Our Short but Sweet, Sizzling HOT Summer Trip to the World! Updated 12/3...Finally!!!

[Angies1274]

I am so glad that you guys made it to the park to see the opening show. What an awesome way to introduce your parents to the Magic Kingdom! I bet you were about to bust to see their reaction to seeing the castle for the first time. Aren't you glad that they "got it".! You know "it"......Disney magic at work.

Last year on our first visit seeing the opening show was so wonderful, that I knew it was something that I wanted them to see too--and they loved it, especially my mom. I actually think it was my father that seemed more excited to see the castle. We stood there for the longest time while he got picture after picture of the castle. It was very cute!!

Great update. We never made it to park opening in May, that is my goal for our August trip. I would love to see the opening show!! And an empty park.

Oh, you should definitely try to make it. It's such a cute show!! I'm sure your family would love it!!! An empty park, first thing in the morning, especially at MK is the best.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

YAY!! Who doesn't love the MK? And I'm so glad your family got to see the castle for the first time crane-free!

Love the pp pic of the whole group in front of the castle!

Halloween decorations in August?? YIKES! But cool that you got to see them.

I love that your Dad enjoyed his time with Nick so much. Those things are so special....enjoy them while you can!

We love Space Ranger Spin. You may have to give me a few of those pointers you mentioned...I STINK at the game but it's so fun!

 

[Angies1274]

YAY!! Who doesn't love the MK? And I'm so glad your family got to see the castle for the first time crane-free!

Love the pp pic of the whole group in front of the castle!

Halloween decorations in August?? YIKES! But cool that you got to see them.

I love that your Dad enjoyed his time with Nick so much. Those things are so special....enjoy them while you can!

We love Space Ranger Spin. You may have to give me a few of those pointers you mentioned...I STINK at the game but it's so fun!

I know...so happy that the castle was crane-free!!! Disney must be magical!!!

I thought it was so sweet that my Dad and Nick got to spend some quality time together. My dad just thought it was the best thing. He kept saying.."Wow, Angie...Nick is just so smart!! He was telling me about Magic Kingdom and everything that was there...and boy is he a talker. It was too cute!!

Space Ranger Spin is so much fun!!! I'm liking even better now that my score has improved!! The only tip that I tried that seemed to work was instead of pressing the trigger in and out, hold it in and don't release it. It worked....and trust me I was really BAD at the game!!!

 

[Angies1274]

When I left off, we had just finished riding the Teacups. It's a ride I normally skip because I'm prone to motion sickness. But, I was able to ride on our last trip at MK and was fine. I figured I would give it a try again.....well bad idea!! My brother, Noah and I sat in one teacup and my parent's and Nick were in the other. My brother did all the spinning and boy, did he spin FAST!! Apparently, they were spinning almost as fast because when we got off the ride. I was extremely dizzy, but it was my mom who suddenly felt sick to her stomach. We figured it would be best to find a place to sit and relax before we headed to Winnie the Pooh.

A short rest and a few drinks of water later, she was feeling somewhat better. We told her we would wait as long she needed but she said she'd be okay and was anxious to do another ride. So, off we went to one of Noah's favorite rides...The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!!!He especially likes the part where we see Tigger and our vehicle bounces. I cherish these moments, because I know he's getting bigger and soon Pooh will be an afterthought as he rushes to the next thrill ride......
Here are a couple pics while we are waiting to go on the ride--

Another one on our way out of the ride--

In the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh-
Fun Find --Wind blows the words off the storybook page in the attraction's first scene.
Hidden Mickey Check the radish marker in Rabbit's garden.

We stopped in the gift shop on the way out so my brother could buy some Winnie the Pooh figures for his girlfriend's son. We all enjoyed the ride, my mother more than the guys but they still thought it was cute. At this point my mom was feeling better and my brother was itching to head over to Frontierland, he was ready for a little more excitement. We thought the quickest way to that was to head over to Toontown to board the train. It wasn't quite 10:00am yet, but I knew because of all my research on the DIS (thanks,dismagiclover!!) that Toontown actually opens earlier than posted. We decided once we got to Toontown, we would stop and tour Minnie and Mickey's houses. First up was Minnie's, I didn't get too many pictures because I took so many last trip but here are a few that I got-

I thought this picture was so cute, leaning against the wall-

Hidden Mickey--Hanging kitchen skillet and pots.

The boys knew that Grammie would love Minnie's gardening area--

Lee rushed through, pretty quick he obviously wasn't interested.

We attempted to make our way over to Mickey's house--

But....the boys were becoming impatient and really wanted to head over to ride BTMRR and to keep peace we decided to skip Mickey's house and Goofy's Barnstormer for now, hoping to get back later. A few pics on our way to the train-

A short ride on the train to Frontierland...

Before we headed over to BTMRR, I decided to run down and get fastpasses for Splash Mountain. This was the one ride, that my mom was looking most forward to. She had seen our Splash Mountain picture from last trip and was so excited to ride it herself.
Once we reached BTMRR, there was some discussion as to whether my mom should ride it or not. She insisted she would be fine, but we were unsure especially after she felt sick not too long ago. Although, not a scary ride it can be a bit rough. After much persuasion on her part, we reluctantly gave in. I put my camera away at this point because the fastpass line always seems to move so quickly on this ride and this time was no exception. Soon, we were off on a runaway train. My parent's sat in front of us and it was so funny to hear my mom screaming and laughing!! She loved the ride and wanted to ride it again later. The guys liked as well. My father doesn't really like roller coasters but he rides them for my mom and my brother rides the ones where his legs dangle where he's going upside down and inside out.(well....you get the point.) He thought it fun but a very mild ride compared to what he's used to.

We decided after BTMRR, to head over to Liberty Square to check out the Haunted Mansion. This would be my first time riding because the boys wanted to skip it last trip. DH decided to stay back with the boys again. We tried to talk them into going but Nick wouldn't budge, and then Noah who was scared by what Nick said about the ride decided to skip it too. Hmmm....I don't know about those two. I have to say it was not what I was expecting....but it was so much fun!! I guess I thought it would be scarier...who knows. The only time I was actually scared was just before the ride began, when we were in complete darkness or so it seemed.... and that darn brother of mine stuck his hand in front of my face to scare me and it worked because I let scream out of me. I don't think he's ever laughed so hard. It was such a fun time,but sorry no pictures... I left my bag with DH so I wouldn't have worry about it.
Haunted Mansion--Fun Finds---*In the Stretching room, grates along the bottom of the walls form monstrous faces,** In the Music room, the window frame is decorated with coffins.

It was finally time to use our Fastpasses for Splash Mountain. There was some misunderstanding in the beginning about who would sit with who. Nick wanted to sit with my mom but he also wanted to sit in the very front of the log. My father on the other hand preferred that my mother didn't sit in the front. So after going back in forth, we finally came up with a seating order that everyone seemed happy with. It was a great ride as usual!! Everyone was enjoying the sights, laughing, anxiously waiting for the big hill to arrive..... Finally, it was time--and Weeeeeeeeee.......down we go!!!!

We came off wet, smiling and declaring it one of the best rides of the day!! Even though it was still early, we decided to head back to Pop for lunch and then a rest for my mom. We had early dinner reservations with the Hundred acre woods gang and we didn't want to be late!!

Up Next--Deep in the Hundred Acre Woods.......

 

[dismagiclover]

Great update I can't believe your kids will ride Splash Mountain and not the Haunted Mansion. Hopefully one of these times you can get them to go on Haunted Mansion and they will realize it's more fun than scary

 

[mickeystoontown]

So sorry that you and your mother came away from the teacups feeling all woozy.

Don't worry too much about your boys growing up and not wanting to ride Winnie the Pooh. Hunter is 12 and wants to ride it each and every trip. I know he likes to ride it because it's in Disney. If it were a similar ride somewhere else.....probably wouldn't.

I can't believe you got such great pictures in Minnie's house. When we go, it's so busy that you can't even take pictures.

My mother rode both Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain when she was 66 years old. Loved both of them. I'm glad to see that your parents loved them too.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

just found your TR and LOVE it! It's really getting me excited for our next trip...God willing in August too! Your boys are so sweet and what a nice idea to go with your parents and brother...what great memories you made!! Can't wait for more!!

 

[eandesmom]

Great update! I'm glad your mom rebounded and was able to enjoy BTMRR (and that you guys didn't talk her out of it) and Splash!

We didn't make splash on our last trip, it wasn't warm enough during the times we could have done it. I don't see that being an issue on this next trip!

The first part of HM, even when you know it's coming, is a bit scary! The rest, well....just plain fun.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Oh man...teacups! No thank you!

You really got lucky with being able to tour Minnie's house without fighting crowds! It pays to be there early I guess.

Love the train ride! I'm glad your mom liked BTMRR and Splash Mountain. Those are two of our very favorites!

Too bad you can't get the boys to go on Haunted Mansion..it's really more fun/scary than scary/scary!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Thank goodness your Mom was feeling better and Pooh Bear is a great ride to take it easy on.

We missed Toon Town all together this trip and while I wish I'd gone to the character greets, it seems we've already outgrown it like Lee...

I laughed too reading how he spooked you at HM Your Splash Mountain pic is awesome!

Ah... Crystal Palace! I can't wait to go back there next trip.

 

[Angies1274]

Great update I can't believe your kids will ride Splash Mountain and not the Haunted Mansion. Hopefully one of these times you can get them to go on Haunted Mansion and they will realize it's more fun than scary

Thanks I couldn't believe it either. I think they have this vision that ghosts are going to pop out and grab them. I'm already working on them for next trip. Hopefully, I can change their minds.

So sorry that you and your mother came away from the teacups feeling all woozy.

Don't worry too much about your boys growing up and not wanting to ride Winnie the Pooh. Hunter is 12 and wants to ride it each and every trip. I know he likes to ride it because it's in Disney. If it were a similar ride somewhere else.....probably wouldn't.

I can't believe you got such great pictures in Minnie's house. When we go, it's so busy that you can't even take pictures.

My mother rode both Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain when she was 66 years old. Loved both of them. I'm glad to see that your parents loved them too.

Aww....I hope the boys still want to keep riding Winnie the Pooh. It's such a fun ride and so Disney!!

Minnie's house was almost empty when we walked in. I wish I had gotten more pictures---because you're right, it's very rare that you see it that empty.

We had such a great time riding BTMRR and Splash Mountain!! I think it made even more fun, watching their reactions to the rides!!

just found your TR and LOVE it! It's really getting me excited for our next trip...God willing in August too! Your boys are so sweet and what a nice idea to go with your parents and brother...what great memories you made!! Can't wait for more!!

and thank you!! I'm glad your enjoying it!! It's been so much fun reliving it!! I'm so happy that we were able to talk my parent's and brother into joining us because we had such a wonderful time!!

 

[Angies1274]

Great update! I'm glad your mom rebounded and was able to enjoy BTMRR (and that you guys didn't talk her out of it) and Splash!

We didn't make splash on our last trip, it wasn't warm enough during the times we could have done it. I don't see that being an issue on this next trip!

The first part of HM, even when you know it's coming, is a bit scary! The rest, well....just plain fun.

I know...I'm so glad that mom was able to ride BTMRR because she loved it so much!!! I guess we're just really protective of her, especially my dad because of some of the health problems that she has had to deal with.

Yes...it will definitely be warm enough to ride Splash on your next trip.

UGH!! I wish I could talk those boys of mine into seeing the HM. It was so fun!! I'm working on them Hopefully I'll have them convinced before our next trip.

Oh man...teacups! No thank you!

You really got lucky with being able to tour Minnie's house without fighting crowds! It pays to be there early I guess.

Love the train ride! I'm glad your mom liked BTMRR and Splash Mountain. Those are two of our very favorites!

Too bad you can't get the boys to go on Haunted Mansion..it's really more fun/scary than scary/scary!

I think I've definitely learned my lesson as far as the teacups go!!! It was not an experience I want to repeat!!!

BTMRR and Splash are so much fun!!! Definite favorites for us as well.

Now, that I've rode the HM and saw that it was more fun than scary maybe they will ride. I actually think I may have Noah convinced!! But...we'll see.

Thank goodness your Mom was feeling better and Pooh Bear is a great ride to take it easy on.

We missed Toon Town all together this trip and while I wish I'd gone to the character greets, it seems we've already outgrown it like Lee...

I laughed too reading how he spooked you at HM Your Splash Mountain pic is awesome!

Ah... Crystal Palace! I can't wait to go back there next trip.

Pooh was a nice relaxing ride and it seemed to work, because mom was feeling much better afterwards.

That brother of mine. He's too funny!! Definitely not interested in Fantasyland or Toontown. But loved Frontierland and especially the HM. I'm not sure if it was the ride he liked so much or that he scared me so bad. He laughed about that all day!!

Can't wait to share our dinner at Crystal Palace with you--it was such a fun time!!

 

[cjackearl]

Little brothers never really change, do they? I've got one too. My big girls didn't love the HM, its fun but creepy too, so I can see your boys hesitance for sure. Maybe next trip.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Other than the teacups it sounds like a fun time at the MK! That is really funny about your brother scaring you at the Haunted Mansion. I've seen a lot of people trying to do that to their family.

Glad your mom liked BTMRR and Splash Mountain!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Awww, I love the Winnie the Pooh ride, it was too cute, and I loved the music. I like your Splash Mountain picture, we didn't get to that one in May, so it's on our list for August!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Good morning (oops, afternoon) Angie,

Hope you and your crew are having a great day.

Looking forward to reading more!

Lisa

 

[Angies1274]

Little brothers never really change, do they? I've got one too. My big girls didn't love the HM, its fun but creepy too, so I can see your boys hesitance for sure. Maybe next trip.

No...little brothers never seem to change....always trying to aggravate their big sisters. He did make the trip more interesting, I'll give him that!!

HM was alot of fun, but I agree there are some parts that are kind of creepy. My boys don't like that kind of stuff. They like the thrill rides but show them something that may have ghosts, etc in it and they run in the other direction.

Other than the teacups it sounds like a fun time at the MK! That is really funny about your brother scaring you at the Haunted Mansion. I've seen a lot of people trying to do that to their family.

Glad your mom liked BTMRR and Splash Mountain!

We laughed so hard about it after because he had scared me that much. I had heard beforehand that the HM was more fun than scary so it was definitely unexpected!!

Awww, I love the Winnie the Pooh ride, it was too cute, and I loved the music. I like your Splash Mountain picture, we didn't get to that one in May, so it's on our list for August!!!

Isn't Winnie the Pooh such a great ride? Aww...so much fun!! We couldn't leave that Splash Mountain picture behind--it was just too funny seeing everyone's expressions!!

 

[Angies1274]

Good morning (oops, afternoon) Angie,

Hope you and your crew are having a great day.

Looking forward to reading more!

Lisa

Hi Lisa!!!

We're doing good here. I thought I would get on the DIS and try to get caught up on all the PTR/TR's I'm following. Now, that the boys and I are back in school. It seems so easy these days to get behind.

Hope you're having a great day too!!!

 

[Angies1274]

Deep in the hundred acre wood
where Christopher Robin plays
You'll find the enchanted neighborhood
of Christopher's childhood days
A donkey named Eeyore is his friend
and Kanga and little Roo
There's Rabbit and Piglet and there's Owl,
but most of all Winnie the Pooh


Okay, I'll admit it....I have a love for Winnie the Pooh and all his friends that go back to my childhood. I've always loved them. There's a recording of me, when I was very little singing this particular song. I have all the stuffed animals, books, toys that I have passed down to my boys. Unfortunately, although the boys like Pooh and friends they didn't develop the same feelings for these special friends that I have. As they've gotten older the books are rarely read and the toys and animals have been put away. But they still hold a special place in my heart. Hmmm.....maybe I'm getting a tad sentimental. Well the reason why I've decided to share this is so you could understand how extremely excited I was to visit Crystal Palace last year on our very first trip to Disney. Unfortunately, it wasn't the experience I had hoped it would be. Oh sure it was wonderful to see the castle before the park opened and the food was yummy. But.....the character interaction was not good, as a matter fact Pooh just passed by our table with just a wave....huh? The boys started to get up.. but nope passed us right by which was very disappointing. Tigger, I guess trying to be silly stuck Noah's roll with fork, and then kind of tossed across the table...hmmm.. Anyways, it was not the experience I had hoped it would be.

Fast forward to August 2009, over a year later. You are probably wondering why we decided to give it another chance. Well...have I mentioned how much I love Pooh? and..with everyone liking different things...remember Epcot? We figured a buffet would work best.

So on with the TR!! If you remember, we had just headed back to Pop for a rest and some more pool time. Pool time became a necessity in August. So after grabbing a quick lunch in the Classic Hall, which I believe consisted of mostly meatball subs and salad for everyone. We headed back to the room for a quick rest. Well...except me I decided to do a little shopping. I didn't end up buying anything though. Still undecided on what I wanted to get. Eventually, everyone woke up and we headed down to the Pool. The water was much cooler today. YAY!! So it actually was quite refreshing!!

At about 3:45pm after leaving the pool, getting changed and making our way to the bus stop we were on our way back to the Magic Kingdom. Our ADR was for 4:35pm, early I know but that's the best I could get. We arrived at MK fairly early and made our way over to CP. It was extremely crowded outside and as I went to check in, I heard a man complaining that they had already been there for over 30 minutes and how much longer was it going to be? Uh Oh...not again I had a bad feeling, maybe we should have went somewhere else. We sat down and I told everyone to be prepared for a long wait. But......about 10 minutes later our name was called....wow I was really surprised. Later DH told me a couple people asked when our ADR was for because they had seen us come in after them.

So, lets show some pictures....finally!!! This is what we saw when we got to our table...

I had added my parent's anniversary celebration to our ADR. Our server came over and presented us with fastpasses. YAY!! We were very excited!! We didn't even get a chance to go get our food and look who finally stopped in to say Hello!!

Still waiting to get our food....Piglet was right behind him!!

I love the look on Nick's face in this picture as Piglet is signing the autograph books....

Lee wanted to get in on the fun!!

We finally made our way up to the buffet and the selection was wonderful. It's much bigger than at Chef Mickey's and everything was so delicious!! My brother is still raving about their food. The salads were very fresh and tasty and I just loved the spoon bread....OMG so yummy!! We were very happy that we gave CP another try!! Before we knew it Eeyore came by...my favorite!!

We were just about finishing up and hoping to see Tigger...when who came around again....Pooh!!! Okay, I guess this makes up for skipping us last time!!

and then Piglet again....boy they must really be BFF's!! Piglet always at Pooh's side!!!

Finally, just as we were pushing our plates aside, Tigger shows up and was so funny!!!

I thought his autograph was very cute!!

Sadly, it was time to wave good-bye to our hundred acre friends... one more picture on the way out.

Next up--Celebrate You and It's so nice you brought your wife on cruise for her anniversary!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Good morning Angie,

I'm glad that you had a great experience with Crystal Palace this time. We have to eat at the Crystal Palace each trip. I am weird about buffets but the one at the Crystal Palace is great. I think the spoon bread is the best thing on the entire buffet!

You got some really good pictures with the characters.

Hope you have a good day and a fantastic weekend,

Lisa