Return to the Scene of the Crime: The Lurkyloos’ First Anniversary at WDW! New VIDEO!

[lurkyloo]

Kate got a free cupcake at The Plaza because we were celebrating her birthday

I have to tell you..that was the BEST cupcake!! Tasted like pure butter and sugar

Mmmm....... butter + sugar................ [drool]

I just found your TR and am enjoying the photos / banter. Keep up the good work!

Thanks, and welcome aboard! Your avatar makes me hungry.....

We got a free cupcake at Crystal Palace. tasted disgusting!

D'oh! Did it taste like a stale Twinkie?

joining..now i need to go back and read

How ya doin'? Need a cup of coffee to stay awake?

I think you're right on several fronts. My parents were down for part of the same time as we were there and my dad was celebrating his birthday. He actually scored cupcakes at more restaurants as compared to our 1 dessert.

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!!

I had a similar problem with layers on several days where no one could see my shirt, but the day I work the Epcot shirt several people mentioned it. We got some great PhotoPass shots because of it too in the World Showcase. The guys actually followed us around in the countries and took a ton of shots, so thanks for the shirt it really helped out I'll post some pictures once I get them all loaded.

Can't wait to see 'em!

I am LOVING your TR!

Why, thank you!

Armadillo?! I didn't know those were in Florida either! And you weren't even on the safari to see it!

It was like a free, bonus animal sighting! Just like those big white birds all over the MK...

It must be splendid to have the Roots document your vacation with their fantastic photographs!

We keep saying we want to be rich enough to pay them to come on all our vacations so we don't have to even bother with cameras.

I love the Roots. I follow their blog. They are an amazing couple, with an amazing talent.

And how! I think we have a couples crush on them (don't tell - it could get awkward...)

I have to try Jiko sometime & it sounds like such fun that you guys all went to dinner together. Maybe next time we are out your way we can have dinner too!!!!!!!

Yes! That would be a ton of fun!

PS all these elephant photos reminded me to ask you what you finally decided to name that cute little fat elephant stuffie that you got..........inquiring minds need to know.

Well, I loved all the names suggested by readers of the live blog, so I have decided to rotate: each day, Bloopie Elephatty/Cutie Elephutie/Elephanto/Blue will be referred to by a different name, on a rotating basis. Today he is Elephanto.

Here is a picture for anyone who missed it:

I hope you don't mind me joining in! I remember seeing your wedding photos and they were just incredible! Happy Anniversary!

Thank you so much! Please join in!

 

[lurkyloo]

Today was our first Magic Kingdom Day, and it dawned cold and rainy. Undeterred, we suited up with ponchos and umbrella and splashed down to the Wilderness Lodge boat dock.

We got there just in time to see the boat to the MK pull away. D’oh!

Even worse, that was the big enclosed one! When ours finally came, it was the SoakMaster 1800...

While we waited, DH had to photograph the cute baby duckies. Little did we know how up-close-and-personal we’d be getting with them later!

Rain or no, traveling by boat is my fave method of Disney transportation!

On to the Magic Kingdom!

I think we got there a few minutes after opening, but there seemed to be hardly anyone around.

iPhone shot

Real camera shot

First priority...

We also went into City Hall to ask about getting the re-designed Happy Anniversary pins. They didn’t have them yet. That’s OK – I didn’t like the new ones anyway. So there!

As we passed the fire station, we saw Daisy out signing autographs. Let me be clear about this: I am totally not into Disney characters. But DH asked if I wanted my picture taken with her because, well, whenever Disney asks me to pick my favorite character (usually because I’m about to receive an autographed character picture for my birthday) I always say Daisy cuz she’s not one of the Big Five. So far I have yet to get an autographed character picture of her – I think Mickey is the default when they don’t have who you want (the bane of Judge Claude Frollo fans everywhere!!!). There was a line, so I passed.

Next we did something we’ve never ever EVER done before, because I am a Disney Commando and refuse to dillydally at the front of the park after rope-drop when we could be out collecting FastPasses: We stopped at the Main Street Bakery and sat down to breakfast.

Five minutes inside the gate, and we were already taking a break?! Shocking! I think I may have grown a little as a person. And this unprecedented act was sort of a representation of what was different about the whole trip, i.e., we didn’t schedule (much), we didn’t hustle, we just ambled through it smelling the roses. Yes, I’ve created a grand metaphor out of a greasy egg, ham and cheese croissantwich...

It was nice to come in out of the rain! We got out of our coats, scarves, ponchos, sou'westers, Mackinotshes, swim diapers, etc. and found a table for two. It probably only took 15 minutes, and it was good to have something warm to eat.

Back on track!

We took the long way around the castle to get to Fantasyland (when will that @#$*&! castle show ever be discontinued so you can actually walk through the darn thing in the morning?) with the intention of knocking out all the rides before any crowds showed up.

When WDW wedding couples get their pictures taken “on” the castle, this is where they’re standing. I had DH get a shot of it because I think it’s funny how Disney’s photographers shoot from an extremely unflattering low angle to make it look like they’re way up on the castle.

“Hurry up – I’m starting to get a nosebleed from the altitude!”

 

[lurkyloo]

The Infamous Magic Kingdom Portrait Session Bench

The 50-Foot Woman smooches her groom!

Somehow, despite packing 10 brand-new pairs, I’d made it to the park without a single earplug (which I wear on all the rides – too loud!), so we headed over to the first aid station near Crystal Palace.

Then it was back to the original plan: Knock out all the Fantasyland attractions before the crowds arrived.

One of my favorite areas of the MK – wish it weren’t a smoking spot!

YESSSSSSSSSS!

We rode Snow White’s Scary Adventures twice in a row and Winnie the Pooh twice in a row. It’s neat to do it that way because you really start to pick up on details you missed the first time.

At the Winnie the Pooh gift shop, I picked up some super-cute hair elastics that have tiny stuffed Pooh & Friends on them. I really only wanted Eeyore, but they’re all pretty cute. I can’t believe I forgot to take a picture, though! DH traded more pins, and then we went to explore the Ariel meet ‘n’ greet and playground they put on top of the old Submarine Lagoon.

WAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZUP?!

This is DH’s attempted impression of Pooh getting stuck:

Here, maybe if we zoom in it will work better:

We rode Peter Pan and got a FastPass for later, and we rode Small World. It made me kinda sad because Disneyland’s version has recently been given a terrible makeover that removed all but a portion of my favorite scene, the rainforest, and replaced it with a jingoistic, jarringly un-Mary-Blair-like America scene.

Right before lunch, we rode our favorite attraction... Haunted Mansion!

As usual, it rocked our faces off (as Jensey would say...).


To be continued....

 

[figmentfan814]

Armadillo?! I didn't know those were in Florida either! And you weren't even on the safari to see it!

Are you going to do a TR? I'd love to read it.

I'm still working on some of my wedding posts (see link in signature), but I hope to do one soon. Here is a mini report when we had an anniversary dinner at GF. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2094394

Now, back to Lurkyloo's regular TR

I love some of the shots at Magic Kingdom especially the closeups of the MK shoot spots. The ones of the fountain are really great. The bakery breakfast sandwich looks really yummy. I too have never taken the time to enjoy a treat there, so I totally understand how you feel about commando tactics for the park.

 

[Wazzo]

Right before lunch, we rode our favorite attraction... Haunted Mansion!

Me too, me tooooo! HM is my absolute favourite. I need to pay more attention next time and find the hidden Donald!!

AAANnnnddd, I need to come to CA and ride the one in Disneyland!!

 

[LouDisney]

Great update, Carrie.
The Haunted Mansion is one of my favs

 

[dolcezena]

I've mostly been a lurker lately, but I had to tell you how much I LOVE your writing!

I was researching for my "Entirely Imaginary" trip report (don't ask), when I came across your wedding PJ. I then proceeded to spend my WHOLE DAY reading all your TR's! I do believe my contacts have completely dried out & I'll never get them out.

Anyway, I lost track of how many times you (& your commentators) made me laugh. Keep up the great work!

Who'd a thunk I'd be happy to have the day off because of a tooth extraction????

 

[Aburns8]

I want to go on the Peter Pan ride, it is my favorite. We went to Disney World and Disneyland last year and was unable to ride both times because of lines and we thought we would be able to come back Well, I guess the next trip!

 

[jenjolt]

Another fabulous update!! Sorry you had to deal with cold and rain but hopefully it kept the crowds at bay!!!

Just like you my favorite ride is Haunted Mansion...I just love that ride!!!!

can't wait to hear more!!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Great update! I think my fav pic may be Patrick pretending to be a very stuck pooh! I am now more excited than ever to get to MK bright and early!! I do enjoy it so much more when there are low crowds!!

 

[romymichelle21]

Well, I loved all the names suggested by readers of the live blog, so I have decided to rotate: each day, Bloopie Elephatty/Cutie Elephutie/Elephanto/Blue will be referred to by a different name, on a rotating basis. Today he is Elephanto.

Yay! Oh and I just now noticed that you replied with the company on his tag! (Sanrio - if anyone else is wondering). I'm totally looking him up on Ebay

 

[A-T-G]

Got my fix and looked BEFORE dinner - whew! That sammich looked so tasty. I can't get over how empty MK looks. Where is everyone? They can't all be made of sugar and melt in the rain...(that would just be my DH! awww!).

More pics please. And thanks for including shots of the infamous bench and the unflattering angle tower pic. I will not comment, as it would make you bang your head into the keyboard...

 

[aceys_h0ney]

Just found your report! Loving it so far. Great pictures.

I have a question though, please don't be mad as it seems I am the only one here with no knowledge of this. What or who are the Roots ? Again sorry for the Rookie question!

 

[A-T-G]

Just found your report! Loving it so far. Great pictures.

I have a question though, please don't be mad as it seems I am the only one here with no knowledge of this. What or who are the Roots ? Again sorry for the Rookie question!

They were the photographers (the AWESOME photographers!) from Lurkyloo's wedding. I think she's got links and stuff to their super-sweet photos! They rule! (and so does Lurkyloo! Am I buttering you up sufficiently? Do we get more updates now?)

 

[MEK]

Another great update! Lovely pictures! And isn't it nice to drop the commando approach for a few moments? I do that more and more with every trip!

p.s. I did not know you could get earplugs in the first aide stations - good to know! Sorry I didn't know it sooner because my DS 15 has never liked the "loud" attractions. Still puts his fingers in his ears during Bug's Life.n

 

[jennifaerie]

Wow. Not being a commando at Magic Kingdom?

I don't know if I could do it. I feel envious. Must. Try. To. Move. Slower.

CAN'T DO IT!

We did, however, have the breakfast sandwich. After we rushed to our favorites.

 

[aharbin88]

Well, looky here!!! I just finished up your wedding report, and I was wondering what to jump into next. I check the TR board, and this is what I found! Whoo Hoo!

This is the first TR I've read that I don't have to catch up on 50 pages. I'm so excited to get in near the beginning!

Can't wait to hear about your anniversary trip! I'm so jealous of your year of a million WDW trips.

 

[Kimberly815]

The Magic Kingdom looks so much less cheerful in the rain. . . but you can't beat the crowd level in the rain!

 

[29apr00]

WOW talk about an empty park! You could practicaly do the entire park in 1 day!! Yummy breakfast at Main Street Bakery!

 

[Villainess]

HM is my 2nd fave. And how awesome that you were able to get so much done in Fantasyland w/ no wait. Must remember to hit MK in the rain!