Rabbit, Hatter & Chessie Go Rogue in Christmasland.New5/11 Meet my Nemesis, Splash M.

[Alysa]

As always, I love reading your report but I am equally excited to hear about your "Roman Holiday!"

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I keep seeing so many Raglan Road updates! I think I am going to have to go there on my next trip, that bread pudding looks amazing!!

I've seen more of them recently too... I'm glad because the food is really good... Get the bread pudding but be forewarned... I think that you get an award if you can finish it by yourself...better to share or just resign yourself that you won't be able to finish it... but then later you will be thinking longingly about the portion you had to leave behind... l

I've heard of Ridemakerz but I never knew what it was, sounds like something really fun for a boy to do on vacation, since there are so many princess-y things for girls to do!

it's right next to TrenD...in the store that sell the Disney Sports clothing...it is nice for the boys to have some stuff too... the one thing I'm really hoping for someday is some kind of Pirates breakfast...

I love walking into the Poly, it smells so good, and I always want to stay there, no matter where I am too! I know... I feel so greedy and acting like the grass is greener on the other side though... Kona is so good for breakfast, it's nice going there early and then getting to MK for rope drop!

Exactly it's like a twofer... awesome breakfast close to the MK...

Finally caught up again!

Yay! I'm so happy that David liked Dinosaur! Loved the pictures with Santa Goofy!!!

[SIZE="3"Yes I'm really glad that worked out... I love Goofy dressed up like Santa... plus he's already David's favorite character...][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Glad you enjoyed Yak & Yeti! I've heard good things...we'll have to give a try next trip! [COLOR="Blue"]Give it a go... I'll bet you get something you like...

Ridemakerz looks like fun! I know my boys would love it as well!! Another thing to plan in!!!

Yes definitely plan it in... and plan it in the budget too... it's like shopping for a real car... there's the sticker price before you have any additions but like regular car shopping there's lots of add ons and before you know it...$$

Aww...I'm so sad that we cancelled our Kona breakfast on our last trip!! It looks and sounds so yummy!

There's always next time... but I know that stings when you wished you done a ressie... we cancelled Yachtsman for one night... not hungry and too tired... and it keeps bothering me...

Oh how I love me some Kona...and I am with you on the Mac Pine Pan.... I have to order sausage with them because the Poly sausage is so yummy and you need a little protein to cute the sweet. Yes sweetness and it also cuts down the carb coma...I always do that with pancakes... sausage or a little bit of egg...the carbs need to be slowed down... Yum...I'm drooling now! I wasn't going to book a breakfast at Kona this trip, but I guess I have to now! Yep I know... it's hard not to go back... You can get the Tonga Toast downstairs at Captain Cooks...why can't you get the Mac Pine Pan??

hmmm... not sure... I know that some people have said that while the Tonga is good it's not quite the same... maybe the pancakes need to be made from scratch and the Tonga is more forgiving when it sits a bit? Or maybe they just want us to have to go upstairs and spend more money at the sit down to get our fix...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

So sorry I finally responded and then didn’t have the courtesy to make it back and respond to your response – lol

That's ok but the Disboards Etiquette police are going to show up at your house and intimidate you wearing Mickey Ears...

My guess is that some decorator liked them... cute size and shape and whimsical but didn't pay attention to the creepy expressions... HA... You are from the Pacific Northwest... so you are probably used to colder water... (I know the water from San Francisco to at least Monterey is pretty nippy... by Santa Barbara it seems to warm up...Not a big fan of zee cold water... David has been swimming on a team so he's probably the hardiest in terms of water temps...

yes... Most US water is cool unless You're in the South... I love Maine but OMG... cannot swim there ...

Seriously... 105-110? but then we get into the high 90s WITH Humidity... it's like a swamp... Em met a girl from Berkley in a program she was in several years ago and this poor girl was dying from our combo of heat humidity and mosquitos... (actually I think the reason the Founding Fathers probably finally agreed to sign the Declaration is because they were desperate to avoid a full Philadelphia summer...

I can handle the hot, hot days since it is so dry. I can’t hack the humidity long term, it kills me

Agreed...The humidity is a killer...

LOL... EVC as a weapon/resource of procuring FPs... I love it...

I've seen some people operate those EVCs with such skill...

It worked exceptionally well.

I did get the Canon and if I manage to get its extra features down... maybe I'll eventually move up...

Glad you got it, good luck with getting a handle on all of the new features.

I like it so far...

Well in theory... if it had been warmer starting on Kali would have made sense...You never really expect to get wet and yes you really got zonked at Universal... I thinking that might actually feel kind of refreshing in July...

Yes, all about the time of day and time of year as far as really getting wet.

Yes and come July... I'm betting that getting wet even at 8 would probably be refreshing...

LOVE that trail... the bats are enormous and pretty cool and the Tigers are really incredible animals...

Agreed

Oh I know I'd so love another land... another continent maybe... Australia or something else but surely not Avatar Land... Heaven help us all...

Australia would be very cool – there is so much unique wildlife there and theming

Oh it would be awesome... How come nobody is asking our opinion...

I'm sure he was... he's not too patient with the photos after a certain point... It seems like a lot of guys have spinning issues... no probs with the coasters... but the spinning...not so much...

I can understand David wanting to just get on with the rides, but as parents we are obligated to create those memories. Yup, it is the spinning – gets us every time.

Yes... Eric will grin and bear the spinning... if it's too much... I'll take it over since it doesn't seem to bother me...

He was a trooper ... and I know his limits ...I only nudged a little ...(it kind of freaks me out when I see parents dragging crying/really upset kids on rides...) Now he can't wait to do it again...

He conquered Dinosaur like a champ. And I agree – how can those parents not step out of line when their kids are clinging onto their legs screaming “please don’t make me!” That is NOT a magical memory for a kid.

I know it reminds of what you see happen with Santa Claus... I had to do an event once and I hired an awesome Santa... and we were talking about how he hated when parents forced their kids onto his lap... it made him feel awful and it left them with a bad experience... better to wait a year or two...

Yes... and I think when you get on a writing mojo it's easier to keep it going at that pace... it can actually be harder to update when you've waited a bit... I think ideally about 3x every two weeks would be about right for me...

I’m killing mine, will probably finish it in the next week. I actually have the rest of my Daddy/Daughter day finished and just have to copy/paste the last few chapters but don’t want to overwhelm everyone with posts. You’ve got a good pace going – it honestly makes me feel less guilty for not checking back every day

1 1/2-2 updates a week seems to work the best for me... it keeps me at a good pace... keeps the writing flowing... otherwise you have to go back into your thoughts... they aren't as close to the surface...

Yes... it's really hard to balance all of the different social media outlets at one time... and writing a TR really takes some time and thought... and photo management...

The photo management is the one bonus I have since I am able to use my workstation as my photo processing station (having two monitors and the Photoshop suite helps there) and it is also my web server so no uploading to an image hosting site.

You're lucky with that... I don't want to switch up in the middle of a TR but I'm going to have to make some decisions about the photo management when I'm done this one...

Oh do try the TS at Yak and Yeti at least once and see what you think of it...

I’m pretty positive we’ll have it booked for our next trip!

Oh you'll have a blast...

Yes... great people watching and good drinks... I imagine you'd need to use caution especially in the summer...

A future goal for me is to do a grownup trip where I’m able to do the monorail pub crawl:

Contemporary – Wave Bar
Polynesian – Tambu Lounge
Grand Floridian – Mizner Lounge
Grand Floridian – Cítricos Lounge
Contemporary – Outer Rim Lounge

You can mix them around depending on how many times you want to ride the monorail. The Poly really needs a second bar so it can be even between the resorts with two each ;-]

I think that sounds great... and the monorail is the designated driver so that's good... Hmmm... I agree the Poly needs an extra lounge to balance everything out... it seems only fair...

Raglan sounded great, love the “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's superior Restaurant Server” quip.

Oh c'mon you know I'm not the only one who's wanted the other server... You know you've had that happen to you too...

Love the Snow White shirt you picked up – she’s my favorite princess ;-)

Yep she's my fave too... the classic

I’ve never been in Ridemakerz, quite the place for a boy. Wait until David starts wanting the remote control helicopters! Yes well actually he's mentioned that...

You guys all looked pretty chipper despite the early hour for your Kona reses. Bummer about the wait but better than rolling the dice on Disney transportation and possibly being late. Looked like a really nice breakfast.Yes and in the morning it's really hard to use the Dis Transport to get from hotel to hotel... so it was a good call and there are way worse places to have to wait...

Yay for making rope drop and cool shot in front of the castle. Looking forward to hearing about your New Fantasyland experience!

Writing tonight and posting tomorrow...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I LOVED Raglan Rd when we went, it's been so long. I keep saying I've got to get back.
DH always wants to make one of those build your own race cars.
Mmmmm Kona breakfast! You're making me hungry!

It was our first time and I definitely want to go back but there are a lot of great places... it's hard to get them all in each trip...

LOL... I think a LOT of DHs want to make the cars ...

I don't think anyone ever has a bad experience at Kona... at least at breakfast...

As always, I love reading your report but I am equally excited to hear about your "Roman Holiday!"

Thanks Alysa... I'm excited to experience it so I can write about it...

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

You really picked some great restaurants, Patricia! Raglan Road looks really good! I wouldn’t mind trying some of that hard cider! I haven’t really looked into Ridemakerz that much, but it looks cool! Oh wow, your trip to Rome is right around the corner! That is so exciting! I hope you and your family have a wonderful time! Your breakfast at Kona sounded delicious! The macadamia nut and pineapple pancakes sounded so good that I am tempted to run down to 7-11 and see if they have some macadamia nuts! Maybe a pineapple soda, too? Clearly, I am having an afternoon sugar crash and your TR isn’t making it any better! I’m looking forward to hearing about your day in MK!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Lots and Lots of Love for New Fantasyland...


I really love the Magic Kingdom; so much that it actually makes me feel a bit like a goober. Being there makes me feel like a kid...and that is extra true of Fantasyland. There's Peter's Pan's Flight (& the fly over London); Alice's teacups and the AIWL topiaries and yes...I even have a soft spot for It's a Small World.

However, I've always felt that the layout was a bit lacking... feeling very long and narrow... more like a corridor versus a land with a center...kind of missing a little something...

Well...

It's definitely got a little something now...

(& oh my... When the Dwarves' Mine Ride Opens... I think it's going to be over the top!... but then again Snow White is my favorite classic Princess)

The New Fantasyland including the two themed Princess areas for Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid are an incredibly picturesque, an immersive sensory and visual experience into their worlds...


Going through the gates, you sense you are entering a different world...

We made our way all the way back towards... the Little Mermaid... the queuing for the ride is really richly detailed... just lovely...

Now I have a confession to make... and no hating on me... I'm not a huge fan of Ariel... I think she's a bit of a whiner...I like the movie... mainly because of the other characters and songs but I kind of think she's a bit spoiled and entitled... again no hating... it's just my humble opinion...

She is undoubtedly cute...

I do Like him

& I LOVE HER...

You have my sympathies King Triton

& then back over toward's Belle's domain... & the characters of Beauty and the Beast...(I do love Belle

Loved this popcorn wagon...like one of Maurice's inventions...

& Gaston has a fountain in his brawny honor

He really does use antlers in all his decorating...

It was really cute in here... next time I'd love to grab and snack or something in here...

Great new Beauty and the Beast themed gift store... checking out the merchandise to get something for Emily-Belle is her favorite princess...

This was the line to go into Belle's/Maurice's cottage... it wasn't too bad but we wanted to head over toward the Story Book Circus area and we were planning to come back here to have lunch at BOG...

So off we went to Story Book Circus...

(Continued in the next post...)​

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

(continued from previous post)


I wasn't really sure what to expect of Storybook Circus...

I knew there were to be double loading Dumbos and that they were repurposing the Barnstormer to fit into the new theme...

But other than that... I really had no preconceived notions...

Well... I think that not only is it picturesque but it adds a certain primary color (albeit a little subdued) pop and relieves Fantasyland from being too, too princessy and does a great job playing up the Dumbo movie, it's theme and characters and adding the Fab five into the story...

First Up...

the new incarnation of Dumbo...(the ride

The play area... it was pretty although empty so therefore empty but it was very cute... (although I have read that it gets a little crazy in here when it's more crowded)

The colors are so richly saturated... it really is incredibly picturesque...

Ok... seriously... how much of a tear fest is Dumbo (the movie...?) I know I can't get through without getting a little choked up...those mother elephants... I have a couple of things i'd love to say to them... and they aren't G rated...

Ok here we go...

ok kind of tilted to simulate that woozy feeling you non spinners get...

I think that they did a really nice job of repurposing the Barn Stormer into the whole Circus theme with the Great Goofini... we always have to ride this one... it was David's first coaster...

So now it was time for an actual Meet and Greet with the Great Goofini (and his friends...)

Who could be met inside Pete's Silly Side Show...

I love this large mouth entrance...

On one Side... you can meet Goofy and Donald and on the other side Daisy and Minnie... there weren't really any lines so we just zipped through both sides... I love how their costuming ties in to the Circus theming... Goofy is dressed as an old fashioned barnstormer pilot, Daisy and Donald are Fortune Tellers and Minnie is a circus dog (poodle) trainer... I love their costumes...

Hmmm ... Minnie's Photopass photographer was MIA so the nice person following us snapped this...

When you come out of the tent... you're "dropped" into another tent with a lot of the Storybook Circus merchandise and sweets... and it really does smell like a circus/carnival in there...

It was a pretty great experience overall...

It was a bit early for lunch so we decided we would head over and see what the line was like for what is possibly my favorite (or at least in the top three MK attractions...)

Along the way we saw this in front of the under construction Dwarves' Mine Car Ride...

OH... I CAN'T WAIT TILL THIS IS OPEN...


up next: A detour to my favorite attraction and then onto BOG for lunch...


​

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Very nice update of Storybook Circus. I wasn't sure if I was going to venture into that area, but after what you described I think I just might. I guess I'm like Ariel, so that's why I like her......ok, fine, I really don't think I'm entitled, but boy, wouldn't I like to be spoiled like that. And I always was Daddy's Little Girl. I am sooo excited to get to see Gaston's Tavern. I so want a plate or two and a cup. Love that design! Can't wait to hear about your BOG time!!!

I have a question.....totally off topic......Is Emily's hair curly like yours and she straightens it? Victoria's hair looks alot like hers when I straighten it. Just curious......it's really pretty!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

You really picked some great restaurants, Patricia! Raglan Road looks really good! I wouldn’t mind trying some of that hard cider! I haven’t really looked into Ridemakerz that much, but it looks cool! Oh wow, your trip to Rome is right around the corner! That is so exciting! I hope you and your family have a wonderful time! Your breakfast at Kona sounded delicious! The macadamia nut and pineapple pancakes sounded so good that I am tempted to run down to 7-11 and see if they have some macadamia nuts! Maybe a pineapple soda, too? Clearly, I am having an afternoon sugar crash and your TR isn’t making it any better! I’m looking forward to hearing about your day in MK!

Raglan Road was really a good experience for both the food and the atmosphere... I really like cider... and it isn't as easy to get as one would think... I don't dislike beer... I just find it... well kind of filling... if that makes sense? and I find that cider really fits the bill when I don't want wine (or a cocktail Kona's breakfast always pleases... and even though most people go for the Tonga Toast... I love those pancakes... macadamia nuts & pineapples... & the macadamian nut butter should be illegal... Ummm... a pineapple dole whip might be good right about now too... sigh... I don't know about you but the whole daylight savings time is not making me too happy... my body and brain are all confused about what time it really is...

Oh if you do Ridemakerz...seriously it is just like buying a real car... they get you on all the upgrades... (it became part of David's Christmas gifts by the time he was done...)

 

[4Minnies1Mickey]

I've always wanted to go to raglan road! So jealous!!!

 

[MEK]

Lots and Lots of Love for New Fantasyland...

& oh my... When the Dwarves' Mine Ride Opens... I think it's going to be over the top!... )​

I can't wait for that ride. I think its going to be awesome! How much longer?

Now I have a confession to make... and no hating on me... I'm not a huge fan of Ariel... I think she's a bit of a whiner...I like the movie... mainly because of the other characters and songs but I kind of think she's a bit spoiled and entitled... again no hating... it's just my humble opinion...​

I can see that. She is a little high maintenance, for sure.

You have my sympathies King Triton​

)​

Cute pictures!

You all like like you are really enjoying your time in Storybook Circus and FL. Isn't it awesome to see a new area for the first time!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for getting to explore the new areas of the MK!! I can't wait to see the New Fantasyland for myself! The Storybook Circus area is so fun, I love all of the bright colors there!

 

[teekathepony]

Ahhhhhh New Fantasyland! I am SO dying to see it all! What a gorgeous update to the park.
I did get to see a little of Storybook Circus last year, I love the new Dumbo.
Can't wait for BOG restaurant!

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

The new Fantasyland looks amazing! There is such cute merchandise in that Beauty and the Beast store! Storybook Circus looks really cool and I like that new queue area for Dumbo. And yes, the movie Dumbo has me in tears every time I watch it.

 

[KatMark]

Patricia, what a great update. You really caught what the new Fantasyland has done for that area...I could not agree with you more.

I love the theme in Storybook Circus and love the dualing Dumbos.

Your pictures are great...especially love the one of you and David on Dumbo.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I agree with you, the new Fantasyland is so beautifully done! They really did a great job with the theming.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow, you just hit on my Ariel issues (the one's I didn't know I had). Although that said, she does get taken down a peg losing her voice and all, it's just not usually the princess that it happens to.

I knew I liked Emily...good princess choice!

My dear friend, I think you are bit of a sop with most things, it's a very endearing quality. Love the use of the word goober by the way.



Fun update! I couldn't agree more with your assessment of NFL and Storybook Circus. Sensory nirvana.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Very nice update of Storybook Circus. I wasn't sure if I was going to venture into that area, but after what you described I think I just might. I guess I'm like Ariel, so that's why I like her......ok, fine, I really don't think I'm entitled, but boy, wouldn't I like to be spoiled like that. And I always was Daddy's Little Girl. I am sooo excited to get to see Gaston's Tavern. I so want a plate or two and a cup. Love that design! Can't wait to hear about your BOG time!!!

Definitely Check out Storybook Circus and the characters in the Meet & Greet...really cute unique costumes... Hmmm Ariel ehhh... well she has a lovely voice and I think that she definitely matures by the end of the film... Gastons is really cute... great theming... (I bought Emily a couple plates and mugs... She is a HUGE Belle & B&B fan...

I have a question.....totally off topic......Is Emily's hair curly like yours and she straightens it? Victoria's hair looks alot like hers when I straighten it. Just curious......it's really pretty!

LOL... I'm always off topic... Em's hair is not nearly as curly as mine... but it does have a definite wave in it... She normally straightens it... but recently she's taken to wearing it wavy about a third of the time... after she puts frizz ease in it... (she gets it from me... I use it in buckets...

I've always wanted to go to raglan road! So jealous!!!

and I hope you get to Raglan Road... it's very good all the way around...

I can't wait for that ride. I think its going to be awesome! How much longer?

I heard 2014... I wish it was sooner...




I can see that. She is a little high maintenance, for sure.


Hmmm just a little bit.








Cute pictures!

Thanks

You all like like you are really enjoying your time in Storybook Circus and FL. Isn't it awesome to see a new area for the first time!

Yes it's like Christmas morning....

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Yay for getting to explore the new areas of the MK!! I can't wait to see the New Fantasyland for myself! The Storybook Circus area is so fun, I love all of the bright colors there!

It's beautiful... You're sure to love it...

Ahhhhhh New Fantasyland! I am SO dying to see it all! What a gorgeous update to the park.
I did get to see a little of Storybook Circus last year, I love the new Dumbo.
Can't wait for BOG restaurant!

It's really a whole new level of theming...... BOG is really special... have lots of pictures from our very good lunch...

The new Fantasyland looks amazing! There is such cute merchandise in that Beauty and the Beast store! Storybook Circus looks really cool and I like that new queue area for Dumbo. And yes, the movie Dumbo has me in tears every time I watch it.

You are going to love it Erin... I love Dumbo and I'm glad to see it get more play in the park now... Oh my that film gets me everytime... that whole scene where Dumbo's mom gets locked up for protecting him... Total Tear Fest...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Patricia, what a great update. You really caught what the new Fantasyland haw done for that area...I could not agree with you more.

Thanks...It's really a great area...


I love the theme in Storybook Circus and love the dualing Dumbos.

I have a major soft spot for Dumbo...

Your pictures are great...especially love the one of you and David on Dumbo.

Thanks... I'm kind of fond of that too...

I agree with you, the new Fantasyland is so beautifully done! They really did a great job with the theming.

Sigh... I wouldn't mind being there now...

Wow, you just hit on my Ariel issues (the one's I didn't know I had). Although that said, she does get taken down a peg losing her voice and all, it's just not usually the princess that it happens to.

LOL... I do like her more by the end...

I knew I liked Emily...good princess choice!

Oh yes... she's a big fan...

My dear friend, I think you are bit of a sop with most things, it's a very endearing quality. Love the use of the word goober by the way.



Awww... and here I thought I was good at hiding it...

Fun update! I couldn't agree more with your assessment of NFL and Storybook Circus. Sensory nirvana.

Sensory Nirvana... I like that phrase... In fact... I'll probably use it down the line...