Led Zeppelin Collides With The Magic Kingdom! The Grand Finale!!! 6.28.2012

[TinksThree]

Back to the Speedway I find them still in line….

Then finally they begin nearing the finish line!!!!

After they exit we head over to check out the wait time for Space Mtn. It was around 50 minutes and no one wanted to wait. This also meant I did not get to ride Space Mtn this trip! Another restroom break meant we had time to spare looking and trying on the various hats and the kids danced along with the Chipmunks and Goofy who were performing their show between Space Mtn and Carousel of Progress (another ride I missed out on! And I love this attraction!!).

After a good little spell trying on hats, it is time to move along. Next up? Well folks the night is still young!!!!

 

[shan23877]

Great update! I think you were doing awesome being so patient with everyone. Must have helped knowing you'd be back in a few months

I also took a pic of the trashcans, and the CM's uniforms! It's such a cute area, but I can't wait until it's all done. I can't wait to eat at Be Our Guest, see the Mermaid ride,and the mine train coaster!

 

[TinksThree]

Great update! I think you were doing awesome being so patient with everyone. Must have helped knowing you'd be back in a few months

I also took a pic of the trashcans, and the CM's uniforms! It's such a cute area, but I can't wait until it's all done. I can't wait to eat at Be Our Guest, see the Mermaid ride,and the mine train coaster!

Patience usually isn't a virtue of mine so thanks!! I think knowing we would be back soon helped too. I also had been giving myself little speeches/pep talks about this trip not being about me for several months. I think those lectures helped some too!!

I really thought the area was so well done! I am really excited about the Be Our Guest restaurant!! Who am I kidding?! I am excited about the whole thing!!! It may be all open when we make it back so I will have to form a whole new planning strategy!

 

[sherylcin]

First of all, sorry to hear about the loss of your boss. I know that has been a hard situation. My condolences.

Second, you are doing so well at going with the flow!! We usually end up at Cosmic Ray's at least once during our trips and I agree that the food is pretty good. I like that you can get different choices than the usual fast food fare too.

What? You didn't want to drive one of the Speedway cars? That line moves so S-L-O-W-L-Y. Last year was the first time my DGSs were old enough to insist on riding this. Fun for them though!

Great pics of the Storybook Circus area. I love seeing new pics that show the progress. Can't wait to experience the new areas in January! Wonder how much will be open then. Really hoping to be able to try out the Be Our Guest restaurant.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Honestly, I think that EXACT crane was on the same building on one of my recent trips. If it was, that would be hilarious.

Isn't that the unfortunate downfall of traveling with so many people? No one ever wants to do the same thing at the same time.

Mmmm, rotisserie chicken. You know I love Cosmic Ray's rotisserie chicken. I'm glad you liked the choice.

 

[TinksThree]

First of all, sorry to hear about the loss of your boss. I know that has been a hard situation. My condolences.

Second, you are doing so well at going with the flow!! We usually end up at Cosmic Ray's at least once during our trips and I agree that the food is pretty good. I like that you can get different choices than the usual fast food fare too.

What? You didn't want to drive one of the Speedway cars? That line moves so S-L-O-W-L-Y. Last year was the first time my DGSs were old enough to insist on riding this. Fun for them though!

Great pics of the Storybook Circus area. I love seeing new pics that show the progress. Can't wait to experience the new areas in January! Wonder how much will be open then. Really hoping to be able to try out the Be Our Guest restaurant.

Thanks...the visitation was today and it was really a celebration of her life. She was amazing, not a typical boss but a real mentor!!

I haven't ever eaten anything bad at Cosmic Rays! We just don't make it every trip! I enjoyed going with the flow and this trip in 33 days (!!!!) may be a go with the flow trip as well! The closer it gets the more enticing that appears!!

By January you should be able to see at least a good portion!! I am envious of that!!!

Honestly, I think that EXACT crane was on the same building on one of my recent trips. If it was, that would be hilarious.

Isn't that the unfortunate downfall of traveling with so many people? No one ever wants to do the same thing at the same time.

Mmmm, rotisserie chicken. You know I love Cosmic Ray's rotisserie chicken. I'm glad you liked the choice.

That is too funny about the crane! Makes you wonder what they are really doing!!

I agree about the downfall on traveling with several people! And the commando tourer in me wanted to shout "Make up your mind already!!!"

Yes, your review of the rotisserie chicken is what made me choose it!! I said "Thanks" on your TR but I will say it again here too!!!! Thanks!!!!

 

[TinksThree]

I left off with us heading for the next destination: Splash Mtn!!! Heading in the direction of Frontierland:

But first I think I may have left this one out...

Madison somehow manages to find someone to give her a "lift". At least she is itty bitty!!

As we go we run into the dance party thingamagig:

As it was ending, really...

We tried Pirates of the Caribbean but it was shut down:

And then we made it!!!

This ride had a bit of a wait but I cannot remember how long. Maybe around 45 minutes to an hour? This did not deter anyone though and we queued up. It was a hot wait, I do remember that! I kept giving the FP people dirty looks! How unfair they get to go to the front of the line while we sweat it out in a never-ending maze of humidity!! UGH!!

In the queue I snap a few pictures..Me and Madison:

And the back of the band shirt showing the songs from the marching season:

We are getting to my laughing place!!

This way!! We are getting closer!!

Finally it is our turn!

We ride along and everyone was surprised how long the ride actually lasted. I think they all thought it was a hop in the oat and drop 50 ft! I adore this ride and the music. It is just one of those that makes me smile the whole time!

We got slightly wet!!

Continued in the next post...

 

[TinksThree]

After we exit Splash Mtn we head over to Pirates of the Caribbean.

This was not our first attempt as you saw before. We had been making pit stops here all day and it was shut down….all day. And once again, it was still not operating. CMs were playing with bubbles and hula hoops at the front. So now I have missed Space Mtn, Carousel of Progress, and POTC along with a closed BTMRR. Oh well, it is still all good and we are having fun! That is what matters most, right!?

The kids are beginning to drag a little by this time—it was late enough to be getting dark but not late enough for the parades…maybe 7:30-8pm? We have a look around the POTC gift shop and the guys have fun playing pirates. And Madison goes girl pirate!

And then Captain Hook Pirate!!

Then I pulled out the glow bracelets I had brought. Everyone sits down and begins to put them together.

With the bracelets glowing we head out for more adventures.

We discuss the options and decide to go to Mickey’s Philharmagic. Along the way I take a few pictures!!

Well guess what! We do not make it there! Instead we head to Main Street to do a little shopping. But first I make a pit stop by a little known place called the Aloha Isle for an equally unknown treat: the Dole Whip!

Castle pics!!!

Now I know by the time we get there it is around 8:45pm because soon after we enter the Emporium the night parade bands are announced. We look around a bit and some purchases are made.

In honor of my treat!!

And a treat that elludes me!!

Then we decide to go to…Frontierland to see the Main Street Electrical Parade. This is due to the masses on Main Street and Frontierland is usually not as crowded. We decide to watch MESP and then move to the hub for MM&Y and Wishes!

I will take this moment to state that for the first time EVER in my life I did not step foot in Fantasyland! (except my little jaunt over to Storybook Circus). Can you believe that!? So let’s add to the list of things I did not get to do: Space Mtn, BTMRR, Carousel of Progress, POTC, iasw, and Mickey’s Philharmagic. Oh well, I have July and as I said before we were having fun!!

I am going to stop there because the next posts include those nighttime spectaculars and I had a new camera....

 

[sherylcin]

I think you've had a wonderful day in spite of the favorites you've missed. Really too bad about POC! I love that ride! Good thing your trip is so close. You'll be ticking off that ride list before you know it!

Gorgeous pictures of the castle and Main Street at night. Love it!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm all caught up again. I hate that there were so many things that you missed but at least you got to ride Space Mountain and eat one of the yummy Dole Whips. You didn't go to Fantasyland at all? What the heck? Good thing you're going back in July!

 

[TinksThree]

I think you've had a wonderful day in spite of the favorites you've missed. Really too bad about POC! I love that ride! Good thing your trip is so close. You'll be ticking off that ride list before you know it!

Gorgeous pictures of the castle and Main Street at night. Love it!

It really was a great day!! I have heard POTC has been down several times since we returned. I hope it is working the morning I am there in July! I am working on my "musts" to include first and foremost what I missed in March!

You will get a ton of night pictures soon!! Thanks...glad you liked the ones of the castle!

I'm all caught up again. I hate that there were so many things that you missed but at least you got to ride Space Mountain and eat one of the yummy Dole Whips. You didn't go to Fantasyland at all? What the heck? Good thing you're going back in July!

Hey welcome back!!!! I thought about you guys all last week and found myself checking the weather reports just for you! (Not that I was telling you anything you didn't know!! ) In a way I didn't really miss not doing them so much at the time and maybe that was knowing I will be back soon!

Can you believe someone NOT going to Fantasyland at all!?!?! When I realized it I was amazed!!

Regarding July's trip: is the summer version of MM&Y worth making a special effort to see or is it pretty much the same? I am determined to keep Keith happy on this trip, even if it means me missing the nighttime stuff at MK! But if that is very different I may make an effort for at least an hour or so!

 

[pinkxray]

How exciting for your son to be headed to Austrailia for a year. How cool

I always feel bad for the people waiting in long lines for rides like Splash Mountain. They always seem to glare at you when you walk past them with the fast pass. I wonder if most of the tour groups you see aren't able to use fast passes either?

The circus area looks so adorable Even the garbage can looks cute!

I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland either. I was just going to go to Epcot in Sept but I think I might get the park hopper just so I can check out the progress.

 

[TinksThree]

How exciting for your son to be headed to Austrailia for a year. How cool

I always feel bad for the people waiting in long lines for rides like Splash Mountain. They always seem to glare at you when you walk past them with the fast pass. I wonder if most of the tour groups you see aren't able to use fast passes either?

The circus area looks so adorable Even the garbage can looks cute!

I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland either. I was just going to go to Epcot in Sept but I think I might get the park hopper just so I can check out the progress.

I am slightly jealous of him being in Australia! He had kangaroo the other night and said it tasted like beef. Where he is living is on the coast and the views are incredible! When Keith saw it he asked when we were going! I just wish it wasn't so expensive for 4 people to fly!

I always felt bad for those people that glared too! Now I wonder if they were glaring because they couldn't use FPs!

I had fun walking around the circus area and just looking. It is all done very well! I hope you really get to experience and enjoy Epcot!!

 

[shan23877]

It's too bad that you missed so many favorites, but you seemed to have a great attitude about it. I'm just glad that you have a trip next month to make it right!

As I was reading along my Madison started talking about Philharmagic. I was all excited to show her pics, but you didn't get to go!

I can't wait to see you fireworks pics! I could have done a whole update on Wishes, and that was only from the first time we saw it!

I'm glad that you got a top-secret Dole Whip at least!

 

[TinksThree]

Be prepared for few words and lots (I mean LOTS) of pictures!

We find a great spot to sit and when it comes time for the parade, the rope is placed across the walkway allowing us to be at the front of the rope! I love MSEP! The music is so whimsical! So here are a “few” pictures of MSEP!!

More pics in the next post....

 

[TinksThree]

Madison got a few pictures that I did not:

After the parade we head over to the hub and find a pretty good spot to see Memories, Magic and You and Wishes! Now I had tried explaining MM&Y to the kids but told them it was really hard to describe in words. They were all in awe! A video compliments of Maddie:



And pictures:

Continued in the next post.....

 

[TinksThree]

We wait the few minutes between MM&Y and Wishes watching the changing of the colors on the castle:

And then Wishes! Not much to add so I will let the pictures and video tell the story!!

Continued in the next post...

 

[TinksThree]

Another video compliments of Maddie:



After Wishes concludes, we head towards the front of the park. We meet at the front entrance and along the way a few night shots.

This shot concluded with me getting run over by a stroller...

Once we get to the turnstiles, the line to the monorails is massive so we head to the ferry and are loaded on the 2nd boat, and this was very quickly! I love taking the ferry!! My feet were killing me so the benches on the top were perfect! A few years ago I discovered Tevas with mush and now I do not wear anything else in the parks! Thankfully I do not have foot issues so I can wear flip-flops constantly! I also cannot stand having my feet bound in tennis shoes and socks……so these Tevas are amazing! But, I bought the ones I wore on this trip last year right before our Disney trip and wore them for 7 straight Disney park days (100s of miles?) plus I have worn them constantly since then. As long as the weather isn’t below freezing, I am in my flip-flops!!

Well, all of that wear and tear plus walking so much at Epcot and now MK….my Tevas have no mush left to call mush! And that has made my little footsies very tired!!

A couple of not so great shots from the ferry:

We make it to the docks at the TTC, stagger to the buses (since we are all dragging and it is quickly approaching 11pm). Yes 11pm and we left the hotel at 8:15am!!! That is a very long day following a very long day at Epcot!!! We get to the hotel and crash!!!!

Next: Two Parks in one day!!

 

[TinksThree]

It's too bad that you missed so many favorites, but you seemed to have a great attitude about it. I'm just glad that you have a trip next month to make it right!

As I was reading along my Madison started talking about Philharmagic. I was all excited to show her pics, but you didn't get to go!

I can't wait to see you fireworks pics! I could have done a whole update on Wishes, and that was only from the first time we saw it!

I'm glad that you got a top-secret Dole Whip at least!

I did miss a lot but I think because we had so much fun doing the things we did do the disappointment wasn't too bad!

You have a Madison!! Oh so sorry no pictures there! I plan to hit Philharmagic in July!! It is on my "must" list since I missed it last trip!!

Dole Whip: shhh, no one knows about that!!

When you replied I post the pics...there are lots between MESP, MM&Y and Wishes!! I hope you enjoy!!

 

[saintstickets]

Lots of really, really great pictures of MEP and Wishes! It is so hard to get those to come out right. I'm still learning what all the buttons and settings on my camera does. The great thing about digital cameras is you can take as many pictures as you want and do not have the expense of developing as we did with the old SLR and Instamatic cameras! I hated to spend the $'s to develop a 36 exposure roll of film only to find out many were out of focus or I should have taken the picture at a different angle!

Looking forward to more of your TR.