May 2011 Yo Ho Ho! Let Down Your Hair! (New 10/9 Lessons Learned #550)

[Marshay]

Here are the pics from the castle. I love Elizabeth's face on this one.

My parents with the girls

We welcome you to Disney!

After Aladdin, we rode Pirates and saw the Haunted Mansion. The new queue is REALLY cool. I esp love the books that move out on the bookcase and the musical instruments that you can touch to play.

Oh, actually according to my notes (duh!), Rachel rode Space Mountain with Jerry and I for her first time now, not yesterday as I had previously noted.

My parents took Elie on the PeopleMover so we could ride Space Mtn together.

My parents left the park b/c they didn't want to get caught up in the crowd. I forgot to show this choc-peanut butter concoction that we got at MK previously on our snack credit. YUMMY!

Then it was time for the new Magic, Memories and You show and this was TRULY WONDERFUL! I loved it and wanted to see it again. We decided to watch MM&Y and Wishes from Main Street so that we could get out of the park a little bit quicker than normal.

It took over one hour to leave MK, get to our car and back to Kidani. I thought that was pretty good!

Next up: the day Rachel and I have been waiting for -- Rapunzel and the Castle!!

 

[Marshay]

Today is Friday, May 20th and our last full day at MK. No matter how many times I go to WDW, I am always so sad to leave.

My new strategy that helps, is to plan something really cool, new or both toward the end of the trip. Definitely gives us something to look forward to!

We woke up at 7:45am which was only 15 minutes until we were supposed to LEAVE for MK.

Today was our Rapunzel day and I had heard that you HAVE, HAVE, HAVE to be one of the first ones in the park and go directly to the area -- do not pass go, do not collect $200 and DO trample everyone you see in front of you!!!

Ok, maybe not trample....

Jerry said we can't make it. I said we can.

I've been really good this entire trip about taking it easy, going with the flow. I only expected it to last for 2 days and this is the 8th day. So dog-gone it, we are going COMMANDO!!!

We all hurried and actually made it to the TTC at 8:45am! Whew! Now that's pretty crazy.

It always takes us about 10 minutes or so once we arrive in the parking lot to get ourselves ready -- sunscreen (if we forgot), hats, sun glasses, stroller, diaper bag, extra clothes, milk & snacks, tickets, etc.

So I commanded (hee hee), ok, strongly suggested that Jerry take Rachel and go ahead to enter the park early. We have 15 minutes before opening and he can walk on up ahead (faster than tram since we were somewhat close) and then maybe even see the opening show. Then go straight to Rapunzel and wait for me. Hopefully, we are in the 1st show but if not the 2nd show.

I'll stay back and get everything organized....oh, and here are your tickets!! That would have been bad, if I forgot to give them their tickets to get in.

OK, everything sounds perfect right??

 

[Marshay]

Well, I took my time getting everything together to make sure I had it all and then walked to the monorail instead of taking the tram (trams and strollers do not work well).

Then I go through the line. I'm not rushing but I want to meet up with them ASAP. Ironically, as I was going past the ticket booths, I hear the tram coming up behind me so I sort of "run" at this point to get to the monorail before the tram unloads.

I got on the monorail and the doors close right before the tram lets out and as the monorail comes into the station, the fireworks go off from the Opening Show.

I quickly go through baggage check but totally had Mr. Anal who had to check every single bag and zipper. We've had the exact same bags all week and not once were checked that closely.

I walk very quickly up Main Street and go to the Tangled Meet and Greet. It's about 9:15am and I'm just hoping that I'm not too late to get into the show b/c I'm not sure if the CM will let me join Jerry and Rachel.

I look in the garden area and can't find them.

Good!

That means they are waiting in line and we can all go in together for the next show!

or does it?!!??

 

[cherbear]

on the edge of my seat here!!!

What a wonderful time you had at tea. I really enjoyed reading about it and seeing all your pictures. Seems like Rachel was at the perfect age to enjoy it.

Good job picking the best tea Rachel!!

And your food pictures....I am such a fruit and cheese lover, and chocolate of course..so I got reaallly jealous seeing those pics!!!

 

[Marshay]

on the edge of my seat here!!!

What a wonderful time you had at tea. I really enjoyed reading about it and seeing all your pictures. Seems like Rachel was at the perfect age to enjoy it.

Good job picking the best tea Rachel!!

And your food pictures....I am such a fruit and cheese lover, and chocolate of course..so I got reaallly jealous seeing those pics!!!

believe me, I was at the edge of my seat too, trying to figure out what to do if they were in the first show and I wasn't. Darny that security officer slowing me down!!

Yes, tea was really neat and I'm glad we got to do it with my mom.

Actually, for our January trip, I told Rachel we can do one fun thing -- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ... Pirate Boat Adventure for Kids ... Grand Floridian Tea.

Guess which one she chose?

 

[Trentmom]

Tea Party looked like so much fun

Love cheese and fruit and choc cov strawberries. Right up my alley.. mmmmmm


Ele is so expressive in her eyes. Love all her pics with her wide eyes...so cute

You really have me on the edge of my seat now

 

[mousescrapper]

WHAT no more... this is like reading a great book here and the last page was torn out

wow i had alot to catch up on from AK to Mk to Dinner to EP to Mk and back again... or something like that

love all the posts and pictures and stories...great about all the rides that rachel went on and I love the tea service...so sweet and fun...I should do that w/ my girls one trip

looking forward to more

 

[kaoden39]

Gotta love a cliff hanger!! I hope you made it in time to see Rachel with Rapunzel.

 

[Marshay]

WHAT no more... this is like reading a great book here and the last page was torn out

wow i had alot to catch up on from AK to Mk to Dinner to EP to Mk and back again... or something like that

love all the posts and pictures and stories...great about all the rides that rachel went on and I love the tea service...so sweet and fun...I should do that w/ my girls one trip

looking forward to more

Yeah, I know it was a lot of posts...but I figure I'm way overdue and really want to get working on my January TR (I can only handle one at a time!)

Your girls would probably love the tea service and getting all dressed up in costume. You can also order ala carte and not get the meals to save money. I think Rachel's was about $10, my moms about $17 and mine was $25.

Glad you are enjoying the cliff hanger!!

And I got to get back caught up on your TR (and others) too!

FYI -- Rachel is working on Rachel's letter...we've just been swamped, as I'm sure you can understand. Going to full-day school means a lot less time for play.

Gotta love a cliff hanger!! I hope you made it in time to see Rachel with Rapunzel.

Thanks!

My only hint is that I was either quite ecstatic ... or quite angry ... hmmmm

 

[kaoden39]

I wish they still had the teas at DLR, although my girls are pretty grown up I think it would still be a blast. When they had it at the DLR it was a really expensive character meal so it wasn't popular enough to stay.

 

[Marshay]

I wish they still had the teas at DLR, although my girls are pretty grown up I think it would still be a blast. When they had it at the DLR it was a really expensive character meal so it wasn't popular enough to stay.

The Grand Floridian also has a more expensive version. I think Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter show up and it includes a Disney Doll (sort of like an American Girl doll). I can't remember the exact price but I think it was over $100 and we already have that doll, so we didn't do it.

I think we will do the tea again in January...I need to get back to planning my January trip...

 

[kaoden39]

The Grand Floridian also has a more expensive version. I think Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter show up and it includes a Disney Doll (sort of like an American Girl doll). I can't remember the exact price but I think it was over $100 and we already have that doll, so we didn't do it.

I think we will do the tea again in January...I need to get back to planning my January trip...

It was like that here too and frankly that is a bit pricey.

 

[WDWCP96]

Wow that is a lot of updates!

Love the pictures of Rachel on Kali with both of you. My oldest refused going on that ride in June so I am hoping that by our next trip he will go.

The GF tea sounds great! A couple of more years until I can bring my daughter.

Oh the cliffhanger, I really hope they got in the 1st meet and great!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Hey Marsha! Yes, LOTS of updates!!!! Love the slower pace, same thing we did on our April trip So glad that Brer Rabbit was found and that you had such fun days with so much variety! Cool family pics, expecially in front of the castle and AK.

Funny that the crazy pace kicks in at the end of the trip instead of the beginning. Sounds like a lot of little things putting a hitch into getting to Rapunzel, hope it all works out!

 

[Marshay]

It was like that here too and frankly that is a bit pricey.

Yeah, I guess Disney is trying to get in on the whole American Girl Doll experience. A mom-friend of mine did that with her 8 year old daughter in NYC and said it cost her over $500 for the train to NYC and AG doll lunch.

Wow that is a lot of updates!

Love the pictures of Rachel on Kali with both of you. My oldest refused going on that ride in June so I am hoping that by our next trip he will go.

The GF tea sounds great! A couple of more years until I can bring my daughter.

Oh the cliffhanger, I really hope they got in the 1st meet and great!

Hope he will go on Kali, too. It's just a fun little ride.

The tea was really neat and I highly recommend it -- a great mother/daughter experience.

Hey Marsha! Yes, LOTS of updates!!!! Love the slower pace, same thing we did on our April trip So glad that Brer Rabbit was found and that you had such fun days with so much variety! Cool family pics, expecially in front of the castle and AK.

Funny that the crazy pace kicks in at the end of the trip instead of the beginning. Sounds like a lot of little things putting a hitch into getting to Rapunzel, hope it all works out!

yeah, the slower pace worked out well overall. But this day was our last and I was starting to feel panicky about doing it all ... which sort of explains what happened next...

 

[Marshay]

When I last left you, I had become an Army Drill Sargent and had devised a battle-worthy plan of attack on how to do the Tangled Meet and Greet. Jerry and Rachel went ahead to reserve our spot in line and Elie and I gathered all the "stuff" we would need in the park and followed behind.

I arrived at the old Belle Storytime Garden at 9:15am and didn't see them in the courtyard ... but I couldn't find them in line either. Hmmm, where are they?

So, I immediately start calling Jerry b/c somehow I'm blind and can't find them. I'm thinking they are hidden behind people in the show. I walk up and down the line that is waiting but nope, no one there. Jerry doesn't answer his phone either.

I turn around to go back around one more time and guess who should be walking up the hill ... NOT in line, NOT in the show ... but just walking to get in the back of the line.

 

[Marshay]

Ok, let me just preface this by saying again -- I strive to be honest with you all. The good, the bad, the ugly, the funny.

Well, this next part is how you do NOT have "pixie dust in the most magical palce in the world!"

I am not happy (DIS won't let me use the word I really want to use!)

And I'm completely baffled. Jerry and Rachel left at least 10 minutes before me, they were able to go through the no bags line since I had all the bags and I still beat them!!!!

 

[Marshay]

So we turn around and get to the end of the line and find out that we should get in the 11am show! That's nearly 2 hours from now. I tell Jerry:
I. AM. NOT. WAITING. THAT. LONG.

Rachel is upset b/c she really, really, really wanted to meet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. They are her new heros and favorites.

Jerry then volunteers to sit and wait while I take the girls through Fantasyland. This is great!

(And a very smooth decision on Jerry's part b/c it was best for us not to be together right then!)

On a side note, after we calmed down, I asked what happened and he told me that:

1) He didn't feel the need to speed walk, so they just walked at a casual pace since the park wasn't open yet (Newbie mistake #1)

2) He took the Ferry instead of the Monorail at the TTC (Newbie mistake #2). Actually, he thought the ferry was pulling in but in fact it was pulling out so they had to wait a bit for the next one to arrive. Remember when I saw the fireworks from the Monorail as we were pulling into the station...well they were still on the water.

Anyway, Rae, Elie and I get FP for Peter Pan, with a surprise FP for Mickey's Philharmagic, we ride Winnie the Pooh and play in the new queue area. We rode Snow White, Aladdin, got FP for Jungle Cruise and then went to the restrooms.

It was still about 55 minutes until our M&G, so I go back to Jerry to relieve him and apologize for getting so upset.

I totally know in the grand scheme of life, it didn't matter. But boy did this get to me at the moment.

Jerry then goes and gets FPs for Buzz and now it's time to meet Tangled.

It's hot.

Did I tell you it's hot.

Very hot.

And most of the line for Tangled is in Full Sun.

I had heard that Rapunzel and Flynn Rider will come out and dance with the girls, you also color a picture and then you meet them. Well, the girls went straight to the table to color and they no longer dance at all.

Rachel keeps drawing but Elie is getting hot and tired, as you can see in this pic.

Then she plops, b/c this princess is tired!

We are #5 in line but it's still taking a LONG time...Now it's about 11:20am and we have lunch ressies at 11:50am and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are STILL not out and we are still in the sun

The CM brought around Pascal

and the girls had fun playing with him for a moment

Silly me, I thought the 11am show meant that they come out at 11am

Finally, they come out about 11:30 or so.

and Rachel is sooo excited

Rachel showed Rapunzel her Rapunzel doll. (I don't think the character really like the doll...she's looking at it awfully strangely...)

but Rachel thought it was hilarious. This is one of my favorite photos of Rachel -- just pure joy!!

Well, to be honest, Flynn Rider made a much better character than Rapunzel and he got most of our attention. I think that ticked off Rapunzel a bit.

 

[Marshay]

Rachel asked Flynn what was in his satchel ...

You can see Rachel is totally focused on flynn.

The guy playing Flynn was GREAT! He really got into the role.

The smoulder

The group

Everyone trying to do the infamous "smoulder" from the movie.

Meeting them was really cool. Rachel loved both characters but afterwards Rachel is extremely cranky!!

It was a rough morning, mommy and daddy argued, we rushed around like crazy, waited in the hot sun for a LONG time, then had 3-5 minutes with her #1 favorite, bestest characters -- well, she was exhausted.

But we had to rush to our lunch reservations. Fortunately, it was close by
and here is a hint.

 

[kaoden39]

Argh!!! Oh no!!!


Okay I posted this while the update was going up. Flynn is much better than Rapunzel for sure. Look at how how kept Rachel's attention. How great is that.