Our Ten Day Adventure Around the World with(out) Malficent!!!....with lots of pics!!!

[BrandyC1974]

Day 10-Hollywood Studios
Park Hours 9am to 9pm

Today we had a Breakfast scheduled at 1900 Parc Fare for 9:05am. Well, I really wanted to get to the park for 9am to grab fast passes for Toy Story Midway Mania. So, yesterday when I asked everyone, they were okay with canceling. So, at 9am on Day 9 I called and cancelled. They asked me if I was sure and I said yes. They asked me if I wanted to schedule something else, I said no; they said “are you sure?”. I said yes, I am sure I want to cancel and no I do not want to schedule anything else. Thank you.

So, I start getting everyone up around 6am (since it takes some of them forever to get ready). Anyway, we get to the park about 8:30am. About 10 minutes or so, we are all led to the “rope”. We are only about five rows back. The plan is for Wes to go and get everyone a fast pass for Toy Story Midway Mania; while the rest of us leisurely head towards Playhouse Disney. The first show for Playhouse Disney is probably between 9:30am and 10am. Since we know exactly what we want to do this day, we don’t mind sitting around waiting. As you can probably guess, at this time, this area is a ghost town. It was nice just sitting down and talking about what our plans were for this day. The kids were able to “run” around a little without “running” into anyone. Also, I was able to take some pictures.

Once people starting arriving, we went to stand in line. Once we got there, because of Elizabeth, we stood in a separate area to wait. They let us in first and we sat in the front “row” off to the right of the stage. It is not a great spot, but Elizabeth was happy we were there. We really enjoy this show (me and Elizabeth that is. The rest of them could have skipped this show)

After that, the plan was to watch the American Idol Experience. I had no desire to sit through that show. I went and got fast passes for Rock-N-Roll Coaster.

I met up with Roy (he did not want to see it either). We sat outside Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner while waiting for the show to finish. I got a chocolate milkshake while waiting. I also took some pictures. Once the show let out, everyone met up with me and Roy. They really liked the show. My mom got popcorn for everyone to share while we sat and relaxed.

After our snack break, we headed towards the Backlot area. We were trying to figure out if we would have time to do the Studios Backlot tour before the first showing of Lights Motor Action Extreme Stunt Show. Once, we got back there, due to the line, everyone decided to see the Stunt Show first. I decided that I would miss the show and go get fast passes for Tower of Terror. I told them I would meet them at the restaurant across from the Studios Backlot Tour when the show was over.

I slowly walked towards Tower of Terror for the fast passes. I took my time and took some pictures. After getting the passes, I walked through a few stores. I then headed to the Backlot Express restaurant and got myself a coke and waited for the show to end.

Everyone enjoyed the show (but no one would take pictures for me). After meeting up, we went on the Backlot Tour. It is kinda boring; but as we had first timers, we wanted them to experience it.

After the tour, we decided it was time for Lunch. I’m not sure where everyone ate at but me, Leonard, Rebecca and Alexis ate at Pizza Planet Arcade (my mom took Elizabeth with her). We all got pepperoni pizza meals and enjoyed them.

After lunch, we met up and headed to Toy Story Midway Mania.

We used our fast passes and were on the ride in about 10-15 minutes. Elizabeth, Rebecca, Leonard and I went the wheelchair accessible way. It took us the longest just to wait for the accessible vehicle. They kind of take it apart to allow Elizabeth to roll her chair on it. (I LOVE the accessible vehicles!! They are so easy to use!!) We all really enjoyed this ride (and I wished that we had stood in the line the day it rained).

After Toy Story Mania, we headed towards Tower of Terror.

My mom, Leonard, and Wes rode Tower of Terror while the rest of us sat in the back of the shop where you pick up your ride photos. They ended up riding twice since we had nine passes and only three riders. They gave away the other three fast passes.

Next, up the same group rode Rock-n-Roll Coaster (twice). The rest of us checked out the shop. I bought a shirt here. We were debating whether or not to go to the Magic Kingdom for a little while (it was only about 6pm). But, I said lets just go back to the house because we were going to the Magic Kingdom the next day and we needed to be there early. Everyone was okay with my decision.

I was excited about the next day because it was our last Magic Kingdom day and Elizabeth’s birthday.

Up next………………….our last day………………………..Magic Kingdom…………..

 

[maroo]

I was in Disney when you did your last update...so I missed it!

So I got two for one today!

I loved the WS pics!

I also love the Toy Story vehicles. It irritates me how folks on the forums say that getting a wheelchair speeds everything up. I know it does "help" on some rides...but then you have these big headliner attractions that you may wait longer to ride because of a separate wheelchair line.

Anyway...

I am enjoying the updates and can't wait to see the big birthday pics! I love the MK!

 

[BrandyC1974]

I was in Disney when you did your last update...so I missed it!

So I got two for one today!

I loved the WS pics!

I also love the Toy Story vehicles. It irritates me how folks on the forums say that getting a wheelchair speeds everything up. I know it does "help" on some rides...but then you have these big headliner attractions that you may wait longer to ride because of a separate wheelchair line.

Anyway...

I am enjoying the updates and can't wait to see the big birthday pics! I love the MK!

First off, I hope you had a great time in Disney. I will be checking out your report.

I also love the Toy Story vehicles (and Buzz Lightyear and the Nemo ride). And having a wheelchair does NOT speed things up. You have to wait for the wheelchair vehicle to come around and that can take time. Using the wheelchair line can reduce your time slightly but you definetly have to wait (there is NO front of the line).

I am glad you are enjoying the updates. I can't wait to post the last day (but it will be sad because that means that the trip is over). Of course, I am planning on our next trip (Oct 2010). So, I do have that to look forward to.

 

[BrandyC1974]

Day 11-Magic Kingdom
Park Hours 9am to 12am (midnight)

This is our last day in the parks. My mom and I planned on getting to the park before the gates open to get Elizabeth’s birthday gift card. We were also planning on making this a long day (we wanted to stay until the park closed at midnight). I was hoping this day would go smooth; and wondering if it was possible.

My mom, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Alexis and I got up and left the house by 8:15am. The rest were going to meet us at the park whenever they got ready.

My group got to the park around 8:45am. I went to guest services to get Elizabeth’s birthday gift card. They give her the gift card and her birthday button. She did not want to wear it. But, I pinned it to her lanyard (I made her wear the lanyard this day).

After entering the park, the plan was to head towards Dumbo. But, we were sidetracked when we saw Pinocchio. Elizabeth was very excited to meet him. So, we got in line to see him. There were only two families before us. Well, as usually, when we got to the front of the line he had to take a break. We waited the five minutes until he came back. Elizabeth was nervous about seeing him; but she got over that once he came back out.

After finishing up with Pinocchio, the others said that they were on their way into the park. We told them we were still on Main Street and to meet us in the store because the girls wanted to buy themselves a hat. But, first we took a picture with “Goofy” on a bench.

Everyone met up on Main Street after we finished our shopping. As we were walking towards Fantasyland we saw that the show Dream Along with Mickey was playing. So, we stopped and watched for a few minutes.

While, watching the show, my brother Leonard went and got us fast passes for Peter Pan’s Flight.

After watching some of the show, we headed towards Dumbo. Wes, Rena and Alyssa were debating what to ride at this point. So, the rest of us, except Roy, went to get in line for Dumbo. Somehow, I got no pictures of us on Dumbo. I can’t believe it!! Dumbo is a must do for us. It is classic Disney to us. After getting off, we found out that Wes and his group went and rode Snow White’s Scary Adventures. Since, Elizabeth did not want to ride this, we decided that once Wes’ group got off we would let them ride Dumbo with Elizabeth while the rest of us rode Snow White. (For Dumbo, there is a separate wheelchair entrance. There is also a “transfer” Dumbo. It has a door that open that allowed Elizabeth to scoot from her chair to the Dumbo. It really made it easier to handle her getting on and off.)

After everyone rode Dumbo/Snow White, everyone (but me and Elizabeth) wanted to get a snack. Elizabeth kept asking “can we go now?” whenever we would stop. I decided to take the girls to Ariel’s Grotto since we were sitting right there. Alyssa decided not to go; so it was just Rebecca, Alexis and Elizabeth with me.

After everyone was finished with their snack, we decided to see Mickey’s PhilharMagic. (Elizabeth calls it Mickey’s Magic). We all love this movie.

Next up was Peter Pan’s Flight. We used the fast passes for my mom, Roy, Alexis and Leonard. The rest of us were able to use the wheelchair entrance. (they moved the fast pass entrance; it was not at the same place where the wheelchair enter). Wes picked up Elizabeth and got her on the ride (I can not get her on this ride due to the moving walkway.) This is another favorite of ours and a must do every trip.

up next.................magic kingdom part 2.....................................

 

[BrandyC1974]

I just updated Part One of our last day at the Magic Kingdom. I hope to add part two soon.

I hope you all are enjoying my report (as I am enjoying writing it).

Have a good day!!!

 

[BrandyC1974]

Next up was It’s a small world. The wait was only about 20 minutes. All of us except Wes’ group were able to get on one boat. They got on the boat behind us. We got the wheelchair accessible boat. Elizabeth was able to just wheel herself onto the boat and down to the front. I made sure that Elizabeth was not wearing a hat while on this ride because when we went in 2005 she threw her hat in the water and we were unable to get it. Everyone seemed to enjoy this ride.

We decided to eat lunch when we got off this ride. We ate at the Columbia Harbour House. I’m not sure what everyone had but I got a salad and chicken nuggets for me and Rebecca to share. It was good and everyone liked the food here.

Next, we headed to ride Haunted Mansion. Elizabeth did not want to ride; so Roy sat out with her. I was able to go in the stretching room for the first time in years!! Usually, with Elizabeth, we are lead through the “servant’s entrance” and brought directly to the loading area. I really like this ride. It is a favorite of my family.

After the Haunted Mansion, we headed back towards Fantasyland. My girls really wanted to ride the Mad Tea Party. My mom rode with Rebecca and Alexis; and my brother Wes, Rena and Elizabeth rode. They all enjoyed their ride.

Next we headed to Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel. This was the only time we had a problem with a cast member. The exit is the wheelchair entrance (and it is on the opposite side from where they load the guests). The cast member will start letting people on before the previous riders exit. We waited for two cycles; then my mom went and talked to the cast member. My mom told her that we were at the exit with a wheelchair and that we needed the chariot for her to ride. The cast member had an attitude and said we could get on the next cycle. Well, the chariot was taken the next cycle before we could get to it (the chariot stops by the loading area). So, the cast member got an attitude with us again and said, that basically she “guesses” that she will make sure no one gets in the chariot for the NEXT cycle. So, we go out the exit and wait for the cycle to end. After that, we finally get on the ride and the cast member says to us that we could ride twice if we would like. Just to note, at no time during this do we say anything negative or mean to the cast member. We even thank her for allowing us to ride again. My only issue was the attitude she spoke to us with. I understand that she could not see us (and she was the only cast member working the carrousel at that time); but she did not need to speak to us as if we were trying to make her day difficult. Also, since she knew we need the chariot, she should have not let anyone in it for that first cycle that she said we could ride. The interaction did upset me for a while and I could not enjoy the ride on the carrousel as much as I could have. (Rant over. Back to the Fun!!!) After this ride, my mom’s boyfriend Roy decided that he was going to head back to the house to relax. We were driving home the next day and it was around 5pm or so; and he wanted to get off his feet.

The kids did enjoy their ride on the carrousel.

My mom wanted to get pictures of the kids with the sword in the stone; so we headed their next.

After trying to get the sword out of the stone, Elizabeth wanted to ride The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh. The wait was only about 20minutes. This is a very cute ride and everyone enjoyed it.

Our next stop was in Tomorrowland. We decided to ride Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they had a wheelchair vehicle. My brother Wes rode with Elizabeth and he rolled her onto the ride. We all love this ride. When we came around to unload, the cast members were not prepared to assist with the ride vehicle to let Elizabeth off, so they let us all ride again. Yeah!!!

We all had a great time with Buzz. My mom and I wanted to really ride the Carousel of Progress. We have not done this since I was a kid. So, we got everyone to head over there. I wasn’t sure how the seating was set up; but I was pleasantly surprise that is it a “room” with seats and aisles that are big enough for her to stay in her wheelchair. I was also pleasantly surprise that Rebecca loved this show. She will still sing the song “Great Big Beauty Tomorrow”. She says that she can’t wait to go back and see the show again.

After the Carousel of Progress, we decided to head towards Toon Town. Well, Elizabeth saw the Tomorrowland Speedway and really wanted to ride. So, Wes with Elizabeth, Rebecca, Alexis, my mom and Leonard rode it. The rest of us just took a break and waited for them to finish. All of the kids loved this ride and they got a license for driving. They were real excited about that.

We then headed to Toon Town.

 

[BrandyC1974]

First up was The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm. I rode with Rebecca; Leonard with Elizabeth and my mom with Alexis. Wes and his group decided to skip this and went off on their own for a little while. It is a cute ride; but way too short. But, the kids did enjoy themselves so it was worth the ride.

Next, we headed to see Mickey’s Country House. We really enjoy walking through here (and will miss it when the redo Fantasyland.)

After strolling through Mickey’s house, we decided to meet with Mickey in the Judge’s Tent. The wait was about 30 minutes and it took the whole wait time. But, we were excited to see Mickey and Minnie.

We were excited to be able to finally meet Tinker Bell and friends; so we headed into the Toontown Hall of Fame. The wait was 60 minutes. The others were not sure; but I said that I was going to wait with my girls. My mom and Alexis stayed with me and my girls. The line was not long; but the wait was. We talked to the family in line behind us while we waited. It did not seem like an hour; and we really like how the waiting area is set up. The girls had fun talking to the other kids and showing them their autograph book.

My mom at first did not understand how the wait could be so long. She did not see how it could take the families so long to see the fairies. Well, once we got inside, she was pleasantly surprise on the level of interaction. The fairies really talked to the kids. Now, normally we are “please sign our book, take a picture, and go” family. But, when we got to Rosetta, she was like “hold on. Don’t you want to talk to me? I am more than a pretty face. Everyone just wants to take a picture and go.” The interaction was great. We did talk to her for a few minutes before taking pictures. It really was a great time; and my mom said that she understood the wait time and wished we could have seen the fairies earlier in the trip so that we could have seen them more that once. I will definitely take time to see them when we go back to Disney.

 

[BrandyC1974]

Next up, we saw the princesses. We met a cast member as we were walking from the fairies. She saw Elizabeth’s birthday button and asked who we had saw. When we told her the fairies, she asked if we had visited the princesses and we said no. She told us to follow her. She led us to the backdoor and straight to the room where the princesses were. My mom and I were happy because we were not going to have to wait in the line (which was at 45 minutes). So, we visited with Belle, Aurora and Cinderella.

After we visited the princesses, we visited Minnie’s Country House. My girls love her house and are sad that it may not be there when we go back (I heard the house should be moved to elsewhere in the park when they do the renovations to Fantasyland. I hope so because my girls love them.)

Elizabeth had wanted to ride the WDW Railroad the whole trip. So, since we were right there, we decided to ride the train to Frontierland. It was a pleasant ride that we all enjoyed. I took some pictures while we were riding; but I don’t think they came out that good.

When we got off the train, my mom, Leonard, Alexis and Rebecca rode Splash Mountain. Elizabeth did not want to ride so I sat out with her. Before they finished, the Electrical Parade had started. Elizabeth and I were not close enough to really see (and Liz was not interested in seeing it). So, we moved off the bridge (because people were filling up that area) to wait for them.

After Splash Mountain, we headed towards the castle to try to find a spot to catch Wishes. We found a spot (but it sure was crowded) right to the left side of the castle. We watched a few minutes of it. We would have liked to have stayed but the view wasn’t very good. Also, everyone was getting hungry.

So, we decided to have Dinner at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. I’m not sure what everyone else had but me and Rebecca had the chicken nuggets. I was so tired at this point that I don’t think I actually tasted anything!

After finishing up, we decided to walk through the shops on Main Street and do some shopping on the way out. I bought, for my girls, some trading pins, a nightgown, and a buzz lightyear toy gun. For myself, I bought some fudge and Mickey rice crispy treats.
We all met up and headed to the car (it was after 12am before we left the park).

When we got back to the house, we packed up our stuff (as much as we could) so that we could leave early the next morning. We all fell into bed after that.

This was by far our longest day. The kids did not complain of the long day (but they did pass out once we got the house). And as a side note, I never had a problem using the birthday gift card in any shop that Liz used it in.

Up next……………………..the long car ride home………………………………………..

 

[SueM in MN]

I enjoyed reading your trip report.
I'm not sure if you had found the disABILITIES Board before your trip, but we have lots of information about touring with disabilities of all kinds.

For your next trip, if you have an attraction you want wheelchair accessibility information on, I have pictures of all the wheelchair accessible ride cars - there are many. Most are not posted, but I can post one when someone asks - I only do this 'job' as a volunteer and sometimes real life gets in the way of what I want to do on the disABILITIES Board.

 

[BrandyC1974]

I enjoyed reading your trip report.
I'm not sure if you had found the disABILITIES Board before your trip, but we have lots of information about touring with disabilities of all kinds.

For your next trip, if you have an attraction you want wheelchair accessibility information on, I have pictures of all the wheelchair accessible ride cars - there are many. Most are not posted, but I can post one when someone asks - I only do this 'job' as a volunteer and sometimes real life gets in the way of what I want to do on the disABILITIES Board.

Thanks. I did check out the disABILITIES board but did not check out the wheelchair accessible ride cars.

I'm glad you enjoyed reading about my trip. I can't wait for my next trip-Oct. 2010. We are planning on doing MNSSHP.

I just wanted to say that I appreciate your volunteering on the disABILITIES board. I appreciate that fact that you take the time to help out those of us who need the help.