Magic in the Kingdom 2012! BIG 2/16/2014 FINAL UPDATE!

[mom2rtk]

I hope everyone had a great Easter!

 

[francis6306]

My Easter was Lovely and we're having a BEAUTIFUL day here in the cornfields! Hope you guys are doing well!

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

Hi love the TR so far can't wait to read more

 

[AGPrincess]

Great photos from Disney on Ice - looks like a really fun show! Can't wait for an update!

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey everyone, I trust from prior experience reading my trip reports that you all knew I'd be back when life settled down a bit. So I'm back again!

Timmy has finally committed on college for the fall. He is going to attend the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO. He has scholarships to cover the full tuition, so that really helps. But it's going to be a year of big change with him moving down there in August. It's a very long 3 1/2 hour drive from here. Part of that drive is by winding 2 lane highway through every small town in Missouri it seems! So no popping home on weekends. Well, not very easily anyway. But we're very proud of him for taking it on. The work will be very challenging, but the payoff well worth it I think.

My Easter was Lovely and we're having a BEAUTIFUL day here in the cornfields! Hope you guys are doing well!

Thanks. We had like ONE beautiful day here. Then it got cool and rainy again. And I think it's supposed to stay that way the rest of the week. Sigh. I need sunny and 70!

Hi love the TR so far can't wait to read more

Hi! So glad you found us. Welcome!!

Great photos from Disney on Ice - looks like a really fun show! Can't wait for an update!

Thanks! Disney on Ice as a lot of fun. We get another dose of Disney this weekend, although sadly I won't get to take photos of this one to share. But I'm so excited! After YEARS of hearing everyone talk about Mary Poppins on stage...... it's finally in town!

 

[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 9th: Be Our Guest!

Drew was going to stay at the resort to rest up for a bit before meeting us later at MVMCP. Katie and I headed for the Magic Kingdom around 3. We were at the gate by 3:30. We were meeting Kim and the girls for our first visit to Be Our Guest. I think the ADR was for 4:15 I think, so I was sweating making it on time. I was really relieved when they opened the gates to party goers at 3:45!

We found the Kim and the girls waiting near the entrance to ETWB. McKenna was in her red gown already, so we quickly put on Katie's and headed for the line. After all the anticipation....... all the hassle of getting the ADR's for BOG........ it was amazing to finally be there.

And now we know the real reason Katie wanted contacts..... so she could wear sunglasses and look like a Hollywood star!


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I love the way they call in one group at a time and you enter the gate all alone. We were led to the main Ballroom, just as I had hoped for our first visit. It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the very low lighting in the room, but once they did, I was able to take in all that rich detail. Sitting there watching the snow fall outside the "windows" was amazing. I ordered the chicken and Katie ordered the onion soup and a side salad. Katie ended up not really caring for her dinner, but I think her triple chocolate cupcake more than made up for it. Which was fine, since I shared my chicken. I had great hopes for the French Onion soup but didn't care for the taste I had. It was far too sweet. And I like sweet tastes. It just didn't work for me.



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The one thing I was worried about with this ADR was how long it was going to take. I had read some stories on the DIS before leaving about dinners going very slow. This was our first party night and we needed to be in line for the Dwarfs early if we also wanted to make it through the princess line before Drew got there at 8. It wasn't as bad as some of the reports I had seen, but it was still close to 6 when we finally left. It really was hard to tear ourselves away. I could have stayed there much longer, camera in hand, soaking in all the details.

They were real sticklers with the Beast on this visit. I asked if I could take a quick photo of each girl by herself with him, and was told no. And there really wasn't a long line either. I thought it was just odd.


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[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 9th: MVMCP


When we left the restaurant, I ran ahead of the group to get our spot in line to meet the dwarfs. I ended up 8 or 9 groups back in line. Kim and the girls then caught up with me in line. Mikayla (Kim's older daughter) took McKenna into the restroom to change into Snow White, and I just put Katie's Evil Queen on in line. I still had not seen Katie's costume on her at all. I decided pretty late in the game that it would be fun to dress the girls up for the 7 Dwarf meet. It was great fun to finally see it come together.


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After meeting the dwarfs, I ran ahead to get in line for the princesses. I remembered last year when we did the same thing, on a fairly slow party night, and had waited 70 minutes. So with that in mind, I scooted on across the park. Kim was going to stop and get some photopass shots of the girls on the way over.

Boy, was I shocked when I walked in and there was almost no line at all to see the princesses. Wow, what a complete change over last year. I suppose they probably had 2 rooms going this time as compared to last year when there was only 1 room open. I was at the door almost right away, but stepped aside to let everyone else pass. I texted Kim to not take too long or delay with photos.


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[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 9th: MVMCP Parade

We were done a few minutes after 8. And just like clockwork, Drew was texting to say he was there. So we split up from the Kim and the girls and headed out with Drew.

My intention was not to do the first parade, since I wanted more lead time to get a good spot. But either Katie or Drew asked about watching from the train station. I didn't think we'd find a spot up there, but since we were close, I figured it couldn't hurt to check. I was really surprised there weren't more people up there. There wasn't a spot to sit, but we decided to stay anyway. Not more than a couple minutes later, a CM came up and told everyone to hold up their wristbands. Before I knew what was happening, the 2 young girls sitting in chairs in front of us hopped up and ran off. BUSTED! LOL. I told Drew to sit down. He didn't quite understand, but I sure did. The girls were hiding out hoping to stay in the park without purchasing tickets. All I know is that it was really nice of them to save some seats for us.

Shooting the parade from the train station has always been on my Disney "to do" list. Turns out though, that I didn't really like that vantage point at all. So many of the characters walk the parade route and don't look up all that much. Maybe the other parades with more floats would be better. But I'll probably never try. It was disappointing, but now I know.



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[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 9th Continued: More MVMCP


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A few more shots from the train station before heading out:



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[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 9th: More MVMCP

After the parade, we headed up Main Street. I was hoping to find my friend Michelle from the Disboards, who is a photopass photographer working on Main Street that night. Just as we got half way up though, they started dimming the lights to start the Castle projection show. So we veered off toward Adventureland to find Captain Jack. Fireworks time sounded like the perfect time to have him sign Katie's book. It worked out well, as the line wasn't very long, and it was pretty cool to enjoy the perimeter fireworks from that area of the park.


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From there we headed off toward Frontierland. Katie and I would be back at the party, but this was Drew's last night in the Magic Kingdom so we gave Big Thunder Mountain one more go.

Drew thought it would be fun to meet Scrooge McDuck, so I also wanted to do that. So off to Fantasyland we went. I had a vague idea of where he had been hanging out, but didn't see him. I asked a couple CMs in the area, and they thought I was nuts. Well, I KNEW he had been at MVMCP this year, so I kept asking. I saw the Tremaine family out by the castle wall and asked their character handler. Turns out he just wasn't there that night. REALLY? That totally stinks. Drew doesn't express an interest in that many characters, so I really like to try and hit the ones he does care about. Since he wouldn't be back at another party he was just plain out of luck. That totally stunk.

We went through Tomorrowland one last time for Drew and rode Buzz Lightyear a couple times. On our way out of the park, we stopped in to see Mickey and Minnie in their Christmas outfits. They had almost no wait. We hadn't done a lot, but it had been a long day and I was ready to get off my feet. We left the park a little after 11. I did stop by Guest Relations at the front of the park to express my disappointment in Scrooge McDuck not being out. But they pretty much shrugged and said entertainment is subject to change. OK then.


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[jenseib]

Well you weren't kidding when you said you had an update done!
I am loving the pictures. So did you shoot BOG with a flash? i did no flash and mine are horrid. I would love to go back and play around again and try a few things now that I know what doesn't work. It's so hard to see on your camera....and all my editing, didn't fix it too much.

Katie looks fabulous as an evil queen. She has the look down too.

Well your "crappy" parade shots look great to me. Many times when down low, I can't get the faces very well because of poles on the floats, so you kind of avoided that. You shoot that with a flash too? right? I did mosre flash shots with the parades this year. I still have to edit them though. I was actually having issues with my flash then. I think it needed fresh batteries because it would take forever to charge and it was faster to turn the camera off and on again.

 

[mom2rtk]

Well you weren't kidding when you said you had an update done!
I am loving the pictures. So did you shoot BOG with a flash? i did no flash and mine are horrid. I would love to go back and play around again and try a few things now that I know what doesn't work. It's so hard to see on your camera....and all my editing, didn't fix it too much.

Katie looks fabulous as an evil queen. She has the look down too.

Well your "crappy" parade shots look great to me. Many times when down low, I can't get the faces very well because of poles on the floats, so you kind of avoided that. You shoot that with a flash too? right? I did mosre flash shots with the parades this year. I still have to edit them though. I was actually having issues with my flash then. I think it needed fresh batteries because it would take forever to charge and it was faster to turn the camera off and on again.

Thanks Jen!

BOG was actually a real mish-mash of flash/no flash. I really didn't know what to expect in there. I think I ended up shooting people shots with flash and atmosphere shots without. I knew we'd be back, so mostly I wanted to be sure I got the girls and would work on the restaurant shots when we went back. I had my 2.8 lens on and shot at 3200 ISO, but that really wasn't fast enough. I tried with my 1.4 lens later in the trip and that was better, but not wide enough. I think next time I'll have to just bring a tripod!

I got caught later in the trip with stale flash batteries. We were in line to see the Beast on our last night and it just wouldn't go on. Only that night there was a long line behind us. I wish now I had stepped out and let someone behind us go while I dug in my bag for new batteries. No onion, razor blade or soap in my bag, but I did have fresh batteries! (You'll have to read Jen's trip report to get that one!)

No flash on the parade pics. Which is why some of the shots are a little soft. I wanted to shoot with my 2.8 zoom, but it doesn't have IS and I knew after a few shots that was out. So I swapped back to my 17-55 2.8 which does have IS and did better. It's just such a dark parade. I've shot it with flash before and done ok, but do like it better without.

 

[francis6306]

I LOVE the costumes! The Belles looked amazing and Snow White & Evil Queen look beautiful! Katie seemed to enjoy giving the stink eye!

I ALMOST ordered the onion soup when I was at BOG, but I decided against it. I wouldn't want my soup to be too sweet- I mean, I know onion can give a sweet flavor, but I like the soups with a STRONG beef broth (or is it stock? I can never remember!) flavor.

I hate that you missed Scrooge. I get it though- they can't guarantee the characters- but seems like they could make some adjustments SOMEWHERE!

 

[mom2rtk]

I LOVE the costumes! The Belles looked amazing and Snow White & Evil Queen look beautiful! Katie seemed to enjoy giving the stink eye!

I ALMOST ordered the onion soup when I was at BOG, but I decided against it. I wouldn't want my soup to be too sweet- I mean, I know onion can give a sweet flavor, but I like the soups with a STRONG beef broth (or is it stock? I can never remember!) flavor.

I hate that you missed Scrooge. I get it though- they can't guarantee the characters- but seems like they could make some adjustments SOMEWHERE!

Thanks Christen. Katie did rather enjoy embracing her inner villain! She definitely has the evil eye down, that's for sure. I can see making her a Maleficent costume at some point down the road, maybe Cruella. We're really going to have to get back for Halloween at some point and do some of those.

I love onion soup, so was sort of surprised at the taste. And I LOVE sweet stuff. I've seen lots of reports from others who loved it though, so give it a try when you can.

 

[Sydnerella]

Oh where to begin..... this was perfect timing as I completed something my client said they no longer needed... so I "could relax" for now

Oh, that means hit the DISBoards! So I was thrilled to see the new posts!

I know everyone says this, but

Katie is such a beautiful girl - I have never seen a prettier friend of Belle!

The gown and styling were perfect for her - it was all just incredible! She IS Belle! I hope we see her again later in the TR!

When I saw the parade pic of Belle on that horrible old float in her Christmas gown I was feeling very strongly that she needed to stop and pose with Katie for a "special meet and greet"

And I cannot believe her friend got to wear a second Belle gown that you made how lucky is that Mom?!?!?! I have zero sewing talent so would be forever in your debt!

Evil queen - nailed it! What a fun night of role play for the girls!

Good to know about the FO soup - it is a favorite of mine, but not something I care for to be sweet. Panera's is almost too sweet for me.

Congratulations on another triumph at MVMCP! And thanks for sharing - such a fun treat today as "I relax" and try not to bemoan my wasted work this morning!

Sydnerella's Mama

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Wow! Great updates.

I always love your TRs, with your amazing photography and your beautiful sewing. Can't wait to see BOG for myself. HOPEFULLY sometime this summer!

 

[KCmike]

First of all congrats on Timmy! A full ride is such an amazing accomplishment. Congrats to the whole family.

Secondly, Your daughter in the Evil Queen outfit just made my day. She looks amazing in it. She spot on gives the evil scowl in every shot and it is just plain awesome.

Thirdly, I think you got some great vantage points of photography shots of the parade and the ones looking down mainstreet are especially wonderful. The one with Santa and looking into mainstreet in the same shot was one of my favorites.

Wow when you give an update you really knock us out.
How is the planning going for the summer vacation? Has your husband changed his mind and decided on do Disneyworld for your one day fix?

Mike

 

[mom2rtk]

Oh where to begin..... this was perfect timing as I completed something my client said they no longer needed... so I "could relax" for now

Oh, that means hit the DISBoards! So I was thrilled to see the new posts!

I know everyone says this, but

Katie is such a beautiful girl - I have never seen a prettier friend of Belle!

The gown and styling were perfect for her - it was all just incredible! She IS Belle! I hope we see her again later in the TR!

When I saw the parade pic of Belle on that horrible old float in her Christmas gown I was feeling very strongly that she needed to stop and pose with Katie for a "special meet and greet"

And I cannot believe her friend got to wear a second Belle gown that you made how lucky is that Mom?!?!?! I have zero sewing talent so would be forever in your debt!

Evil queen - nailed it! What a fun night of role play for the girls!

Good to know about the FO soup - it is a favorite of mine, but not something I care for to be sweet. Panera's is almost too sweet for me.

Congratulations on another triumph at MVMCP! And thanks for sharing - such a fun treat today as "I relax" and try not to bemoan my wasted work this morning!

Sydnerella's Mama

What a sweetie. Thank you!

As you might expect, there was a little sadness in my eyes as I saw that horrible old float go by! And yes, I'm still bitter about Belle not appearing in her holiday gown for pictures at the party! When I found out she wasn't appearing, I thought about not doing the red gown, but at the last minute I decided it would be good to at least get photos with the Beast. So as you might expect, I was also a little disappointed we couldn't snap one quick photo of each girl by herself with the Beast.

Katie really did enjoy the Evil Queen. Maybe I've lost her to the dark side???

Here's to a more productive day at work for you tomorrow! But I'm glad you read along today.

Wow! Great updates.

I always love your TRs, with your amazing photography and your beautiful sewing. Can't wait to see BOG for myself. HOPEFULLY sometime this summer!

I hope you get to dine there this summer. It's really something to experience. It really was one of the high points on our trip. I'll have more BOG to come. We ended up eating in all 3 dining rooms!

 

[mom2rtk]

First of all congrats on Timmy! A full ride is such an amazing accomplishment. Congrats to the whole family.

Secondly, Your daughter in the Evil Queen outfit just made my day. She looks amazing in it. She spot on gives the evil scowl in every shot and it is just plain awesome.

Thirdly, I think you got some great vantage points of photography shots of the parade and the ones looking down mainstreet are especially wonderful. The one with Santa and looking into mainstreet in the same shot was one of my favorites.

Wow when you give an update you really knock us out.
How is the planning going for the summer vacation? Has your husband changed his mind and decided on do Disneyworld for your one day fix?

Mike

Thanks Mike! We're all pretty happy to have Timmy settled on a school. It's not quite a full ride as he will have to come up with room and board costs. He actually had a full ride (including room and board) at William Jewell. It was REALLY hard to get over the hump and actually turn that down to move forward with Rolla. But Jewell does not offer an engineering degree. He would have majored in physics and had to transfer to Rolla then for a couple years to finish out the engineering portion of a degree. And at the time of transfer, the tuition scholarships at Rolla would be gone. It was a tricky decision. And while I would have greatly preferred to have him closer to home, I think he made the right decision for the long term. Still gonna be a really hard year for me though. Thankfully, I think he'll do just fine.

Thanks for the kind words on the photos. It was nice to get back to work on the trip report and revisit my happy place after focusing on Timmy's real world dilemmas so much lately.

Katie had a ball with the Evil Queen, and I got some fun photos. That's a win/win in my book!

And the Santa shots were actually my favorites from the parade. I think that's because he's so high up he felt closer to my camera. I didn't feel like I was shooting down on top of his head like I did with some of the other characters and floats.

Our plans for the summer are pretty set. Drew wants to save his vacation time for later in the year when Timmy is home from school. So he's heading back with Timmy after the Sanibel portion of the trip. Only Katie and I are going on to Orlando for a brief stop.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Congratulations to your son on picking a school! Ugh those days were rough enough from my standpoint, I can only imagine how my parents felt! No wonder your life has been so crazy. I think going away to school is good for everyone to experience when they're young. I ended up not liking it and transferring closer to home after a year and a half, but I'm glad that I had the experience and don't spend my time wondering what I was missing. Plus, there's no faster way to push a teen into independence lol!

The BoG pictures look awesome. So excited to eat there. And I love the girls in their red gowns. They look so much more grown up this time. Also, I agree with the previous comment that Katie would make a gorgeous Belle!! That's pretty annoying that they wouldn't let you take separate shots of the girls.

I think your pictures of the parade look amazing. I see your point with not being able to capture their faces as well but the more aerial view of the parade is stunning. How nice of those girls to "save" seats for you rotfl. I have to wonder what they had been doing until then. Were they just sitting there since the party started? So silly.

Ugh no Scrooge Mcduck? Disney certainly wasn't scoring any points with you on character M&Gs this party. I get that things happen but a replacement would've been nice.

Also, I love love the pictures of Katie with Snow White and the prince! She embraced the villain role well! Maybe you'll have a new set of outfits to be working on in the teen years ?