Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[photographymom517]

At this point, our son woke up so we decide to start walking through the park again.

I tried to get a crowd shot in Tomorrowland, but this honestly doesn’t do it justice. We were squished into the park like SARDINES!!! (hence, the title of my trip report! You’ll see much more of the sardine reference throughout my park days! Lol)

We didn’t go on any rides in Tomorrowland because the wait times were all over 90 minutes & they were out of Fast Passes almost everywhere they were offered! It was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen! I thought it was just because we went to the park so late in the afternoon…but wait until tomorrow!

We went into Fantasyland & I had to take a picture of my favorite sign along the way.

We then saw this ride

We weren’t sure if our son would ride it or not, so we let him sit in his stroller & watch.

I took a picture of the construction walls as we were walking. This picture was taken right beside the speedway on the way to Toontown or Fantasyland. I have more pictures of the construction wall that I’ll post later.

 

[photographymom517]

My husband knows about my huge obsession with Toontown & how disappointed I am that it is leaving forever. So, he agreed to stop by Toontown next as long as I agreed to go on a train ride for him & my son!

Because I knew this may be my LAST time ever seeing Toontown, I was obsessed with the pictures & probably have hundreds. I’ll only post the best ones! I still haven’t had time to edit any of my photos so these are “as is” photos!

Also, I know I keep saying that we were squished like sardines in the park yet some of my pictures have NO people in them…sometimes I stood in front of one place for 10 minutes waiting to get a people-free photo! I’m sure this got annoying to both my husband and people walking past me, but it was the last time I’d get to see Toontown & I wasn’t sure when I’d be back at Disney again!

 

[photographymom517]

Next, on to the houses!!! My favorite part!!!

First up, Minnie Mouse’s Country House

The porch

Moving onto the next room….

I know the pictures are ALL people free & this seems crazy considering the amount of people INSIDE Minnie’s House. I’ll tell you something, I have never seen such considerate people before. It was as if we were all there for the same reason…I guess we kinda were! We were literally JAMMED PACK inside this house!!! You could barely move or step one foot in front of the other.

But guess what? Whenever someone held up a camera to take a picture, EVERYONE moved out of the way. And the people who didn’t move, were asked (very nicely of course!) to move by another person in the house! I’ve never seen anything like it before. We all knew that we wouldn’t have another chance to see the houses and we were all trying to get as many photographs as we could, even of the little details.

It just amazed me how people would take turns taking pictures or ask others to move so someone else -- a complete stranger -- could take a picture! So, that explains my “people free” photography in the houses!

I actually have a huge surprise for all of you Toon Town lovers...but you have to wait until our last day at Disney to find out what it is!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Next up…Mickey Mouse’s Country House

I didn’t take as many pictures because I got really good ones last trip & I’ve been to Mickey’s House multiple times on past trips. I’ve never walked through Minnie’s House so it was a big deal to me!

I’ve never noticed this doggie bed before on past trips to Mickey’s House. I’m assuming its for Pluto!

 

[photographymom517]

Outside Mickey’s House -- Garden Area

Mickey’s Garage

Next, we waited in line…foooorever….to get on the train at the Toontown Train Station. We seriously waited what seemed like forever. It was sooo incredibly hot that day. It felt like it was 105 degrees & the humidity was ridiculous!

Add on top of that…a million sardines…and you end up with alot of complaining!

I, personally, didn’t mind waiting…but I was getting annoyed listening to the other people complain…although it was pretty amusing as well! I forget what the one lady said…I remember thinking “Oh, I have to put that on DIS, everyone will laugh…” but I didn’t write it down & now I can’t remember what she said! Maybe it will come to me at some point & then I’ll tell you!

The only thing that really annoyed me standing in line was the guy beside me. He had one of those spraying fans & kept spraying it on his kids…well, the CM working at the train station had us all packed like sardines in the waiting area, so the water kept going on me. Not really a huge deal on a hot, humid day…but I was trying to take pictures of Toontown while waiting & he could obviously see this!

Here are some I took while on the train. I put my camera away at one point because I just wanted to enjoy the ride!

 

[photographymom517]

After our train ride, we decided to continue through Fantasyland. I loved the little plaques along the way…I stopped to take a picture of each one, which some park goers didn’t like! I was laughing because the one guy behind me was getting really mad…he kept making comments to & about me to this guy he was with. Yes, there were a million people inside the park that day, but he still had room to walk around me! He didn’t have to stay behind me & stop every time I took a photo! Instead of getting mad, I just laughed. I really thought it was amusing that something so silly could make someone so mad! Guess it was the humidity or maybe he was just tired after a long day???

Here are the plaques on the construction walls!

Construction walls

Plans for Fantasyland Expansion -- I liked how they put these on the walls with the descriptions & pictures! A lot of people were getting their picture taken in front of the walls, which I thought was neat!

As most of you know from following my report, I was very sad to see Toontown leave the Magic Kingdom. I really enjoy visiting it & didn’t think I’d like the new expansion of Fantasyland. I guess I had to go there & see it with my own eyes to really be able to form my own opinion…and guess what? I am sooo excited about the new expansion!!! After looking at the murals & reading the descriptions, I think it will be great!!! I am still sad to see Toontown go, but can’t wait to plan a trip in 2013 to see the new attractions!!!

We decided to take our son on Mad Tea Party because we saw this

I had to give him his “ink, ink” (binky) because this was his reaction once the ride started to move!

…and at the end of the ride, he looked like this

Poor little guy! I felt really bad for him. At one point during the ride, he quit crying & we actually thought that maybe he was enjoying it. But he just started crying again. We tried not to move the tea cup too much! It was hard for me to know what to do because it was my husband's first time on most of the rides at Disney! I really wanted him to be able to enjoy himself, but I also wanted our son to enjoy himself as well! I offered to watch our son & walk around with him while my husband waited in line to ride, but he didn't want to ride alone.

So, what happens on other rides??? Does our son get used to them & end up having fun? Do we stop riding because he cries on all of the rides? Does he have a favorite ride? You'll have to wait & see on my next update!!!

 

[PopArtGal]

I am planning on taking a lot of pics of Toontown. While I'm very excited about the expension and not that sad for Toontown to leave, I really don't want them to destroy the houses. But I don't see how it would fit in the MK. Maybe DHS?

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

WOW looks like there is definitely a lot of construction going on at MK huh? I figured there would be in Fantasyland, but Main St. looks like it is seeing a lot of work too!!!

 

[Happy Elf]

Great pictures of Toontown! Had I know on our last trip that would be our last time seeing it I would have taken more pictures. Sorry your son didn't like the tea cups, hopefully he liked some of the rides!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Whoa, got kind of behind but am caught up now! Love all the pictures! How cool they have the signs for the new Fantasyland attractions.

I did also happen to see your comments about the Toy Story vinylmations and the new Dooney and Bourke stuff. OMG I love them! Are the TS vinyls officially out now? I read that they were released at some Disney Store in CA but that was it. Both my sisters and I are planning on buying a few of those when we go in August. And the D&B stuff is adorable. Now I'm kind of mad I bought the wristlet in April because the colored ones are awesome. OK, wouldn't it figure that I comment most on the shopping stuff?

 

[Charlefours]

I am soooo jealous that you said you might not have to eat at QS at all! While we do like the QS choices, I would LOOOOOVE to eat at only table service restaurants!!! Hopefully next trip, they offer "free dining" and we're able to book enough in advance to take advantage of the offer! [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Oh we will have to eat at QS just possibly not at MK. It depends on the first day--if we cannot wait to get the park (mainly me ) we may eat at one for lunch our first Saturday.

I want to take a lot of time exploring TT too. Our next visit, it should be up and running still, will be our last visit and second visit ever. I am sure the new FL expansion will be great but I will miss TT!

 

[Spartangirl]

I loved looking at your Toontown pics, especially since it will soon be gone! I never noticed the "hand plant" before in Minnie's house...very cool!

 

[reelmom]

I loved looking at your Toontown pics, especially since it will soon be gone! I never noticed the "hand plant" before in Minnie's house...very cool!

I hadn't either. I couldn't figure out what it was until DH said it was a "palm tree".

 

[2kids2luv]

What great photos! I can't imagine being packed like sardines plus the heat and humidy. Hope you get to find some more rides with short waits or FP's for your DS and DH. It will be sad not seeing Toontown, but the new attractions sound like a princess's dream.

 

[photographymom517]

I am planning on taking a lot of pics of Toontown. While I'm very excited about the expension and not that sad for Toontown to leave, I really don't want them to destroy the houses. But I don't see how it would fit in the MK. Maybe DHS?

Ever since you said "maybe DHS" I've been trying to think of where they could put them!

I don't know. From what I read on DIS, they aren't sure yet what they will do with the houses. I was even thinking that maybe they should put them in the "Give the Kids the World" housing place. I think thats what they call it. I just don't want them to destroy the houses & want someone to enjoy them. I think the kids staying there would love them! I'm not sure if its actually run by Disney though...it might be owned by another company

I am looking forward to the expansion now that I saw some of the plans for it. I wish I had a little girl, I think I would be even more excited!

WOW looks like there is definitely a lot of construction going on at MK huh? I figured there would be in Fantasyland, but Main St. looks like it is seeing a lot of work too!!!

Yes, Reese, there's a TON of construction!!! Out of all the parks, I think MK had the most. Main Street was a mess. Everywhere you looked there were construction walls up! It was still fun to watch the parade from there (oops, gave that away!) and shop at the stores on Main St. It was just very confusing at times because people weren't sure if the restaurants were completely closed or open or what...so people were just standing around in confusion! lol Luckily there were alot of CM's around to ask.

To be honest, the Fantasyland construction & walls didn't bother me as much as the Main St ones. Maybe its just me, but it was still fun to take pics & ride in Fantasyland regardless of construction! I hope the Main St construction is mostly finished before all of you guys go to Disney in December!

Great pictures of Toontown! Had I know on our last trip that would be our last time seeing it I would have taken more pictures. Sorry your son didn't like the tea cups, hopefully he liked some of the rides!

I didn't think I'd have a chance to see Toontown until we changed our vacation dates to June! I'm glad I was able to take final pics.

You'll have to wait & see if he likes any of the rides!

Whoa, got kind of behind but am caught up now! Love all the pictures! How cool they have the signs for the new Fantasyland attractions.

I did also happen to see your comments about the Toy Story vinylmations and the new Dooney and Bourke stuff. OMG I love them! Are the TS vinyls officially out now? I read that they were released at some Disney Store in CA but that was it. Both my sisters and I are planning on buying a few of those when we go in August. And the D&B stuff is adorable. Now I'm kind of mad I bought the wristlet in April because the colored ones are awesome. OK, wouldn't it figure that I comment most on the shopping stuff?

LOVE it that you commented mostly on shopping!!! Honestly, most people think I'm crazy because it seems everyone goes to Disney for Fast Passes, rides, and the shows. Not me! I go for 2 main reasons...shopping & eating!!! Its the one time of the year where I don't watch calories & just don't worry about what I eat! It was amazing...I actually ate a TON on vacation & because of all the walking, ended up losing 8 pounds by the time we got home! I have no idea how...it is so hard for me to lose weight! As for shopping...I'm honestly already saving up for next trip. And to send $$$ with my family who is going in the fall!!! I need some Vinlymations & my Dooney!

About the Toy Story Vinlymations, I'm not sure if they are out at the parks yet or not. I haven't heard from anyone who's been there recently, but if I happen to find out, I'll post it on here for you! I did buy a "Have a Laugh" Vinlymation from ebay & noticed the "Walt Disney World" barcode was on the bottom, so I'm assuming the seller purchased it from the actual park in Florida. I'm not 100% sure though because it seems that some people get early releases including the CM's. I did go online last night on disneyshopping.com and saw that they're selling the Have a Laugh and the Park 4 series through their site now. If they have a free shipping offer soon, I might just order a few through there instead of waiting until the fall. It would save some space in my family's luggage as well! lol

I know what you mean about the Dooney wristlets! I've been looking at the pictures I found on DIS and ebay & really like the yellow & blue one. I also like the pink, but I don't like how the red looks against the pink. I think if I had to choose a favorite, I'd pick the green one! I almost bought a white wristlet whenever we were there in June, but I'm glad I waited. I'm not sure if I'll get one or not. I could use it as a make-up bag or place for my cell phone. I don't really use smaller bags or wallets that much. I wish I did because I love the D&B ones! I hope you and your sister are able to get whatever you're looking for at Disney!

Have you done the Vinylmation trading in the past at the parks or resorts? I it!!! I love collecting the Vinylmations & actually started right before we left for our trip...but trading at the parks & resorts just makes it so much fun!!! I wasn't brave enough to try the black "mystery case" but I definitely will next time!!!

Oh we will have to eat at QS just possibly not at MK. It depends on the first day--if we cannot wait to get the park (mainly me ) we may eat at one for lunch our first Saturday.

I want to take a lot of time exploring TT too. Our next visit, it should be up and running still, will be our last visit and second visit ever. I am sure the new FL expansion will be great but I will miss TT!

Thanks for explaining...I must have been confused! lol I thought you meant that you weren't eating QS at all...then I would've been very jealous!

I agree with you. I will miss Toontown, but I am looking forward to the new expansion! Can't wait to go back & see all the new attractions minus the construction walls!

I loved looking at your Toontown pics, especially since it will soon be gone! I never noticed the "hand plant" before in Minnie's house...very cool!

I hadn't either. I couldn't figure out what it was until DH said it was a "palm tree".

I never noticed most of the plants/flowers in the houses either until I read some trip reports on DIS! lol Hmm...palm tree, that completely explains it! I didn't even think of that!

If you liked the pictures of the houses, boy do I have a surprise for you! You have to wait a few "days" though & read through much more of my report before I get to that part!

What great photos! I can't imagine being packed like sardines plus the heat and humidy. Hope you get to find some more rides with short waits or FP's for your DS and DH. It will be sad not seeing Toontown, but the new attractions sound like a princess's dream.

Yes, definitely sardines & definitely terribly hot & humid!!! I've never been to Florida in the summer before & honestly, I'm not sure I'd go back at that time of the year. I'd much rather go during late April or early fall. I doubt I'll ever go again between May and August. It was just crazy! We would literally take showers & get ready for the day...walk outside at 8am and have sweat dripping down our backs! I know, its gross but its true! There were some days when I didn't know why I bothered to take a shower because we were sweating before we made it to the bus stop (I carried deodorant & spray perfume in my bag...and not to be rude, but there were times whenever I wished I could've shared my spray with others!) To be honest, I don't even think the heat would have bothered me that much if the parks would have been less crowded. The crowds just made it hard to get around & alot of people became grouchy! lol

You will find out about the rides soon! Hopefully I will update this week, but I have a really booked week. Maybe Tuesday or Thursday, if not, I promise for Sunday!

 

[Megablocks]

You got some awesome Toontown pictures! And I love that you took pictures of all the plaques, I love that Disney puts that up, especially because I love the quotes.

Sorry your little guy didn't the teacups! I have a feeling that might have been my sister's reaction at his age...

I also love shopping in Disney. Part of the reason I love going to World Showcase with my mom is because she also loves to go slowly and look at everything, and poke around in the stores. My dad and Kailyn tend to have less patience with it. Kailyn likes some of the stores, but she isn't as gung-ho about going into the stores as my mom and I are, and she doesn't like to poke around like me and my mom. And, of course, I LOVE the Vinylmations.

 

[photographymom517]

You got some awesome Toontown pictures! And I love that you took pictures of all the plaques, I love that Disney puts that up, especially because I love the quotes.

Sorry your little guy didn't the teacups! I have a feeling that might have been my sister's reaction at his age...

I also love shopping in Disney. Part of the reason I love going to World Showcase with my mom is because she also loves to go slowly and look at everything, and poke around in the stores. My dad and Kailyn tend to have less patience with it. Kailyn likes some of the stores, but she isn't as gung-ho about going into the stores as my mom and I are, and she doesn't like to poke around like me and my mom. And, of course, I LOVE the Vinylmations.

Glad you liked the Toontown pictures!!! As I keep telling everyone, I have a surprise for everyone but you have to wait until almost our last day to find out! (Now that I've written this so many times on here, I'm sure I've made too big of a deal out of it! lol)

I know what you mean about World Showcase!!! I honestly could spend days there just walking around, shopping, and enjoying the various countries decor! Wait until we get to our Epcot day, I think I took over 900 pictures on our first day there! I uploaded all of my photos to Snapfish to get some prints made & I separated them into folders by days. (Our Epcot days had the most photos!) I just love how each country is so unique & how their merchandise can't be purchased anywhere else. I mean, you see the standard Mickey stuffed animals at every gift shop, but you can't find a Moroccan hat or Japanese shoes everywhere! (not that I don't love stuffed Mickeys, but you know what I mean...its nice to see some unique items as well as the regular merchandise!)

My whole family thinks that my husband and I are insane for being so in love with Epcot. They all think its boring & lacks the exciting rides the other parks have. I guess we just have to agree to disagree because I don't understand how they can't love it as much as I do!

Glad you liked the Vinylmations! I just realized the other night that I actually got a chaser!!! I was sooo excited...and so disappointed in myself for not knowing before! I got the Cutester chaser...my very first purchase after arriving at CBR. The other night, I saw it on ebay selling for $39 plus shipping and couldn't believe it! (I actually saw 3 or 4 of them sell for between $35-40). I was thinking...I could buy 3 or 4 Vinylmations if I sold it...but I just can't part with it! It was my first purchase at Disney and I just love the design on it! I didn't post pics of my souvenirs yet because I took pics of them all together once I got back home. I didn't want to ruin all of the surprises in my trip report by posting everything we bought. I'll try to crop it out of the "group photo" and post a pic of it on here! Its the one with the crystal gemstones on the front and the castle on the back.

I really miss going on vacations with my parents. My dad and brother would go off by themselves & ride or go to the arcade while my mom and I shopped. (My mom actually went to Downtown Disney last year by herself for a day!) Now I'm stuck with 2 boys! lol My husband hates, hates, hates, hates shopping...and I'm sure once my son gets old enough, he'll teach him to do the same. (To keep mommy away from the stores...lol!)

 

[reelmom]

My boys don't like to go shopping unless they are at Disney. DH hates it anywhere.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Have you done the Vinylmation trading in the past at the parks or resorts? I it!!! I love collecting the Vinylmations & actually started right before we left for our trip...but trading at the parks & resorts just makes it so much fun!!! I wasn't brave enough to try the black "mystery case" but I definitely will next time!!!

I have not done the trading at all. They might have had it in April but I think it's still pretty new. I would be tempted to try it though if I got one I didn't like.

Seriously, I am so addicted to these things! I am sooo mad at myself because we were in NYC last year and visited the World of Disney store there which was shortly after the first park series came out (I am sure you know those are extremely hard to come by now and go for a LOT of money) and I remember seeing all sorts of signs in the window for them. But I didn't really pay any attention to what it was! Ugh, I could've gotten one of the park 1 guys! haha, sorry for all my vinylmation talk. That is so awesome you got the cutester chaser too! I love that one! I wouldn't sell that one no matter how much money you could get for it.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I am not happy about this construction on Main Street at all Hope!!! Looks like I am going to have to deal with it b/c we will be there in a little over 3 weeks from now!!! But yes, I sure am hoping that the construction on Main St will be over come December thou! Like you the construction in Fantasyland really won't bother me at all b/c we spend the least amount of time there in all on MK!!!