Lost Moms, SPF 80, and RideMax Plans, Oh My! A May 2010 Trip Report-FINAL Update 8/23

[bellebookworm9]

We walked back through Adventureland to Main Street. Our batteries for the camera were rechargeable, but not specifically for cameras, so they weren't holding up very well and I wanted pictures of Wishes! So we made a mad dash through the stores on Main Street and finally found some batteries after a few stores. Of course, they only had rechargeable which are expensive, but they came partially charged, so we bought them and ran. Mom decided she wanted to leave, so I would stay and take pictures. I stood where we had last time, by Town Square. But because I got there so late, I was behind a lot of people and the flagpole was in my way. I tried to take a few pictures of the castle lit up, but my camera doesn't zoom very well.

When the show started, I could barely see anything. I took a few bad pictures, then decided to head out. Once I got outside the train station, I realized I could see the higher ones just fine, so I grabbed a few photos of those.

I didn't stay for the whole thing. I headed toward the bus stop and caught the same bus as Mom, though we were separated and I had to stand. I love Wishes, I think it's another show with great music. The title of this chapter comes from the song titled "Wishes", the piece they play after the show when you are leaving. The second verse goes:
"We're all just children reaching for our dreams
They're shining high above us and even though it seems
So far, we put our faith and hope on a shooting star"

I think that's my favorite verse from a song, ever. Of course, I'm listening to it right now.

We arrived back at Kidani, and headed to bed. Tomorrow was the Studios!

Would I make it onto Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror? What would we think of 50's Prime Time Cafe? How long would we wait for Fantasmic? And what would be the tragedy of the trip?

"Guess I should have checked my notes..."

 

[mermaid764]

I'm all caught up and your MK day sounds awesome and very eventful.

Dinner at LTT looks super yummy, especially the fried cheese and I definitely want to try this one some day.

Too scary about your mother, but luckily everything worked out in the end.

Great pics of wishes and spectromagic!

Can't wait to hear more

 

[bellebookworm9]

I'm all caught up and your MK day sounds awesome and very eventful.

Dinner at LTT looks super yummy, especially the fried cheese and I definitely want to try this one some day.

Too scary about your mother, but luckily everything worked out in the end.

Great pics of wishes and spectromagic!

Can't wait to hear more

It was a fun day. That was lunch at Liberty Tree, dinner is a different pre-plated meal. I really recommend it. This wasn't the only time I lost mom, but none of the other times were quite this severe. By the last day I was threatening to put a leash on her! Thanks, I'm quite proud of those pictures. More coming tomorrow!

 

[glennbo123]

I know exactly what you mean about your Photopass pictures in front of MK being tilted. Magdalene (Flossbolna) and I were talking about this recently....I have pictures from last year just like yours and she has similar ones from earlier this year. We must all be getting the same photographer, who doesn't know what "level" looks like.

Oh, you didn't like Space Mountain? Sorry to hear that -- I loved it!

 

[bellebookworm9]

I know exactly what you mean about your Photopass pictures in front of MK being tilted. Magdalene (Flossbolna) and I were talking about this recently....I have pictures from last year just like yours and she has similar ones from earlier this year. We must all be getting the same photographer, who doesn't know what "level" looks like.

Oh, you didn't like Space Mountain? Sorry to hear that -- I loved it!

I don't understand it. It would be such a nice picture if it weren't crooked. And he used a tripod too, which I thought would help to make it level. The last time I rode Space, I remember thinking I was going to hit my head. I'm not sure if the jerkiness was there and I don't remember it, or if I'm just getting old...

 

[trinaweena]

So glad you found Mom! That must have been scary!

We didn't do Snow White or Peter Pan this trip which made me sad but no one else would wait for them and of course anything I wanted to do was not allowed!

TTA is one of my favorite rides ever and I was so mad when we went on there were some very very obnoxious people on it that annoyed me so much!

 

[bellebookworm9]

So glad you found Mom! That must have been scary!

We didn't do Snow White or Peter Pan this trip which made me sad but no one else would wait for them and of course anything I wanted to do was not allowed!

TTA is one of my favorite rides ever and I was so mad when we went on there were some very very obnoxious people on it that annoyed me so much!

It was awful. I was full out panicking. I'm just so relieved that she didn't have an anaphylactic reaction; I've seen her have them before, and even with an epi-pen it's terrifying (she carries them with her at all times). When she had her first one, about 7 years ago, she almost died. I hope I never have to relive that.

Peter Pan and Snow White were okay, but I wouldn't want to wait a long time for either of them. That sucks that you couldn't go on them though. The TTA was cool, it was just SO dark during that one part. I was waving my hands around in front of me, and I couldn't see them!

 

[Kellybelly777]

Sounds like you had a pretty good second MK day.

Just reading about when you lost your mom made me extremely nervous! Thank god you were able to find her and she was alright.

You had some more very good pictures to

 

[bellebookworm9]

Sounds like you had a pretty good second MK day.

Just reading about when you lost your mom made me extremely nervous! Thank god you were able to find her and she was alright.

You had some more very good pictures to

Yeah, it was a great day. We got to see everything we really wanted to.

 

[alisonwonderland64]

Great updates! I liked seeing your pictures of Mickey and Minnie's houses, I love those (mostly Minnie's)! I'm going to be so sad when they're gone . And mmm, Liberty Tree Tavern lunch is great . I loved the fried cheese and the toffee cake as well there. That's so scary about when you lost your mom! I'm so glad everything worked out ok with that, if that happened to me I would've been so worried. Magic Kingdom isn't a good place to lose people at all. And great pictures of Spectro! I'm kind of excited to see the Main Street Electrical Parade the next time I'm there, but I do really like Spectro and am sad to see it go. I totally agree about the music!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Great updates! I liked seeing your pictures of Mickey and Minnie's houses, I love those (mostly Minnie's)! I'm going to be so sad when they're gone . And mmm, Liberty Tree Tavern lunch is great . I loved the fried cheese and the toffee cake as well there. That's so scary about when you lost your mom! I'm so glad everything worked out ok with that, if that happened to me I would've been so worried. Magic Kingdom isn't a good place to lose people at all. And great pictures of Spectro! I'm kind of excited to see the Main Street Electrical Parade the next time I'm there, but I do really like Spectro and am sad to see it go. I totally agree about the music!

I agree, Minnie's house was better just because it was interactive. Liberty Tree was excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to eat there again. I don't think any park is really ideal to lose someone in, but at least I knew what vicinity she'd most likely be in. I didn't have to go searching the whole park. Thanks! I'm so happy the pictures came out, because last time all we had were disposable cameras, so only like 3 turned out and not very well. I think part of my dislike with the MSEP is the music is kind of annoying. Watching the youtube video, I wanted to turn the sound off a few minutes in. Spectro I can listen to over and over and never get tired of it. I know that the MSEP is extending it's run, but I hope Spectro eventually returns!

 

[bellebookworm9]

*Just going to say before we begin that part of the reason this day kind of fell apart is because I didn't listen to RideMax. When I was putting the plans into Excel, I just figured I would get one FP each for ToT and RnRC. However, I forgot that mom would need one to walk through the line with me. So I didn't put down the correct time to pick up another FP, and then we really screwed up with the Little Mermaid FPs. Anyway, let the fun begin!*

We slept in until about 9am. The bus was at the stop when we arrived, of course. We arrived at the Studios around 10:30, and headed straight to Tower of Terror to get some FPs, taking some Photopass pictures on the way.

While we were getting the FPs it began to rain, a sun shower type deal. Our lunch ADR at 50's Prime Time Cafe was for 11:05, so we decided to head over a little early. Right as we got inside, the torrential downpour began! It lasted for quite awhile, so good timing on our part. I think we went into the restaurant around 10:50.

We sat on the couch in the waiting area and were seated soon after the restaurant opened. We had a table with a TV. Mom took a bunch of pictures of our surroundings to show Grandma.

We had a lot of fun trying to figure out what shows the clips were from. I barely knew any (I think I recognized the Dick van **** Show and the old Mickey Mouse Club) and even Mom didn't know them all!

Our server was Mark from Endor, NY (Supposedly. I looked it up and it doesn't exist. The closest thing I found was an Endor Ave on Long Island. When we asked him, he avoided the question). He was awesome! Definitely the most fun server of the trip. We both ordered water and when he brought them back he said "Vodka tonics!" We were his first table and he introduced us to everyone else who came in other servers and patrons) as "his girls Debbie & Gretchen". He also made fun of the other patrons, including a table of teens, who said "It's my birthday, too!"

We shared the Char Grilled Chicken sandwich, which came with a side of Caesar salad. The sandwich was yummy and huge. The salad was good but there was too much dressing on it. This is the restaurant where they brought us two plates, but didn't even cut the sandwich.

At the end he brought out our birthday cupcake and told us to cut it into thirds so he could have a piece. We did and he took the last piece "to the break room for later" but I don't know whether or not he really ate it. When he brought it out he announced to the room that "Gretchen is 53 and Debbie is only 19. Actually folks, Gretchen is only 19 and Debbie's in her 50s." Then he said to me "I thought you were about 23. Guess I should have checked my notes before I gave you that vodka tonic earlier!"

We had also ordered Dad's Brownie Sundae which was OMG SO DELICIOUS AND GIGANTIC!! My cousin saw a picture later and said it looked like a whipped cream platter.

After our blast from the past, we headed over to the Little Mermaid, taking in some sights along the way.

(Mom took that one. She was aiming for the Hollywood & Sunset intersection signs and missed. )

We also came across Paige Turner and a friend (I can't find her on allears' page. Does anyone know who she is?).

Paige was talking to two girls on the street, while the friend was trying to tune herself to a mouth organ. Paige was explaining to the girls that "we're were trying to find a song that expresses their feelings of joy about your birthday." I love the Citizens of Hollywood; they're just so funny.

When we got to the Little Mermaid it was about 12:30. The next stand by line show was at 1:05. Hmmmm...RideMax said the wait would only be 17 minutes, but we didn't stick around to find out, deciding to come back later. We walked over to TSM to check out FPs, and to my surprise they were still available for 8:30-9:30, but unfortunately, we'd be at Fantasmic! One Man's Dream was right there, so in we went. I really enjoyed the models of the attractions.

We didn't get to see all of them because the movie was about to start. We found it to be very interesting. I remember stating that I didn't realize Walt was such an innovator, not just with the parks, but about many things. After that we walked back to the Little Mermaid. The line was still longish but we got in. After a few minutes, we got right back out, deciding to get FPs. Since the Animation Building is right next door, we walked in there. I joined the line for Lotso, but it was longish and not moving, so I left. (As a side note, I obviously hadn't yet seen the movie. After I did, I'm so glad I didn't meet Lotso. He's just sooooo evil in the movie. ) Sorcerer Mickey's line was just ridiculous so I went over to the Incredibles (I was also heartbroken that the "UP" characters had been replaced not long before that). Mr. and Mrs. were greeting, but after a few minutes they "had to go check on Jack-Jack. You know how it is with kids." The handler said Mr. and Frozone would be coming back, but at this point the line had turned into more of a blob, so we decided to just go check out the animation movie.

We had about a 10 minute wait for the movie. Now, we had packed sandwiches and such because we were planning to just stay in the park all day. Accordingly, we had packed bags of ice and frozen bottles of water in my backpack. BAD IDEA. It was melting all over the place and my bag was soaked through and dripping. When we finally got into the movie, we found it to be cute but boring. For whatever reason, Mom didn't want to take the drawing class after. I was disappointed, as I had heard such good things about it and was really looking forward to it, but I let it go.

Now, we decided we wanted to leave soon. The heat and humidity were getting to us, and we were cranky and tired. Keep in mind, we'd only been in the park for about 3 hours, and about half of that was spent in air conditioning, so that should tell you a lot. Our Little Mermaid FPs were good, but we decided we'd rather see Beauty and the Beast, so we headed over to Sunset Boulevard.

"Look afraid!"

 

[bellebookworm9]

We arrived at the theater just a few minutes to showtime. Much to my surprise we were able to get seats in the back of the main theater. Last time, we arrived about 15 minutes prior and we were lucky to get seats in the bleachers. Then again, that was on President's day. Anyway, we had a pretty good view, but you'll have to excuse the heads in the pictures.

I love that show, really I do. I think the singing and dancing is great. The storyline is just so disjointed. I think my favorite line is "Through a series of mysterious circumstances Belle found herself at an enchanted castle." Well, thanks for skipping over a bunch of the plot line!

We headed out not long before Block Party Bash was set to begin. At this point, neither one of us was sure if we'd be returning to see Fantasmic! later that evening. I'd be okay with missing it. I know most people say that is the greatest show ever made, but I'd take IllumiNations or Wishes over it any day. We arrived at the bus stop, and had our longest wait of the trip for a Studios bus; I think it was about 5-10 minutes. We both got a seat and soon arrived back at Kidani to relax. We'd see what the evening would bring.

"It's only 7:15, but..."

 

[trinaweena]

Your HS day reminds me of our HS day(s). We did two days this trip and by the second one I was unsure if I EVER wanted to return to HS. Of course, different reasons entirely (too hot, too many tour groups, me bing sick) but god it was just awful for us!

Fantasmic is hands down my FAVORITE thing at Disney. And we missed it this year because DBF's family didn't want to do it. I was beyond upset. But, I've let it go since then (a little haha) and I'm determined to do it next time. Yes it's over rated but the first time I ever saw it was with my Grandma and Grandpa and it holds a ton of sentimental value for me (as most things at Disney do)

 

[bellebookworm9]

Your HS day reminds me of our HS day(s). We did two days this trip and by the second one I was unsure if I EVER wanted to return to HS. Of course, different reasons entirely (too hot, too many tour groups, me bing sick) but god it was just awful for us!

Fantasmic is hands down my FAVORITE thing at Disney. And we missed it this year because DBF's family didn't want to do it. I was beyond upset. But, I've let it go since then (a little haha) and I'm determined to do it next time. Yes it's over rated but the first time I ever saw it was with my Grandma and Grandpa and it holds a ton of sentimental value for me (as most things at Disney do)

We just didn't have great luck at the Studios and I'm not really sure why. We didn't get to do a lot of things that we had planned/wanted to do. I have a whole list that I'll share in my final wrap up.

It's not even that I dislike Fantasmic. I think part of my issue with it is that it's long, and it was sooooo loud. I think the other part is the music. I absolutely love the music for IllumiNations, I basically have it memorized and it's my dream to get hold of the score someday to play it myself. Wishes also has great music. Fantasmic just isn't my favorite. But I can understand really liking it if it holds sentimental value for you. That sucks that you didn't get to do a lot of the things you wanted because BFs family wasn't cooperating. My last trip was like that, but that was just because we had between 3-12 teenage girls wanting to do different things.

 

[mermaid764]

Great update!

50's Prime Time seems like such a neat restaurant and the dessert looks soooo good.

Looking forward to more

 

[bellebookworm9]

Great update!

50's Prime Time seems like such a neat restaurant and the dessert looks soooo good.

Looking forward to more

50s was really cool. I'd heard some good and bad, but we loved it! It lived up to its reputation.

 

[alisonwonderland64]

That brownie dessert at 50's Prime Time looks delicious! I'm glad you had a good server there, that always makes it so much more fun . I've found it to be kind of hit or miss there--when my family went there this year, we had a waitress who was really into it, which was great, but last year when I was there with my friends, our waiter didn't do ANYTHING, which was upsetting . Glad you liked it!

Oh, and I so agree with what you said about being glad you didn't meet Lotso after seeing Toy Story 3. When I saw the movie and how evil he was, I was so confused as to why they have the meet and greet with him and everything there now...won't little kids be scared of him? I know I wouldn't want to meet him after seeing the movie...

 

[bellebookworm9]

After my nap, I had a sandwich while we decided what we would do that evening. Mom still wasn't feeling well, so I decided I'd go back to the Studios alone. As usual, there was pretty much no wait for a bus. When I got there, I took a few pictures of signs.

Then I headed straight for Tower of Tower, FPs in hand. I walked right into the library, getting there just before they closed the doors. There was a bit of a wait in the boiler room. My adrenaline was pumping; the whole wait I kept thinking "Why am I doing this? I hate dropping!" but soon enough it was my turn. I was in the back corner of the elevator, seated next to a little girl and her dad. Too late to turn back now! The special effects were cool, of course. Even the drops weren't too bad, but I'm pretty sure there weren't any 13 story ones either! However, I had screamed so loud that my throat hurt afterwards. This is how most of my redneck ride photos turned out:

Next, I walked over to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster to get in the singles line. Much to my dismay, the singles line was closed! All the Fastpasses were gone, of course, and the stand by line was at 60 minutes. No way. I considered using my Little Mermaid FP, but I didn't know if they would still accept it. I know ride FPs are good anytime after the window but I don't know if it works the same for shows. So, looking at the map and seeing that seating for the first Fantasmic! show begins 90 minutes beforehand, I decided to go get in line. Granted, it was 7:15 and the show didn't start until 9:00, but I joined the crowd waiting to be let into the amphitheater. When 7:30 rolled around we began the dash towards the theater. I veered off to stop at one of the snack stands. I ordered a popcorn and a frozen lemonade (or so I thought). When I drank it, turns out it was a frozen lemonade shock aka extra tart. The popcorn also seemed a bit stale. Anyway, getting there that early definitely payed off. I grabbed a seat in the center Mickey section, about 5 rows from the top, on the aisle! This was my view:

This was the crowd not long after I got there:

Obviously it filled up by the time the show started. I had my iPod to keep me occupied and I people watched. A family from Kansas sat next to me. At least, I'm assuming they were from Kansas as the son had a University of Kansas shirt on. There was a kid in front of me who kept getting swarmed by little white flies. It was gross. There was a bride and groom in front of me as well, who unfortunately, show up in most of my pictures. Finally, it was time for the show to start! (We could also see IllumiNations in the background, so I took some pictures of that as well.)

"Dreams are make believe but when they all come true..."

 

[bellebookworm9]

"Welcome to Fantasmic!" came over the loud speaker. "Mickey will battle evil, overwhelming nightmare, powers strong enough, bright enough, etc" was explained. The lights went down and there was Mickey! *Most of my pictures weren't very good because it was dark, my flash can't illuminate very far, and my camera doesn't zoom very well.*

(I just love that part where Pochaontas & John Smith are standing on opposite sides of the mountain, and Grandmother Willow is speaking, and the music swells!)

Now, I followed RideMax's tip for beating the crowds, so sorry these last pictures are so blurry, they were taken while I was moving.

I definitely beat the crowds out! Some picture taking was in order!

"Every day we make progress."