. No emergency she just wanted to see how we were doing. Oh I breathe again and am glad everyone is alright.
The bus drops us off at CR where we watch the Electric Water Pageant for the second time in a row. I like the music kinda quirky, but catchy enough to spark crystal clear memories of the lighted characters on the lake. Our lights go out at 10:30 p.m.
"Planning or Obsession...What's the Difference?"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=857133
"Our Vacation Begins"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...370#post9138370
Day 1 "Pixie Dust and Panic Attacks" (Part 1)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...210#post9143210
Day 1 "Pixie Dust and Panic Attacks" (Part 2)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...244#post9143244
Day 1 "Pixie Dust and Panic Attacks" (Part 3)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=857458
Day 2 "Magical Meltdowns"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=859866
Day 3 "Running Around the World"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=860524
Jana (moi, 40, obsessive planner of this and all trips..think Chevy Chase in the Vacation movies.)
Eric (DH, 41, a big kid at heart, pretty much goes with the flow and can have a good time anywhere as long as theres good food.)
Anna Marie (4 year-old DD and true princess any princess...pick one.)
Theres no morning EMH at any park this today, but theres still no rest for the weary. We have the coveted breakfast at Cinderellas Royal Table scheduled for 8:15 a.m. We awake quite rested and as DD is finding her Disney coins of chocolate in her magical bag, DH is having trouble getting one of the drawers of our bureau closed. Somethings in the way. He takes out the drawer and finds a brand new t-shirt from Epcots Norway (still in the plastic wrap) and its just DDs size! Gee thanks again Tink! $12 one day, a shirt the next at this point Im beginning to believe in magic! DD is excited today, not only because shes having breakfast IN the castle with the number one princess, but because SHE gets to be Cinderella today. She had gotten a Cinderella dress and crown for her birthday a few weeks ago, and we were saving it for this special occasion. Her appearance was breathtaking fair skin, blonde hair, and eyes the color of London blue topaz (she gets that from her Daddy.) She WAS Cinderella and she was beautiful. Our walk to MK this morning was peaceful. DH and I held hands while Cinderella skipped and twirled behind us. I was hoping they would let us in the park at 8:00, for I was looking forward to taking a few pictures of DD in front of the castle with no one in the background. There werent too many people waiting to get in, and several of the little girls had on princess dresses. DD loved this and wanted to talk to everyone of them. Even though shes an only child, shes extremely social and made quite a lot of little friends throughout our trip. Finally, its time and the CMs let us all in. DH got some great video footage of her running up a fairly vacant Main Street and I got some pics in front of the castle. Perfect. On to the breakfast and DD is the first one in the castle. A CM stops to greet Her Royal Heiness and trades a pin with her she trades a princess for (a broken) Rolie Polie Olie. Making our way up the winding staircase, we find that we are the first ones in the castle and are seated at a table by the window overlooking Cinderellas Golden Carousel. Wonderful. I had requested a window seat when booking we couldnt have had a better seat. Our waiter brought out our pre-plated food rather quickly, and to be quite honest, it was cold and not all that appetizing. DD and I didnt eat much. Oh well, well eat later were here to see the princesses! At this point, I see what I thought was Belle at first glance, but ended up being Wendy from Peter Pan. Wendy? When did SHE become a princess? Thats ok DD has this new fascination with Peter and all his friends in Neverland Wendy is awesome. Besides, what a great opportunity for a picture and an autograph we may not get to see her again. Next comes Sleeping Beauty. She is so graceful and admires DDs dress. DD is interested in her shoes, so Sleeping Beauty lifts her dress to show her. I have no idea where this shoe obsession came from, but all week DD is asking to see your shoes. We try to eat but the princesses are coming one right after the other this morning. Over glides Mary Poppins for a cuddle and DD has fabulous interaction with her. DD loves Mary and had been practicing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for months. Mary gets down on DDs level and they chat for some time. Of course, she has to show her shoes. And then the moment we had all been waiting for. The reason we were up at the crack of dawn using 2 phones lines 90 days ago to eat in the castle and meet the princess of all princesses. Cinderella waltzes over to our table, looks at DD, and proclaims what a beautiful princess she is. By this time, I think my DD was a little overwhelmed by this whole princess thing. They all came so fast that I think she was having a hard time comprehending it all. She had been waiting to meet Cinderella for months had many things to tell her and ask her what did she do? She froze and the only thing she said to her was, Can I see your shoes? Go figure. I will say that even though all the princesses were taken aback by this question, all of them complied with her wish although their shoes were just those plain, character-like shoes that most performers wear and some were pretty worn. I think the costume department should take note of this especially if the princesses are going to be showing them to 4 year-old little girls. This completed our line-up of princesses and we were finished eating what little we did eat. Eating breakfast in the castle was fabulous, the atmosphere magical, but I must say I was shocked at the cast of characters at this morning. There were just the 4 of them, and technically only two were princesses. Now, I know, I know they only guarantee that Cindy herself will be there, but I was expecting at least Belle or Snow White and definitely NOT Wendy! If this had been my only chance to meet the princesses, I would have been pretty darn upset, but I had a PS scheduled in Norway in a few days and I was pretty sure wed see Snow White and Belle there. Besides, we were excited to see Wendy. Before exiting the castle, DD gets to see the Fairy Godmother in the lobby and is surprised to find the mice peeking down from the rafters. She was a little concerned because they never moved, and finally asked, Are they real, Mommy? No Sweetie, theyre just pretend but theyre cute arent they? Overall, Id say our experience in the castle was enchanting and worth fretting over securing this PS 90 days prior. Well definitely be doing this again.
Departing the castle, we make our way into a fairly empty Fantasyland. The park has just opened and most people had not gotten back there yet we have our choice of walking on any ride. Its no surprise that DD chooses Peter Pan. She absolutely cannot get enough of this ride, and I must say that its one of our favorites too. Flying over London at night and seeing Peter and the kids flying across the moon are two of my favorite parts. DH likes making the turn and seeing Neverland for the first time and DD likes the bedroom scene, Captain Hook shooting at us, and the mermaids one of which she is SURE is Ariel. We finish the ride and exit our flying ship. Ok everyone listen up and pay attention here is where Cinderella breaks Peter Pan. The order of procession off the ride is as follows: DH in front (holding Pal Mickey), DD in the middle, and me bringing up the end. And this is the succession of events that occurs next: DH drops Pal Mickey on the moving walkway; DD stoops down to pick him up; DD comes to the end of the moving walkway while still trying to pick up Mickey; DDs dress gets caught in the beltway it begins to pull her down; DD starts screaming; DH reaches down and rrriiiiipppppssss her dress loose; CM notices what is happening and pushes the emergency STOP button. The walkway stops; the music stops; the ride stops. We were a mess DH was horrified at the thought of his DD being strangled by a conveyor belt and upset with himself that he had dropped Mickey in the first place; I was checking DD for injuries while at the same time embarrassed by all the commotion suddenly around us and the fact that we had shut down Peter Pan; and poor DD was in tears literally sobbing over the shred of a dress that she was now wearing. She looked so pitiful one of her sleeves had come off, several of the little decorative bobbles were scattered all over the floor, and the back of her dress was ripped to shreds half of it still stuck in the conveyor belt. She looked exactly like the real Cinderella just after the jealous step-sisters destroy her gown. Luckily, DD was not hurt, just terribly shaken and so sad that her brand new dress the one she had just gotten for her birthday was completely ruined. I held her, rocked her, soothed her told her we would get her a new one when one of the CMs asked if we would mind waiting off to the side for a few minutes. Uh-oh. Here it comes. We broke the ride people are stuck in there more people are waiting impatiently in line wondering WHY the ride is NOT WORKING! Were in trouble. I begin forming apologies in my head Were so sorry! I KNOW she shouldnt be wearing a long dress on the rides, but you see, weve just come from having breakfast with Cinderella, and my DD SO much likes being a princess. Please dont make us leave the park Ill put the dress right in the backpack see? Well never take it out again. So there we stand wondering why in the world were asked to wait. A maintenance man arrives (complete with toolbox) and begins to eradicate the remnants of DDs dress from the belt. Wow now that was fast! Wed only shut down the ride about 5 minutes ago 911 wouldnt have responded THAT quickly! So were standing there and Im beginning to think that maybe theyll take our name and address or something and well have to PAY for damages when a manager walks up to us. OH NO! The MANAGER!!! Were really in for it now get out the checkbook honey. Shes very polite thats a good sign. Im so sorry about the trouble you had on Peter Pan today. (SHES sorry?!?) Are you all ok? Yes, I say, followed by a quick, Were sorry. And then, turning to my DD the CM asks, Honey, are you ok? Yes, Im ok sniff sniff but my dress got all torn. Its at this point the CM pulls from a bag (that seemed to appear out of nowhere) are you ready? youd better sit down a brand NEW Cinderella dress straight from Tinkerbells Treasures in JUST DDs size! Here Sweetheart, this is Cinderellas special gown that she wore to the ball and we want you to have it. My DD is thrilled, the CM is hugging her, and Im standing there with tears streaming down my cheeks witnessing the best magic moment of all magic moments! DH and I were truly shocked that Disney would go to all this trouble and I make a mental note to send a letter of gratitude to Guest Relations when we get home. I also need to mention that the dress she had worn into Fantasyland that day was a $17 special from Walmart. The dress she wore out that day sold for $65! Not bad not bad at all!
Still in disbelief over what had just happened we floated out of Fantasyland and over into Liberty Square. At this point in our trip we had only experienced Main Street and Fantasyland. Liberty Square was totally different, very intriguing and almost like we had stepped into an entirely different park. On our way past the Haunted Mansion, I asked DD if she wanted to ride it. Like Snow White, we had talked in great length about what we would see in there and that it was all Mickey Magic. I was hoping she would ride (I wanted all 3 of us to ride it together) but if she had any hesitation, I was not going to force her. I still wanted to ride it myself though and was hoping this might be a baby swap ride. DD was curious and wanted to see more of the mansion. The line was non-existent so we asked DD once more, You ok with this you sure want to ride? Yes, Ill try. We enjoy the pre-show and nothing seems too scary. Stepping onto the ride, DD and I get in one doombuggy, DH in another. Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize... Just like the first ride in Snow White, DD wanted me to hold her close, but I noticed she kept her eyes open most of the time. The ride was fun and, although it was not one of her favorites, DD liked it well enough.
On to Frontierland where we head for Splash Mountain. This was the one ride that I was looking forward to, and I wanted to ride it whether anybody else did or not. We werent sure if DD would want to do this. She loves spinning rides like the tea cups, but we werent sure how shed handle the big drop, besides, we werent even sure she was tall enough. At home, she measured 39 without shoes. We had watched Splash Mountain on the Disney videos over and over again at home Before approaching the line for the ride, we took her over to the viewing area so she could watch a couple of boats go down the flume. Yep, still fine with it ok lets go check your height. DD measured in well over 40 (mustve been the shoes.) It was still early enough in the morning that the line was fairly short and we landed a seat in the front of the boat. Perfect! DD will be able to see without a tall person in front of her and shell be right in front in the picture they take at the moment you make the plummet which you know were going to buy. Away we went everybodys got a laughin place She loved it the song, the animals, the dancing and singing and silliness. She loved all of it until the big drop. My child hung on to me for dear life, head pressed into my chest, little fingers tearing into my skin. Getting off the ride, DD is wet, a little teary-eyed, and in her dramatic 4 year-old stance says, I did NOT like Splash Mountain; I am NOT riding it ever again. Ok. At least Ill get the picture so theres proof she rode it at least once. Resort card out and ready to purchase this valuable photograph, I wait to see our faces on the screen. Wait a minute everybody elses pictures are up there and wait theres a message on one of the screens Picture not available. NO! I wanted that picture I NEEDED that picture! My DDs first (and only) trip to the Laughin Place I HAVE TO HAVE THAT PICTURE! Oh well, nothing we can do about it, and Im sure not going to get her on it again. Guess it wasnt meant to be and I just saved $12.95. Browsing the adjacent gift shop, I find a toy Splash Mountain car for tomorrows magical bag.
Having our fill of Frontierland for the time being we head back to more familiar ground the castle. Since we missed Belle at breakfast, we may find her in her fairytale garden telling stories. We pass by Cinderellas wishing well and DD tosses in a coin. She doesnt tell me her wjsh and I dont ask. Wishes are meant to be kept secret ya know. Aaahhh its hot today and this little alcove of Belles is shaded. Were pretty early for the next story, DD is in need of a break, and we are the only ones there so cool, so peaceful. DH goes to fetch the stroller that we neglected to get on our rush to an empty Main Street this morning and in a few minutes, another family shows up. They have a little girl who just turned 6 and she and DD play before the show. Belle is beautiful and quite good with her performance. After the show there is a meet and greet and DD is thrilled when Belle leaves a lipstick print on her cheek!
By this time we are getting fairly hungry DD and I are STARVED from not eating any breakfast, so we head down Main Street. Ive heard so many great things about the hot dogs at Caseys that it is actually on our schedule today to eat here. DD and I share a bench with a nice oriental couple and DH goes to retrieve the food. This couple speaks no English, but thinks DD is so cute in her Cinderella dress and they take a picture of her. Only at Disney will you find such a vast number of different cultures and backgrounds all here for one common goal to experience the magic. Maybe thats what the magic truly is. Maybe that was Walts goal all along. DH returns with the hot dogs (theyre HUGE and yes, they were very good) while we listen to the street entertainers Im walkin right down the middle of Main Street USA And just like last night at Epcot, I stop and take it all in the crowd, the music, the ring of the trolley bell, the smell of popcorn. I love it here and its at this moment I decide that I will be coming back to this happy place and often.
Since we do not have a scheduled PS for tonight, we have time for both a nap and a swim this afternoon. DD quickly puts on her beloved life jacket (which she proudly can fasten herself) and we make our way to the pool. Today is a milestone today albeit a small one because for the first time in her whole little life, my DD swims. In the past DH or I would always have to hold her up in the water. With the jacket on she quickly learns to float by herself and then finally, via the doggie paddle technique, can swim. She has a grand time swimming and chasing after both of us. We wish we could do this more often. We do not have a pool, nor does the community we live in.
After our nap, we catch the bus to MGM and arrive just as the parade is starting. Its crowded, and like most of the parks, you can go nowhere until the parade is over and people scatter. We try to watch, but the bodies are just too many deep, so we find a shaded spot to rest and stake out tonights plans. Besides, the parade is on our schedule for tomorrow. The first thing on our list for tonight is the Beauty and the Beast show. Our timings perfect, we find good seats (thank God its inside!) and the show begins. The performance was excellent and the costumes were beautiful I really enjoyed seeing Belle in her gown I wish shed wear it more often. All 3 of us enjoyed this show immensely. One thing I have to say about Disney entertainment none of it is bad. In fact, any entertainer weve ever seen at Disney is extremely good. DH and I often fantasize about moving to FL and working as Disney entertainers. Were both singers/dancers and performed our way through college. We miss it. A lot. But I digress sorry. Stomachs are growling, so we go over to the food area and DH stands in the long line at Rosas. He returns with burgers for us and mac-n-chesse for DD (love those little plastic Mickey containers should have brought one home.) The food is good and we enjoy our time in the shade of the picnic umbrellas. Following dinner, our number one mission is to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Upon arriving we see the standby line is 40 minutes. Ugh WHY didnt we think to grab a fastpass for this first thing? Oh well, this show is a must see for DD and at least the line is in the shade. Like all the other performances, this one is fantastic, although, I think, a notch below Belle. We stroll around a bit and I want to get DH and DDs picture in front of the sorcerers hat. DD is being somewhat obstinate about getting out of the stroller, and I get tired of waiting on her, so I take the picture with just DH. She HATED this and began to cry. Please take MY picture! Sorry, I said, but you werent doing what I asked you to do. I will forever regret not getting her picture with that hat and whenever I look at that particular photograph, it tugs at my heart. My intent was to make a point here and then take HER picture the next day when we came back, but there was some kind of show going on the next evening and there were all these lights and scaffolding everywhere. You really couldnt see the hat for all of the metal. (I took her picture anyway, which made her happy just wish I would have done it tonight.) Tears dried, feelings mended, and lesson learned, we browse through some of the shops. In the villains store, DD went crazy for a Barbie-sized Malificient doll she saw. She is so intrigued by both Malificient and the Evil Queen and wanted to see them both in person. She REALLY wanted that doll and 1) since we probably would never find a Malificient doll at the local Walmart; 2) she was truly sorry about not listening to me back at the hat; and 3) I was feeling pretty bad about not taking her picture we bought it. It really is a neat doll and probably a collectors item if youre into that kind of thing.
The sun has set and its getting rather pleasant out now. DD is playing contently with her new villain friend (gosh I hope people seeing her with that thing dont think were some kind of devil worshiping family or something!) and DH and I are strolling along enjoying the atmosphere of MGM. Suddenly his phone rings and when he goes to answer it, no one is there. Now, this probably happens all the time to most people, but nobody EVER calls our cell phones. Our first thought is that its one of our parents is trying to reach us due to an emergency at home. My heart drops to my knees both my parents have been pretty ill this past year I hope nothings wrong. I immediately call my mom. Are you ok? Did you just call us? No, honey were just fine. More conversation and then she says, You all just have fun and stop worrying about us! Its DHs turn next and we find out that it was HIS mom trying to call us. No emergency she just wanted to see how we were doing. Oh I breathe again and am glad everyone is alright.
The bus drops us off at CR where we watch the Electric Water Pageant for the second time in a row. I like the music kinda quirky, but catchy enough to spark crystal clear memories of the lighted characters on the lake. Our lights go out at 10:30 p.m.
"Planning or Obsession...What's the Difference?"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=857133
"Our Vacation Begins"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...370#post9138370
Day 1 "Pixie Dust and Panic Attacks" (Part 1)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...210#post9143210
Day 1 "Pixie Dust and Panic Attacks" (Part 2)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...244#post9143244
Day 1 "Pixie Dust and Panic Attacks" (Part 3)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=857458
Day 2 "Magical Meltdowns"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=859866
Day 3 "Running Around the World"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=860524
She has to keep Peter Pan in line and that can be a hard job.
Can't wait to give my report.
