Once Upon a Birthday-November 2, 2002 Day Five:Where’s the Liberty in Liberty Square?

[IvyandLace]

Our day plan: Epcot in AM, AK in afternoon; catch Jammin’ Jungle Parade at 4pm; to MK to catch Fantasy in the Sky fireworks at 8pm and the second Spectromagic at 9pm

Our meal plan: Lunch: Le Cellier with PS at 12:10pm
Dinner: Liberty Tree Tavern with PS at 5:15pm

Our weather today: a pretty day with plenty of sunshine


After yesterday, we were up and ready for another park day…well, everyone but Jack was. He just seemed to be dragging, and we couldn’t figure out why. Before we left for the bus stop, he asked me to look at what he called a “wart” on his foot. Granted, our family is not known for our foot health, but what I saw shocked me. It was the most disgusting blister I had ever seen. It was definitely infected. We had to operate and after a quick attempt at operating room humor and my “Lamaze” breathing techniques, we went to work. It was absolutely gross…and I’m a nurse. Yuck. How long he had had it and how it got this way we will never know. (I don’t think we want to know actually.) Needless to say, we had a certified “gimp” on our hands. This kid was really brave throughout all the poking and prodding but was having a difficult time just walking around the hotel room. It was time for a wheelchair. *cue dramatic music*

We all were a little shaken at such…yukiness…first thing in the
morning, but our spirits rebounded and off we went to the bus stop, this time in matching navy Mickey flag T’s. At Epcot we stopped and got Jack his wheelchair. He still enjoys telling how the lady who was handing them out stopped by his chair and said in a slow loud voice, “You have a nice day” as if he were mentally incompetent.

On we went to Test Track! We got the wheelchair to help Jack around the park (not to get on any rides more quickly), but when the CM saw us coming to the attraction, he immediately helped us all through the handicapped line! Since we had never had any handicapped person with us, we were extremely impressed with their treatment and attitude of a wheelchair-bound person.

Next we rode Journey Into Your Imagination, a ride that has definitely made a comeback in my opinion. It was back to the cute and creative presentation of one’s imagination-very enjoyable. Surprisingly, we took quite a while enjoying the Imageworks interactive playground located at the end of the ride. We all sent a number of kooky emails to family and friends and just enjoyed playing with all the neat stuff they had there.

Since the kids were taking French in school, I thought that they might like to watch Impressions de France so as soon as World Showcase opened, that’s where we headed. It was nice to be in the World Showcase upon opening with many flowers blooming and the sun shining on the lagoon.

I knew that the movie played on the hour and half-hour and so we had a little wait for it to begin. Most of the group wandered around France and enjoyed the shops and atmosphere. The movie finally began, and it was as good as it always is. Very captivating in its visual presentation. I think the music score is wonderful as well. If nothing else, it is nice and cool in the theater and has seats for sitting (unlike the movies in China and Canada.) Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and Ariel even took a little snooze. I was surprised at JP’s interest in the French stores, but they do have a great variety of wonderful food, paintings, books and perfumes that just add to the whole French experience. I think France is one of my very favorite countries for this reason.

After the movie, it was time to head back to Canada for our PS at Le Cellier. This was the first time eating here for everyone but myself. Ariel had positively drooled when I described the pretzel breadsticks and cheddar cheese soup to her-we knew what we were gettting! Because we had a relatively early reservation, it was pretty quiet in the restaurant, but it filled up quickly. We were seated in an awkward corner booth section that was nice for its privacy with a large (noisy!) group. However, the seating made it difficult for movement of people in and out as well as drink refills/serving meals, etc. I think a nice large table in the middle of the restaurant would have been a little nicer. As it was, Le Cellier is a great place for lunch especially if you are going to be eating a big meal for dinner. Knowing that we had early dinner ressies at Liberty Tree Tavern, most of us opted for a light lunch: cheeseburgers, turkey sandwiches, salads, etc. It was not a standout meal, but nice all the same. The pretzel break was amazing! I would go there just to eat that alone.

Our plans called for us to head to the Animal Kingdom for the afternoon, but after discussing our choices, GM, Jack and Princess M decided that they would go back to the hotel for some time. Jack still wasn’t feeling good-tired and flushed and GM was his “partner” for the day and felt responsible. Princess M, being the good student that she is, made the extremely adult decision to go back for a few hours to work on some of the homework that she had to finish before going back to school in a few days. Yuck! We couldn’t get over the fact that she was responsible enough to do this, but we knew that she had a LOT to do and that this was a good time to do it. We made plans to meet up again at the MK gates before our dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern.

Though we all wished we could be together, it was really nice to be able to spend some “one-on-one” time with Harry. He is still at the “optimal” age for Disney-really into everything, mesmerized by parades and characters, able to laugh at the silly jokes that Disney has in its parks. I think it was a special time for him to be the “only “ child with four adults. He’s still at the age where he will hold my hand around the parks!

There was no better way to spend it but going to the Animal Kingdom-talk about adventure! We had all gone to AK separately earlier in the week, but since Uncle T and I hadn’t experienced Primeval Whirl, and the three boys had never seen the Festival of the Lion King, there was still plenty to do. We were going to take a quick peek at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for Harry and JP’s sake-we knew they would like it-but after waiting for what seemed like forever for a bus from Epcot, we only had time to step off at the bus stop to quickly catch a bus to the Animal Kingdom. Drats! Making Festival was more important and there was only one more performance that we could catch before the Jammin’ Jungle Parade! We were a little concerned that we might miss it especially after we realized that Princess M’s pass for the day was with her partner, Ariel. Oh no! We had to stop by customer service in the park and contact GM to make sure she knew that we would be there with Princess M’s ticket.

We finally got it straightened out and were on our way to Camp Minnie-Mickey to see Festival. GM and Princess M had found a wonderful cookie place tucked in the back of Camp Minnie-Mickey , and so chocolate chip cookies were bought for JP and Ariel. We walked right into the auditorium and were, once again, blown away. It’s a great show! Very high energy and wonderfully creative!

Afterward, while walking swiftly toward Primeval Whirl for a quick ride before the parade, we heard the quintessential spoiled child routine complete with British accent (just like Veruca in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) scream, “I want an ice cream and I want it now!” I’m sure it wasn’t humorous to those parents, but it was hilarious to us. We used that phrase quite a bit the next few days, all in good humor of course.

My experience with Primeval Whirl was one of herking and jerking. I wasn’t very impressed and that disappointed me. If it was a smoother ride, I think I would have liked it much better. All the “stopping and starting” around the corners wasn’t very enjoyable. Make sure you ride this with someone you like and don’t mind bumping into a bunch.

It was getting pretty close to parade time, and we were excited! No one in our group had watched this particular parade. We sat right near the entrance to Asia and felt like we were in the jungles. I love the landscaping throughout this park, so lush. We barely had enough room to squeeze all five of us in, but we made it and had front row seats! I don’t think there is a bad spot for the parade as long as you get a seat along the path around the Tree of Life. Harry spent time collecting pressed pennies from the store across from our seats in the minutes before the parade.

Animal Kingdom’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade was terrific! The floats were so creative…built to replicate jungle animals but with natural-fabrics and materials. It fit in perfectly with the Animal Kingdom’s design and purpose. The music was really addicting too…just had us clapping and smiling away! One of Disney’s best parades, in my opinion. My favorite memory of the parade came when a monkey came up and rubbed JP’s shaved head. It was amazing how popular JP’s head was!

It was time to meet the rest of our group back at the Magic Kingdom, but when we got there, we only saw GM and Princess M. They told us that Jack still wasn’t feeling good so he stayed home to sleep and work on homework. Poor kid.

Of course, with it being Saturday in slow season with fireworks scheduled, it was very crowded. Luckily, Disney had decided to run a later Spectromagic at 9pm as well as one at 7pm. We would definitely be watching the 9pm parade. We worked our way toward Liberty Tree Tavern and had just a brief wait for our names to be called. This was a new meal for all of us, and we weren’t sure what to expect. The restaurant was packed! We had a semi-private table in the back of the restaurant, and it wasn’t long before the characters started around. The characters were great…enthusiastic and friendly! The food was good too-everyone really liked the meat, mashed potatoes and macaroni-and-cheese. The atmosphere was really busy and loud, though, and we found that it definitely wasn’t the place to eat for a peaceful meal. Keep that in mind when you book this dinner.

We had time after dinner to catch a few rides and then headed to our favorite fireworks viewing spot. Oh, no! It was already taken! Well, we regrouped, and while the rest of us did some shopping, GM and Uncle T held our spot in the rose garden. When the fireworks began, we realized we were too far down in the rose garden (like in a valley) to see all the fireworks…bummer!

We high-fived each other when we saw all the crowds leaving after the fireworks…definitely worth staying for the second parade whenever there is one. We had time to mosey on over to Frontierland to find a great spot for the parade right in front of the Shootin’ Arcade.

Now it’s time for a diversion…*steps up on her soapbox and clears her throat* One of our favorite little secrets in the Magic Kingdom was ringing the bell in Liberty Square. We loved that bell. We couldn’t walk by it without ringing it. I mean, it’s tradition, you hear me? I got this tip of the DIS before our very first birthday trip in 2000, and the kids loved the secrecy and thrill of ringing the Liberty Bell. Of course, we introduced JP to the tradition on our very first day at MK. We had to initiate him.

Tonight was no exception. Of course on our way to Frontierland to find our parade viewing spot, we made our way past the bell. I had yet to ring it, and so tradition dictated that it was my turn. People were lining up for the parade, and I dodged my way through them to accomplish my mission. When that clear low ringing sound emulated throughout Liberty Square, people turned and smiled, and I felt the thrill of the little pleasures found in the Magic Kingdom. I loved that bell.

Upon locating our spot in front of the Shootin’ Arcade, we were surprised when a man in a suit came up and asked me, “Did you ring the bell back there?” At first I thought he was just having fun with me and trying to act stern, but I soon realized that was not the case. This guy was serious. He went on to lecture me about the fact that the Liberty Bell was a monument that should not be touched. He mentioned the fact that the fenced surrounding the bell should have given me a clue that this was a restricted area. I tried to state that we just always have been ringing the bell for fun…not to be rebellious…and that we didn’t realize that it was “off limits”. He kept looking at me like I was a horrible criminal and should have known that it was not to be touched.

I was humiliated. For one thing, I couldn’t believe I was getting lectured sitting in the Magic Kingdom waiting for a parade to start. I seriously thought that ringing the bell was okay…we had been doing it every couple of days on our last three trips. No one had ever said anything about it being off-limits! Secondly, I was mad. I felt…misguided by the DISers, by Disney itself. I mean, logic would dictate that if it were off limits, that there would be a sign there. That’s all I ask. The low fence around it does NOT dictate that you should not touch it as was this man’s argument. Thirdly, I was just in shock. I couldn’t believe that our tradition was actually being dissolved. Like a little ogre came over and stole all the magic away from me! This was something that we did in the fun of the moment…not to be mean or to break the rules, but that’s what this man was accusing me of! I felt unfairly judged as well.

Needless to say, I was heartbroken after the “death” of the bell and vowed to make up buttons that proclaimed, “Where’s the liberty in Liberty Square?!” Princess M and I rehashed and rehashed the incident and decided that we should picket around the bell. I guess our attempts at humor were really attempts to calm us down and lessened the hurt involved. It can be really sad when the magic goes away. *sighs, shakes head sadly and steps quietly off soapbox*

Back to the subject at hand…to ease my suffering, Harry, JP, Ariel, Princess M and I spent a few minutes at the Shootin’ Arcade. That was fun! I don’t know if it was the channeling of my frustration or just natural talent, but I was pretty good! It brought back memories of when my Dad and I spent time here on my very first trip to Walt Disney World. It was special to be able to introduce Harry and Princess M to that same attraction.

After securing hot chocolate and coffee all around (the night was getting cool), we huddled together to take in the Spectromagic parade. After a few “stops and starts” due to technical difficulties, the parade was in full swing. The first couple floats were a little strange to our thinking, but as it progressed, we eased into enjoyment. The lighted floats and special characters were magical to view. It really lightened the mood and helped put us back into the “Disney” frame of mind. I would definitely recommend seeing this parade!

The trip home was filled with a bit of frustration as GM, Ariel and I debated over our plans for tomorrow. We decided to change our plans from visiting the AK since the kids would rather spend more time…believe it or not…at the Magic Kingdom. We would attend Extra Magic Hour and try to get more favorites under our belt. We got home to inspect the patient and discovered he was feeling better. I also had to update him on the latest “scandal” of the Liberty Bell! He was aghast, of course and retelling it made me feel better. Tomorrow was a new day…albeit without “our” bell.

Tips for the day:

1. Check children’s feet for blisters everyday! I didn’t think that we would have to worrying about this with “bigger” kids, but obviously I was wrong.
2. Eat early at Le Cellier’s-it fills up quickly!
3. Pretzel bread is great! Take some with you for a snack later on!
4. Watch Spectromagic in Frontierland-there is a raised platform in front of the Shootin’ Arcade that makes for a great view! Always watch the later parade when it is offered-it is much less crowded!
5. Though it pains me to say this, don’t ring the Liberty Bell. I will, however, be staging a protest from now until forever. Where’s the liberty in Liberty Square?

Today was filled with feet that hurt
And wheeling around about the dirt.
We ate our fill in the cellar for lunch,
Watched animals dance and laughed a bunch!
Though the Liberty Bell will ring no more,
Tomorrow will live in “illness” folklore.

Keep going! You don’t want to miss Once Upon a Birthday-November 3, 2002, Day Six: “Memories and misery…the great Chicken Wing Caper”

 

[Marla Hellwig]

You hit some of my all time favorites - LeCellier, Liberty Tree Tavern and the Jammin Parade - the Festival of the Lion King Show - a fun and full day for all - thanks for posting!

 

[jennymouse]

Sounds like you handled the "Liberty Bell Police" better than I would've. I think I would've had to remind that guy that the wasn't the REAL Liberty Bell and a sign would be appropriate. Although I've never rang that bell, only because the mood never struck me to do it, I've seen other do it. I'm sorry you had to go through that, as you don't seem like a "criminal type" and shouldn't be treated like one.