We still had some time before our Fastpass window at Peter Pans Flight was open, so we decided to do a few things in Fantasyland. Prince Charming Regal Carousel had absolutely no line, so we were able to walk right onto it. I was interested in seeing if anything had changed on the attraction since they renamed it, but everything seemed just the same as usual. I expected at least a new themed safety spiel like the rest of the Fantasyland attractions have or something, but apparently its the only ride in the land that doesnt tell you to stay seated and supervise your children. The one big difference from last time we had been on the carousel was the view. Its so strange to see large piles of dirt and a giant wall where Ariels Grotto, Poohs Playful Spot and (back in the day) the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon were. Im sure the view will keep changing as the Fantasyland expansion continues.
After the ride, we continued on to Sir Mickeys since Buzz hadnt gotten to look around earlier and get some pictures. While I was taking this picture of the sign, Buzz tried to get my attention and asked if I had noticed the giant penguin that had just passed me. Sure enough, I looked to see what he was talking about and there was Mr. Penguin, one of the Jolly Holiday penguin waiters from
Mary Poppins walking through Fantasyland!
He was off to join Mary Poppins and Bert who were greeting guests next to the entrance of Mickeys Philharmagic. I was surprised since I hadnt heard anything Mr. Penguin appearing in Fantasyland. Since returning, Ive seen a couple of reports from people seeing him out, but it sound like he only appears at a random or, at best, occasional basis.
Once I got up to meet the whole Poppins crew, Mary and Bert remembered me from when I met them earlier at the Carousel, and were gracious about posing for another photo with Mr. Penguin.
A shot of Mr. Penguin by himself. Over the years, this penguin has been one of the most elusive characters for me. Until now, I the only other time I had seen him was in 2003 at the Studios. We didnt have time to meet him then though, so all I could get was a photo of him between groups. I was glad to finally get to meet him.
Another new autograph.
Nearby, Peter Pan and Wendy Darling were arriving for meet-and-greets, so I went to meet them too. Having them do greets right under the Tinker Bell window was a cute touch.
Peter told me to have some great adventures today. Perhaps I should have mentioned that I would be riding Peter Pans Flight soon, but it didnt cross my mind.
While I was meeting characters, Buzz found and bought a new pin of the Fab 5 at the Philharmagic shop. Apparently, it was a pin that wasnt scheduled to be released until after our trip, so between the pin and the penguin, I guess we both got a couple of pleasant surprises.
We had just enough time left to get in another ride before our Fastpass window opened, so we headed to Its A Small World. As usual for Small World, there was a bit of a line, but it moved very quickly. Again, we enjoyed the attraction. Its definitely another one of those attractions that has so many details that you cant take it all in on one ride-through.
By the time we got off the ride, it was time for Peter Pans Flight. We had to wait a couple of minutes, but not anywhere near as long as we would have without Fastpass. Peter Pans Flight is my favorite attraction in the park, and it certainly didnt disappoint. It looked and sounded better than Ive seen it in a while. On the last few trips, the audio had been out of sync (the drums from the Indian Village playing at Big Ben and such) and things seemed in need of a little sprucing up, but everything seemed great this time. I even noticed something that was either new or that I had never spotted before- Tinker Bell flying outside the Darlings window as you fly through. Buzz didnt seem to remember Tink being there either, so perhaps she was added recently.
By now, it was nearly 2:30, so we decided to head to Frontierland and find a spot to watch the Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade. While we were waiting, I thought a Dole Whip might be nice way to beat the summer heat, so while Buzz, who said that he didnt want one, stayed in Frontierland, I headed to Adventureland to grab one to bring back to the parade route.
A glimpse of some of the tropical architecture along the way.
Aloha Isle, home of the Dole Whip. I hadnt tried a Dole Whip float before, so I decided to try one. I love pineapple, but I do have to admit that the float, essentially pineapple frozen yogurt in pineapple juice, had an almost-too-strong pineapple taste. I enjoyed it, but I think next time Ill just go with the regular Dole Whip.
After a while, pre-parades starting coming past. First came the Main Street Philharmonic.
Later, the Honorary Volunteer Cavalcade came through.
Some dancers dressed as volunteers dance down the route
The finale of the parade was an appearance by the Muppets. Buzz is a puppeteer and a Muppet fan, so this was right up his alley.
It was cool seeing Kermit and Miss Piggy in actual Muppet form rather than just as characters like they have been in past parades. Theyre much more fun to watch.
I love the expression on Piggys face here. I always thought it was funny whenever she made that face on
The Muppet Show.
Sweetums brings up the end of the Cavalcade. The whole pre-parade was cute, and Im hoping that the Muppets will still be around once the Give-A-Day promotion is over. They seem like a nice addition to the Disney Parks family.
Next chapter: Lots of photos of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade!
