Our Land and Sea Vacation 3/21-27 Update 7/5 P.16 The last night

[dvczerfs]

I prefer the term "pack mule." Although I have no idea why.

"throw it on the mule!!!" or "in the rear with the gear!!!"

Oh is that right? Good to know. I have plenty for you to do.

as my dd18 would say, sounds to me like hes been told.

 

[IamTrike]

"throw it on the mule!!!" or "in the rear with the gear!!!"



as my dd18 would say, sounds to me like hes been told.

I'm pretty familiar w/ getting told. Where mom might think I struggle is on the listening part.

 

[trikefam]

Its okay we can just use tape and divide this one down the center. My side will be the fun side.

Thanks but no thanks. I'm not interesting in sharing the driving. There are too many Brady Bunch episodes to watch in the backseat.

 

[IamTrike]

Thanks but no thanks. I'm not interesting in sharing the driving. There are too many Brady Bunch episodes to watch in the backseat.

Well okay. We won't get to act out a super played out sitcom storyline. Guess that means we should head back into our regularly scheduled trip report.

 

[theduck619]

When we last left off the nice people at minute clinic had declared Bro ear infection free. Obviously this meant he’s invincible so we headed back to the resort to go swimming.

Mom found a nice chair by the pool to relax and read. She likes to do strange things like that on vacation. For me sitting in a chair and doing nothing sits on the punishment spectrum not the relaxing spectrum so I headed to the waterslide with the kids. It’s important for the kids to brush up on their sliding skills every chance they get because we are counting on waterslide scholarships to help pay for college.

Sis went first:

We really need to work on her form. The hands up excited look might be acceptable for some kids, but it really creates too much drag.

Bro’s form was better

He needs to arch his back more and get his bathing suit of the slide if he’s going to reach ludicrous speed.

We practiced on the slide for several hours and their form really improved. I may have practiced a little too. Too soon it was time to head back to the room and get ready to go back to MK. Mom snapped this pic before we headed back to the room.

We headed back to the MK. On our way into the park we had our picture taken.

The photo-pass photographer took lots of good pics and this one strange one of our family. Strange > good in my book any day.

Mom snapped away as we walked down Main Street.

Our first order of business was Space Mountain. We had grabbed Fast Passes for it on the way out of the park earlier. Mom and Bro went first while Sis and I rode TTA.

Paging Mr Tom Morrow….

After 2 rides around the TTA Sis and I went to meet Mom and Bro at the exit to Space Mountain. Unfortunately someone became more and more afraid as they walked through the fastpass line and they wound up going out the exit, not riding. Bro usually likes roller coasters, so I was a little concerned. I didn’t want fear to cause him to miss out on something he might like. We rode TTA as a family and I talked with him about it.

He was kind of sad when we started on the TTA.

But then TTA Jumped to warp 9 and after that he figured he could ride anything.

Mom took Sis and rode the TTA and I took Bro on Space Mountain. He was still nervous but I took the time in the line to talk to him about ride stats*(specific stats posted at the end of this report) and how this compares to Test Track and BTMRR. When we got to the front of the line he hugged me and with the look of someone who’s preparing to be executed stepped into his seat. I heard him laughing and woohoo!ing during the ride and when we got off he said it was his favorite ride. Finally parental encouragement that doesn't end in tears.

Exhilarated by the ride we met up with Mom and Sis. We decided to ride the Speedway. The line was short and soon we were stepping into our cars. Mom got to drive Sis around, which I’m sure was completely magical and unlike what she does every day. Bro decided he would repay me for all the practices he’s been driven to and drove me around. I don’t have any pictures of this ( I think they may have gotten knocked out of our camera, but if you have a hallway you can experience the joy of riding with your kids at home.) Go to the hallway and face one end. Fall into one wall WHAM!, stand up and fall into the other wall WHAM!. Repeat about 100 times all while laughing. Congratulations you’ve just experienced letting a young child drive you on the speedway.

We left the speedway and headed back to the Tomorrowland Terrace for dinner. It was delicious and plentiful. We hadn’t eaten there before, but if I ever see it open again in my lifetime we'll eat there again. Much better options than the typical counter service.

Note the leaning tower of desserts, otherwise known as "dad's to do list"

We left the Terrace and took some pics before we headed to find a spot for the Parade.

This was the first time we had seen the Main Street Electrical Parade, as we’ve seen Spectromagic every other time we’ve been there.

We found a spot in Liberty Square and settled in to watch the Parade.

Hey its pirate Minnie.

I’m sure there is a lot of nostalgia surrounding this parade, and this is probably a pretty controversial opinion, but we like Spectromagic better.

After the parade we headed to the Main Street bakery to grab a snack before wishes.
Wishes is our favorite night time experience at any of the parks so we were really excited for the show. We are listening to the soundtrack to it in our kitchen tonight as I type this. Here's a couple of the pics we took that night.

Exhilarated and tired we headed back to our resort. I think it was a sad moment for Mom and I because we knew it would be a while before we get to come back and see Wishes again.

Coming up next. Another Magical Morning at Disney.

* Stats for BTMRR, TT and SM
Thunder Mountain Tallest drop 38 ft top speed 28 MPH
Test Track Top speed 65 MPH
Space Mountain Tallest drop 35 ft top speed 28 MPH
The speeds on Space and Thunder Mountain are both dependant on how hot the grease is on the car wheels. As the day progresses the grease heats up through use and the rides increase in speed. BTMRR speed can increase by almost 8 MPH

The photo with the castle blacke out and fireworks behind it is beautiful. Great Job on the pic

I think it will be my new desktop if you do not mind.

 

[IamTrike]

The photo with the castle blacke out and fireworks behind it is beautiful. Great Job on the pic

I think it will be my new desktop if you do not mind.

PM me if you'd like a high-res. Same goes for anyone else reading. I'd be happy to send you the high res version of any of these images.

 

[stopher1]

We left the Terrace and took some pics before we headed to find a spot for the Parade.

This was the first time we had seen the Main Street Electrical Parade, as we’ve seen Spectromagic every other time we’ve been there.

We found a spot in Liberty Square and settled in to watch the Parade.

Hey its pirate Minnie.

Very nice pictures! I love them.

I’m sure there is a lot of nostalgia surrounding this parade, and this is probably a pretty controversial opinion, but we like Spectromagic better.

Terrible opinion, I don't love it... but it's yours and that's okay. Everyone is different. You're allowed to like Spectro... even if it is a lousy choice.

While it's true - I certainly do prefer MSEP, there's no denying that at all - Spectro is nice, and I can certainly see how many who are used to it would prefer it. When it was first introduced it was to be a "superior replacement" for MSEP... it used updated lighting, and has some cool effects. MSEP was ground-breaking and innovative when it was first introduced at DL in 1972... the first use of electro-synthomagnetic music, the first use of parade floats that synched the music to the "regional" speakers as they passed, the first night time parade that was self-illuminated (until then anything at night was illuminated from standard light poles shining AT the floats) - it was HUGE in the entertainment world. Spectro took it steps further by replacing individual lightbulbs with newer lighting technology, effects, etc.

I don't mind Spectro myself...except for those awful "Spectromen" at the beginning - they're just terrible IMO. I grew up watching MSEP many, many nights every single summer until adulthood. It's just IT for me. Many people of course grew up watching Spectro on the East Coast every trip after the WDW version of MSEP had been retired from WDW and shipped overseas. I get it. It's kind of the same thing with WISHES. Lots of people are super attached to that particular fireworks show... when really there are better shows available within the Disney pantheon of parks that could easily replace it - but there's an emotional attachment to it. (Personally I think it's time to retire Wishes and get something else in to the MK - but many others do not).


Great photos, and great TR so far.

But yes, do watch out for >>>>>> They like to lurk and strike when you aren't paying attention.

 

[afwdwfan]

I don't mind Spectro myself...except for those awful "Spectromen" at the beginning - they're just terrible IMO.

Although I'm one of the dreaded Spectro fans, I agree with this point.

It's kind of the same thing with WISHES. Lots of people are super attached to that particular fireworks show... when really there are better shows available within the Disney pantheon of parks that could easily replace it - but there's an emotional attachment to it. (Personally I think it's time to retire Wishes and get something else in to the MK - but many others do not).

I'd be fine with that. I love Wishes and the music with it, but I think there needs to be something new from time to time.

Did somebody say something about these guys???

 

[trennr]

Terrible opinion, I don't love it... but it's yours and that's okay. Everyone is different. You're allowed to like Spectro... even if it is a lousy choice.

It's kind of the same thing with WISHES. Lots of people are super attached to that particular fireworks show... when really there are better shows available within the Disney pantheon of parks that could easily replace it - but there's an emotional attachment to it. (Personally I think it's time to retire Wishes and get something else in to the MK - but many others do not).

See...that right there...is why we are Nemisi.

I'm in the Spectro/Wishes camp.

 

[IamTrike]

Terrible opinion, I don't love it... but it's yours and that's okay. Everyone is different. You're allowed to like Spectro... even if it is a lousy choice.

While it's true - I certainly do prefer MSEP, there's no denying that at all - Spectro is nice, and I can certainly see how many who are used to it would prefer it. When it was first introduced it was to be a "superior replacement" for MSEP... it used updated lighting, and has some cool effects. MSEP was ground-breaking and innovative when it was first introduced at DL in 1972... the first use of electro-synthomagnetic music, the first use of parade floats that synched the music to the "regional" speakers as they passed, the first night time parade that was self-illuminated (until then anything at night was illuminated from standard light poles shining AT the floats) - it was HUGE in the entertainment world. Spectro took it steps further by replacing individual lightbulbs with newer lighting technology, effects, etc.

I don't mind Spectro myself...except for those awful "Spectromen" at the beginning - they're just terrible IMO. I grew up watching MSEP many, many nights every single summer until adulthood. It's just IT for me. Many people of course grew up watching Spectro on the East Coast every trip after the WDW version of MSEP had been retired from WDW and shipped overseas. I get it. It's kind of the same thing with WISHES. Lots of people are super attached to that particular fireworks show... when really there are better shows available within the Disney pantheon of parks that could easily replace it - but there's an emotional attachment to it. (Personally I think it's time to retire Wishes and get something else in to the MK - but many others do not).


Great photos, and great TR so far.

But yes, do watch out for >>>>>> They like to lurk and strike when you aren't paying attention.

I understand your point about Spectro being iterative while MSEP was revolutionary. Spectro is what was playing when I first started going as an adult and I have stronger memories of that than my childhood trips, which were few and far between. I think there is so much joy associated with things that we really enjoyed in our childhood that some of it spills back whenever we experience those things again as adults. I seem to remember C.S. Lewis calling that transcendent joy, and I think it has an impact on many of our preferences.

Although I'm one of the dreaded Spectro fans, I agree with this point.


I'd be fine with that. I love Wishes and the music with it, but I think there needs to be something new from time to time.

Did somebody say something about these guys???

I'd have to agree with all these points too, although I do really like wishes.

See...that right there...is why we are Nemisi.

I'm in the Spectro/Wishes camp.

Hmmm Trennr agrees with us too. Hmm that's like 3 or 4 of us vs Stopher's MSEP opinion. I'm tempted to claim victory based on the opinions in are ridiculously small sample size, challenging Stopher about something Disney is like getting involved in a land war in asia. I think we should just move on.

 

[stopher1]

I think there is so much joy associated with things that we really enjoyed in our childhood that some of it spills back whenever we experience those things again as adults. I seem to remember C.S. Lewis calling that transcendent joy, and I think it has an impact on many of our preferences.

Indeed.

Hmmm Trennr agrees with us too. Hmm that's like 3 or 4 of us vs Stopher's MSEP opinion. I'm tempted to claim victory based on the opinions in are ridiculously small sample size, challenging Stopher about something Disney is like getting involved in a land war in asia. I think we should just move on.

You all are entitled to your opinions. I don't squash them. We're all different, and that's okay. Just like I tell me kids - everyone's different.

 

[stopher1]

See...that right there...is why we are Nemisi.

I'm in the Spectro/Wishes camp.

But have you ever been able to spend the night in that camp? Enjoy the inner workings of your camp? And see how your camp is built and operates?

No - you had to go home (or back to your resort). I on the other hand have been able to enjoy my camp overnight, backstage, and watch how it all works. I've even been able to step inside of the great big old dragon from the Pete's Dragon sequence of my prized parade, and twirl inside of one of the bugs from the Alice in Wonderland sequence. Take that nemesis!

 

[that's nice]

It's kind of the same thing with WISHES. Lots of people are super attached to that particular fireworks show... when really there are better shows available within the Disney pantheon of parks that could easily replace it - but there's an emotional attachment to it. (Personally I think it's time to retire Wishes and get something else in to the MK - but many others do not).

I agree with you that MSEP is better than Spectro but get rid of Wishes? Were you not standing mere feet away from me while my DD was watching every firework and singing every word of Wishes? I do not know what I would do if Wishes was retired.


BTW... I just read your write up on DL on the DDC. Very, very well done!

 

[Wherem I Now]

But have you ever been able to spend the night in that camp? Enjoy the inner workings of your camp? And see how your camp is built and operates?

No - you had to go home (or back to your resort). I on the other hand have been able to enjoy my camp overnight, backstage, and watch how it all works. I've even been able to step inside of the great big old dragon from the Pete's Dragon sequence of my prized parade, and twirl inside of one of the bugs from the Alice in Wonderland sequence. Take that nemesis!

Put me in the MSEP camp as well!

I agree with you that MSEP is better than Spectro but get rid of Wishes? Were you not standing mere feet away from me while my DD was watching every firework and singing every word of Wishes? I do not know what I would do if Wishes was retired.


BTW... I just read your write up on DL on the DDC. Very, very well done!

Umm, learn a NEW song?

 

[stopher1]

Umm, learn a NEW song?

 

[stopher1]

I agree with you that MSEP is better than Spectro but get rid of Wishes? Were you not standing mere feet away from me while my DD was watching every firework and singing every word of Wishes? I do not know what I would do if Wishes was retired.

Steve Davison, the guy who created it - has done some amazing things since then. One of them includes a little water, lights and laser show at Disneyland's across-the-esplanade neighbor, California Adventure... WORLD OF COLOR. Wishes was a great kick-off to his Disney career. The 50th fireworks REMEMBER, DREAMS COME TRUE at DL was hands down so much better, technically and visually. It incorporated parts of the Wishes music and sequencing which was a feel good nod to what SD had done in the east. I know you like the HOLIDAY WISHES show - but BELIEVE IN HOLIDAY MAGIC is even better, again incorporating part of the HOLIDAY WISHES music and sequencing. I'm not saying WISHES is bad - just that it's probably time to upgrade the MK with a BETTER fireworks show that builds on WISHES success & popularity. Fireworks are always a huge draw. They have been in Disney parks since 1956. I was heartbroken when the old FANTASY IN THE SKY was retired... but these newer shows are bigger and better.

Believe me, I know there are lots of hardcore Wishes fans - just as there are hardcore MSEP and Spectro fans. Change is never easy for them (us), but it does happen eventually at all of the Disney parks. We are saddened when something WE love is removed or altered - or rejoice when something that WE love stays the same - or makes a come back after being removed. But it is inevitable. Walt himself said it of Disneyland back in the '60's... "Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world."

BTW... I just read your write up on DL on the DDC. Very, very well done!

Thanks

 

[IamTrike]

Day 3 Magic Kingdom ( it all goes pear shaped)

You know those days when it seems to be raining fairy dust. You walk on every ride, you find a secret character meet and greet with tons of characters or strangers give you their Le Cellier ADR? Well this is most definitely not going to be one of those days.

It was our last day at the park ( Boo!) so we wanted to make sure we got the most out of it. That plan fell over immediately because we woke up late. We hurredly packed up checked out and rushed to the MK. We made it to the TTA a little before 9 and we were fortunate to start walking up the express monorail line right before a huge throng of people.

You've got a pretty determined walk for a dude with a pink backpack.

We just barely missed getting on the monorail that was in the station and so we found a spot in one of the corrals right up against the gate. And then we get the “the monorail is having issues announcement”. We’re it not for the several hundred people blocking our path we would have exited the line an ridden the resort monorail. Instead we got to wait for 20 minutes while they fixed the monorail. Finally we made it to the park.

Our first order of business was getting our picture taken with Mickey and Minnie. The line was only 10 minutes so we hopped in line. The line moved a little slow but after about 15 minutes we were finally approaching the front. Then they announced that Mickey and Minnie had to go get cheesecake. Fortunately they weren’t gone more than a minute or 2, and it wasn’t much longer before it was our turn. Again they had fun playing with the Pooks.

Bro even scored a little kiss.

After Mickey and Minnie we walked to Fantasyland. Sis wanted to ride dumbo and I wanted to take pics of the fantasyland expansion.

It's amazing how much they've accomplished just since this picture was taken.

It was a fun ride and I got to talk with some people in line about my shoes. Vibram Five Fingers. Yeah I’m not above using my shoes as a cry for attention.

After Dumbo we rode Snow White’s Adventure ( we leave the “Scary” out in our family as it makes it easier to get Sis on the ride)

We knew it would likely be our last time to ride it, and while we’ll be sad to see it go, I think we are all excited for the mine train.

We started walking toward Splash Mountain, but stopped to give Bro a chance to pull the Sword from the Stone. (someone needs to teach Disney the difference between an anvil and a stone.) Hey buddy I’ll get you a Dole Whip if you can pull it out.

That boy has got real spark. Lots of spirit. Throws himself heart and soul into everything he does.

Since it turns out Bro isn’t King Arthur we decided to take a consolation ride on Splash Mountain. Since the Standby line was only 15 minutes we decided to not get FP’s for it. When we were still in line 25 minutes later we were starting to regret that decision. If Sis wasn’t having a minor nervous breakdown it wouldn’t have been that big of a deal. Mom consoled her assuring her that it would all be over in a couple minutes. (Oh Mom, if only you knew). A couple minutes later we were on the ride and for about 30 or 45 seconds everything went great. Then the ride stopped… and it stayed stopped for about 20 minutes. Finally they fixed the ride and we rode a little bit until it stopped again. I think the ride broke down about 4 or 5 times while we rode it but only 3 of them were for more than a minute. All told our short ride took close to 40 minutes. Both kids actually enjoyed the ride when it was moving and had it not been for all the issues I think they would have ridden it again. As it stands their view of it is a little tainted.

This is the only picture we took of this ride.

We left Splash mountain and headed for Thunder Mountain. Sis was less than thrilled by the idea. But through the course of the ride she went from this

To

Bro of course loved the whole thing

That rock looks a lot like a door.

Another victory picture. Sis wanted us to take these for a boy at her pre-school so she can show how brave she is.

After Thunder Mountain we went into the pin trading place in Frontierland. We didn’t find any pins, but we did get 2 ginormous lollipops that functioned perfectly as quiet-in-ators on the car ride home. We had a state and half worth of quiet thanks to them.

After that we rode the jungle cruise. It was great, and as always I was excited to see the backside of water. Mom thinks I’m strange for always wanting to take a picture of that.

umm thats an elephant not the backside of water

Behold the backside of Water

Behold the backside of Walter

We made it safely back to civilization, and we didn’t even fall in the water and get our boat driver fired. I’ve always wondered if anyone has actually fallen in when getting out of the boat.
After our cruise we were hungry so we decided we’d head to Tortugas for lunch. We’ve seen pretty good reviews of this place online and it seemed like something different. It seemed pretty hit or miss for us. My burrito was pretty good, but the kid’s food was pretty dried out and almost inedible.

Burrito’s eaten we headed back into fantasyland to enjoy Mickey’s Philharmagic and then we headed back into Tomorrowland. I grabbed SM FPs then we rode the TTA again as a family.

Sis enjoyed pretending to be a dog.

We headed over to Space Ranger spin one last time. Here was my chance to redeem myself. Again I failed to max the score out. In fact I did worse than my first try, but I did score higher than mom, and that’s what really matters

We still had a couple of minutes before our SM FP’s so we tried to ride Stitch’s Great Escape. The last time I rode it, it was still Alien Encounter so we had no idea what to expect. We got into the first briefing room. Due to a technical difficulty, we had to watch the pre-ride show twice. It kind of freaked Sis out so she and mom just left and waited outside. Bro and I were eventually called into one of the simulator rooms, however, there was a malfunction and the shoulder bars wouldn’t come down. After a couple minutes they fixed the harnesses and the show started and then it ended and we left. If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.

Our Space Mountain FP’s were ready to be used then. Bro and I ran over and got to enjoy it together.

Either I set the exposure wrong or Bro is about to be abducted by aliens.

After Space Mountain we were getting close to when we needed to leave. We walked up towards the hub and took some pictures of the kids as the afternoon show finished.

Bro snapped this pic
While walking out the balloon man let me snap this picture.

We took the ferry back to the car so the kids could wave by to the Magic Kingdom.

This ends the WDW portion of the Trip Report

Coming up next… Day 1 on the Dream.

 

[dvczerfs]

great update trike!! i love the last pic of sis! i make the same face on my last ride out of the mk. i seen the pink back pack but hay, if don can wear blue fuzzy slippers, why not. ive been known to hold a purse or two. your next trip back to the mk and you go on thunder mtn, ask for the last seat in the train, you may have to wait for the next train but a much better ride! nice job on the trip report, looking forward to reading more!

 

[IamTrike]

Steve Davison, the guy who created it - has done some amazing things since then. One of them includes a little water, lights and laser show at Disneyland's across-the-esplanade neighbor, California Adventure... WORLD OF COLOR. Wishes was a great kick-off to his Disney career. The 50th fireworks REMEMBER, DREAMS COME TRUE at DL was hands down so much better, technically and visually. It incorporated parts of the Wishes music and sequencing which was a feel good nod to what SD had done in the east. I know you like the HOLIDAY WISHES show - but BELIEVE IN HOLIDAY MAGIC is even better, again incorporating part of the HOLIDAY WISHES music and sequencing. I'm not saying WISHES is bad - just that it's probably time to upgrade the MK with a BETTER fireworks show that builds on WISHES success & popularity. Fireworks are always a huge draw. They have been in Disney parks since 1956. I was heartbroken when the old FANTASY IN THE SKY was retired... but these newer shows are bigger and better.

Believe me, I know there are lots of hardcore Wishes fans - just as there are hardcore MSEP and Spectro fans. Change is never easy for them (us), but it does happen eventually at all of the Disney parks. We are saddened when something WE love is removed or altered - or rejoice when something that WE love stays the same - or makes a come back after being removed. But it is inevitable. Walt himself said it of Disneyland back in the '60's... "Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world."


Thanks

I'm all for Disney improving things. While there is nostalgia tied to certain events, the technology that the imagineers use to present those shows has improved pretty drastically. Letting them take advantage of those tools should create better parades and shows. I know its not feasible, but in my ideal world Disney would be running multiple parades/fireworks shows on different nights of the weeks.

great update trike!! i love the last pic of sis! i make the same face on my last ride out of the mk. i seen the pink back pack but hay, if don can wear blue fuzzy slippers, why not. ive been known to hold a purse or two. your next trip back to the mk and you go on thunder mtn, ask for the last seat in the train, you may have to wait for the next train but a much better ride! nice job on the trip report, looking forward to reading more!

I'll need to try and ask for that next time. We have ridden in the back car before. Usually the CM's are so adamant about which lines you should go stand in I've been hesitant to ask for the last car.

I wind up holding purses too.

 

[afwdwfan]

It was a fun ride and I got to talk with some people in line about my shoes. Vibram Five Fingers. Yeah I’m not above using my shoes as a cry for attention.

I've read about them... they look comfortable but I've got to have some good padding for the arch and heel... I'm guessing they lack in that area?

We knew it would likely be our last time to ride it, and while we’ll be sad to see it go, I think we are all excited for the mine train.

Yeah, I love the classics but this is probably my least favorite of them. I really can't wait to see what they do with the mine train theme.

Way to go Sis!

Another victory picture. Sis wanted us to take these for a boy at her pre-school so she can show how brave she is.

She's already trying to impress the boys??? Looks like you've got a long 14 years or so ahead of you.

After a couple minutes they fixed the harnesses and the show started and then it ended and we left. If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.

Enough said!

This ends the WDW portion of the Trip Report

Priceless...
I feel the same way when I have to leave.

Another enjoyable update, and as always, great pictures!