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Part III: Tuesday Night Lights With 'That Girl in the Cute Little Dress'"
Across the park we run, weaving our way in and out of all the people, people who are simultaneously attempting to weave their way in and out of US
What a crowd!! Fantasmic is scheduled for 6:30...................of course the bulk of the crowd was probably in "line" somewhere between 5 and 5:30. Time check of our watch reveals it to be about 6:25
The good news? Once we get to the entrance it's going to be a straight shot to the show
The bad news? Choice of seats is sure to be few and far between
The walk from the 'entrance' to the 'actual seating area' proves to be quite the hike! YIKES Where's that magic carpet when you need it?? But eventually we get there and secure a spot on the right side of the amphitheater just as the show is beginning to start. Not the best of seats but beggars can't be choosers now can they? At least we aren't standing up!
I had heard so much about this Fantasmic show during my planning days that it quickly became a definate must-do for our trip. The special effects I must say were quite something; definately set this show apart from anything else. I can see though where the theme of this show could be construed as 'dark' and a bit 'scary' as some have said, particularly for very young ones. In hindsight I am glad we saw it, especially given that it gets such top billing and I think I would always have been wondering what we had missed if we hadn't made it. Will we do it again though? Probably not. At least not for a number of years to come. The crowd was outrageous.....................it was like a massive herd of cattle getting out of there (moooooooooooooo). And to have to get there soooooo early to secure good seats???????? Nah. Not for us. Next time I think we'll be heading over to Toy Story Mania instead for another round of rootin' tootin' shootin' carnival fun
After braving the 'Battle of the Bovines' we decide to make a quick pit stop at the restroom before heading over to the Osbourne Spectacle of Lights. Once everyone is feeling a cup (or perhaps a pint) lighter we move on. I'm up ahead with Olivia, Nicky Noodle and my Matty. Dh grabs Brennan and the stroller and follows behind. As I turn over my shoulder to say something to dh I catch sight of this pretty little girl in the cutest of dresses. And hey look.....................her doll is dressed in the...................same........................cute.....................dress.????????
Hey, wait a minute.
That looks like........................
OMG
It's Alyssa (in a Big Give outfit)!!!!!!!!
Alyssa and Chrissi and Dwayne and Shayna and DJ!!!!!!!
Again!!!!!!
This is just too crazy
As it turns out Chrissi and her family are just coming out of Fantasmic as well and are on their way to ride Star Tours. We stand and chat for awhile and then, since both attractions are on the other side of the park, decide to just walk together in that direction. Chrissi and I seem to be without a loss for words. Dh and her husband seem to be chatting away easily. And the kids? Well, they all seem to be getting along famously as well.
We arrive at Star Tours expecting to part ways until my boys start begging for another spin. "Please, please.......................we can all go together!" Hey, what a great idea
We have some initial concerns about the CM raising his eyebrows when all 11 of us crash his gate with our GACs
but as it turns out he doesn't bat an eye.
After our spin in space we decide to take in the Spectacle of Lights together as well. Beautiful. Sadly our camera doesn't do so good with 'twinkling lights' so you'll have to forgive the two lousy pictures we do have and take my word for it........................
Fortuately there is a photopass photographer there that is able to take some great photos. Here's our group shot.........................
Such a great memory
After taking in the sights (and the lights) we realize that closing time is unfortunately drawing near. But wait! Maybe we can squeeze one more ride on Toy Story Mania before we go. Do you think?????? All ELEVEN of us?????? We head in that direction, crossing our fingers and toes but.....................unfortunately when we get there find that we are NINE minutes too late!
Oh well. Guess there's nothing left to do but head to the exit. So we do and along the way make a plan for a little ice cream action back at the GKTW Ice Cream Parlor
We end up spending a good hour to an hour and a half chatting and eating ice cream while the kids play. The kids have soooo much fun running around in the courtyard and playing hide and seek. Chrissi's son DJ (15) is so great with the little kids and my little boys are just loving all this fun and attention from this 'big' boy. And Alyssa and Liv seem to hit it off like two little peas in a pod. Such wonderful memories are made that night.
Eventually everyone seems tired out and we make them sit just long enough for one last picture (fortunately the quality of the memory far outshines the quality of this picture):
We reluctantly say our goodbyes and promise to catch up at the Gingerbread House in the morning for breakfast before check-out.
Did I say check-out?
Is our time at GKTW over already?
Hard to believe it's gone by so fast. We return to our villa with a bit of sadness in our hearts. Fortunately we will be checking in to a Disney property tomorrow night for a couple more days of fun. Nothing like a new adventure to cushion the blow
Next up: "Hellooooooooooooooo Down There!!"
if they don't have coke products.
That right there is enough for me to reconsider Fantasmic. I have no patience for big crowds.
I think it's neat that you kept running into Crissi's family!
In the past I never would've considered it but I am so so happy I changed my mind. I look forward to reading your PTR someday soon (hint hint
). It seemed like it'd be fun but I'm not a big fan of big airplanes, never mind little tiny ones 
Now most people of course would've been pretty well packed up before the morning 'of', but.......................not me. Nuh, uh. Last minute Lucy once again 
but, what the heck...................any opportunity for a photo op with a celebrity (with some mighty big red shoes) must not be missed! Here we are..................
