S
SpottyDog
Guest
Stripes On Tour
Previously on Spottys holiday
The night before
The Journey
Me first full day
Stripes On Tour 4 Me first non-early entry day
Woke at three and four, as usual.
At 4:57 we were both awake, talking about holidays! The kids were still soundo. No early entry to get up for so no hurry. I wrote me trip notes waiting for the foodcourt to open at 6 oclock. Oh, and its raining, so there is no hurry to go out. The kids wake around 6 ish. Sent Gaz for coffee (well,it was still rainin.)
Plan was McDonalds for brekkie then onto the 8:15 bus, MK bound. Civilised, huh? Julie will get ready for MacD's but not in the same urgency as Ponderosa, so getting the 8:30 bus wasn't a surprise. But the queue was!
Knowin only E/E before this, we weren't prepared for people bein around as we set off fer our day. And there were Springs Breakers too! All perfect teeth and noise!
So lie-ins were now officially cancelled. The 8am bus from now on, or else!
When we got off the bus at MK station, so did all the other WDW resort guests. One look at V, and she could tell I wasnt a happy chappy. Me laid-back, chillin attitude was disappearing in the steam that was coming out off the top of me head.
Approaching MK entrance, we spied the line for security.
If it's more than five minutes, Am off!
It was two minutes, if that.
Straight through the turnstile, even behind the woman whose card wouldn't work.
Onto Main Street and calm returns. Mickey makes the crowds disappear and we don't see them again until much later. How does that happen?
Into Fantasyland, and I'm telling them if there's a line anywhere, Julie gets it!
Straight onto Pooh and its so much more fun without me video camera.
Snow White is next in a our book, but Id promised Julie yesterday wed do Dumbo as well. She reminded uz its the second longest line normally so we go there first (well second, but you know what I mean). She was right about the line and we were on in only two or three minutes. What fun this was! No, honestly. It was.
I finally got to ride Snow White and Peter Pan and there were still no queues to speak of. We were startin to understand why E/E had been dropped. Wed always understood and accepted the commercial strategy but woe betide them if the loss caused me to stand in anything more than a three minute line early on. It was dead, which was all the more strange, given the people at the gate when we arrived.
I enjoyed me rides (again without me video) and collected more happy memories. Me Disney spirit was restored - I even stopped scowlin at people at one point.
Small World next and we got straight on again, though we did ask to wait for the front of the next boat.
Right, that's Mam and Dad happy, now for the kids priorities. Off to BTMR (it was too cold for Splash this early). We gave the kids our tickets for them to double their fast passes and we headed for Haunted Mansion. I did video this, coz I didn't think to last year. So me day is a nice mix of enjoying rides as a passenger and watching some with the camera in me face to provide the footage to bore any first time visitors to The Robinson household.(they dont come twice!)
We walked through Frontierland and couldnt get over how quiet it still was. The Boards said it was, but where did all them people go? It just goes to show how vast one park is.
We saw the kids go by on their third ride on BTMR and regrouped.
Pirates? coz its next on me mental list.
Julie wants to go on BTMR with Dad. (Dad's heart swells) Gaz wants the toilet, so we tell V and Gaz to wait by the restroom for us, as its inside and will be a bit warmer to sit and wait.
Which restroom? says V.
The ones weve just been to, two minutes ago, 200 yards down there, on the left.
V looked blank but Gaz knows where I mean from last year, so off they go. Dad and Julie walk up to BTMR hand in hand. I hadnt held her hand since last year, but this is three times in two days. Wish we brought them a sooner now. There was a little line but we still got on in no time.
Back to the restroom, and no sign of V or Gary. Not again! (see last year)
They must have found it. Bet they decided to go back to BTMR, thinking theyd pass us on the way. But there are three paths. We'd done the scenic route along the riverside. V would have forgotten it exists, but couldn't have found it if she did. It was almost a year to the day, in the same land, that V'd lost half-an-hour on the plan last holiday. That's why we bought the walkie-talkies, so I could find her the next time. But they were still in me bag. We hadn't split up- she only gone to the loo!
We walked through the restroom to AdventureLand in case they were sittin there. Julie spotted Aladdin and his magic carpets so we made a corporate decision.
They were lost, not us. We had all the money and she was holdin me hand, let's ride!
I really like this ride. We had great fun. Can't remember what tickled us, but we laughed and giggled all the way round. I like bein 12.
We figured they must of walked to BTMR and would finally have realised there were three paths and might try them all. If we all do that, we could be goin round in circles all day. We decided to walk the normal path to Thunder Mountain and then back again. If necessary, wed wait for 30 minutes with an ice-cream (its cheaper with two).
As we approached Peco Bills, I said theyd be in there if they had any money, coz Gaz had earmarked it for chicken wraps. There they are! sittin outside Pecos.
They tried to explain, men Julie just smiled. No harm done. See how laid-back I am?
Pirates next and a walk-on was a pleasant surprise after nearly an hour's line last year.
The line came at the end. It broke down as we approach to the dungeons. No matter, we're chillin.
We got fast passes for the Jungle Cruise cos the line was 20 minutes. Valerie and Gary asked if they could get something at Peco Bill's. I wasn't plannin on eatin mid-day as we had PSs at Liberty Tree Tavern for 5pm. True, I didn't want to spoil our appetites, but I equally didn't fancy spending $20 with a prospect of another $100 at tea-time. I was still in shock from toppin in $400 in Walmart, remember. Im chillin, not life-changin!
We finally agreed on two chicken wrap meals between us. It was gonna cost $12 for fries only anyway, so all were happy.
It was 11:55, and our Jungle FPs were for 12.05/1.05, so I took them to see the show at The Castle Forecourt. V&J were thrilled coz wed never seen one of these shows before. I sent Gaz to get FPs for Buzz (once the 12.05 window opened) while I videod the show. Corny and Girly but what we go for - true Mickey Magic ! Julie stepped behind me as the baddies came out, so I reckon Ive got a couple of little girl years left yet.
Gaz got the Buzz FPs for 1.10/2.10 so they fitted into me afty plan nicely. We did the Jungle Cruise, which is still hammy but V loves it. Well, its corny, safe and she sits still so cant get lost.
Swiss Family Tree House was next stop. Weve never done this before and can see why! But thats the main aim of this once only trip- to see and do all the things weve missed or avoided before.
At 1.15 I marched them to Buzz. V doesnt march as fast as us and if I let her lag behind shell get lost. So I hung back with her and sent the kids off ahead to get the next FPs Space Mountain for me and the Boy and two more Buzz trips for the Girls. I videod Buzz coz Id never thought to try before and took the odd shot at the baddies just to make the effort. I kept turning the car for better camera angles but caught a glimpse of a scowl on me little Angels face. She didnt seem to approve of me strategy of bein more intent on scenery than shootin opportunities. Realisin I was in dabger of not bein allowed to hold her little hand anymore, I quickly changed driver policy to be attentive to Gunner Js needs.
She was very proud of her 119,000 score but her big brother had to better it with 220,000. V? A pitiful 20,000. Had she got out and wandered about? I scored 19,000 pressin the fire button from time to time.
We all did TTA for V while we waited for our next FPs to come around. The park was startin to get busier now so didnt see the need to stand in lines. Me and Gaz headed into Space and V walked towards infinity and beyond to be humiliated again. Im not a great SM lover coz I find it too rough and me poor belly gets knocked around too much on the retainer. To add to me reluctance, the walk to the start is too long and uphill for a fatlad. Our FPs dont deposit yer directly to the loadin platform. At the end of the tunnel the FPs filter into the line with those standbys already ahead of yer. The 5 minute line from here was a minor irritant at this stage. It became a real pain when we were still waitin 15 minutes later. Some idiot Astronaut had dropped her bag from a rocket and it had medical supplies in it. So all space travel was suspended until they sent some gadgey on a space-walk to retrieve it. So thats three rides in two days just as well theres no real lines or a fatlad might get miffed. We stood and wondered if V&J would just sit and wait for us. I still hadnt allocated the walkie-talkies what a pratt! Luckily, they were still there. J has more sense than to wander about with her Mam .
I sent them off to do the Speedway while I popped in to hear a man get his head bitten off in Alien. I wanted them to come as far as the Skippy pre-show and leave via the chicken exit but they wouldnt come near the place. I had hoped to film the pre-show and capture at least the sound in the dark but a CM left me in no doubt that videos were not allowed. So I just sat and got scared in the dark and hoped it was still the back row that got the visitor.
Met the others as they finished their race. J had driven herself and V had let Gaz drive her. She was scared of crashin. Hed been scared shed get them lost!
Astro Orbiter was planned next but the line was posted at 20 minutes and as the park was getting more crowded we decided there was no point waitin in lines today. Besides it was bitter cold. The sun was out but there was a very British touch to the breeze. We headed for ToonTown Fair another we missed altogether last year- but it was more packed than Tomorrowland and they had buggies! So we gave up fightin crowds and chilled some more before our tea at LTT.
We did the circular route on the Railroad and headed back to Liberty Square. V loves Character Meals and eatin in Disney generally. I can take it or leave it especially at $120 a throw but I did fancy turkey and mash dinner. LTT is a first for us and I was impressed with the surroundins and getting me coffee in a china cup and saucer. The mixed green salad was surprisingly nice. Surprisin coz I dont really do salads and especially as the greens looked more like dock leaves than lettuce.
The meal was served family style, which means you pass the turines around the table makin sure J doesnt get them till the rest of us have a share. She likes her dinners me littlun. The flank steak was pink in the middle but melt-in-yer-mouth wonderful. The turkey breast just melted and the Honey Roast Ham was delicious. The garlic mash was everything we hoped for, as was the gravy. Finished off with macaroni cheese and mixed veg, it was a lovely meal. There wasnt much of it, by our appetite standards, but what there was was very nice. I just wasnt sure it was a $22 meal.
Simone, our server must have seen uz scrapin the veg bowl coz he was soon at me side askin if Id like some more?
Too right, Simon, mate! Top lad!
He brought the lot again though we told him to hold the mixed veg and macaroni. Another helping each of steak, ham, turkey, mash and gravy and wed had another Disney Wonder. No matter what they charge, whether its food or entertainment etc, dont be afraid if its gonna be worth it. Its always worth more. Thank you, Walt.
Well fed and feelin a little weary we decided to drop Downtown and Disney Quest from the plan. I had hoped we might sneak in another Cirque when we got there but J certainly wouldnt last and Im not sure I would either.
So we took Gaz to the Premium Outlet Mall for the Levi shop. Levi and Nike are designer gear to our Gaz. We were back in the room for 9 and they were all quickly asleep, as usual.
Ill sit here with you while I force down this second Amber Bok but Ive got to admit to feelin a little sleepy now. Just talk amongst yerselves till I wake up.
Previously on Spottys holiday
The night before
The Journey
Me first full day
Stripes On Tour 4 Me first non-early entry day
Woke at three and four, as usual.
At 4:57 we were both awake, talking about holidays! The kids were still soundo. No early entry to get up for so no hurry. I wrote me trip notes waiting for the foodcourt to open at 6 oclock. Oh, and its raining, so there is no hurry to go out. The kids wake around 6 ish. Sent Gaz for coffee (well,it was still rainin.)
Plan was McDonalds for brekkie then onto the 8:15 bus, MK bound. Civilised, huh? Julie will get ready for MacD's but not in the same urgency as Ponderosa, so getting the 8:30 bus wasn't a surprise. But the queue was!
Knowin only E/E before this, we weren't prepared for people bein around as we set off fer our day. And there were Springs Breakers too! All perfect teeth and noise!
So lie-ins were now officially cancelled. The 8am bus from now on, or else!
When we got off the bus at MK station, so did all the other WDW resort guests. One look at V, and she could tell I wasnt a happy chappy. Me laid-back, chillin attitude was disappearing in the steam that was coming out off the top of me head.
Approaching MK entrance, we spied the line for security.
If it's more than five minutes, Am off!
It was two minutes, if that.
Straight through the turnstile, even behind the woman whose card wouldn't work.
Onto Main Street and calm returns. Mickey makes the crowds disappear and we don't see them again until much later. How does that happen?
Into Fantasyland, and I'm telling them if there's a line anywhere, Julie gets it!
Straight onto Pooh and its so much more fun without me video camera.
Snow White is next in a our book, but Id promised Julie yesterday wed do Dumbo as well. She reminded uz its the second longest line normally so we go there first (well second, but you know what I mean). She was right about the line and we were on in only two or three minutes. What fun this was! No, honestly. It was.
I finally got to ride Snow White and Peter Pan and there were still no queues to speak of. We were startin to understand why E/E had been dropped. Wed always understood and accepted the commercial strategy but woe betide them if the loss caused me to stand in anything more than a three minute line early on. It was dead, which was all the more strange, given the people at the gate when we arrived.
I enjoyed me rides (again without me video) and collected more happy memories. Me Disney spirit was restored - I even stopped scowlin at people at one point.
Small World next and we got straight on again, though we did ask to wait for the front of the next boat.
Right, that's Mam and Dad happy, now for the kids priorities. Off to BTMR (it was too cold for Splash this early). We gave the kids our tickets for them to double their fast passes and we headed for Haunted Mansion. I did video this, coz I didn't think to last year. So me day is a nice mix of enjoying rides as a passenger and watching some with the camera in me face to provide the footage to bore any first time visitors to The Robinson household.(they dont come twice!)
We walked through Frontierland and couldnt get over how quiet it still was. The Boards said it was, but where did all them people go? It just goes to show how vast one park is.
We saw the kids go by on their third ride on BTMR and regrouped.
Pirates? coz its next on me mental list.
Julie wants to go on BTMR with Dad. (Dad's heart swells) Gaz wants the toilet, so we tell V and Gaz to wait by the restroom for us, as its inside and will be a bit warmer to sit and wait.
Which restroom? says V.
The ones weve just been to, two minutes ago, 200 yards down there, on the left.
V looked blank but Gaz knows where I mean from last year, so off they go. Dad and Julie walk up to BTMR hand in hand. I hadnt held her hand since last year, but this is three times in two days. Wish we brought them a sooner now. There was a little line but we still got on in no time.
Back to the restroom, and no sign of V or Gary. Not again! (see last year)
They must have found it. Bet they decided to go back to BTMR, thinking theyd pass us on the way. But there are three paths. We'd done the scenic route along the riverside. V would have forgotten it exists, but couldn't have found it if she did. It was almost a year to the day, in the same land, that V'd lost half-an-hour on the plan last holiday. That's why we bought the walkie-talkies, so I could find her the next time. But they were still in me bag. We hadn't split up- she only gone to the loo!
We walked through the restroom to AdventureLand in case they were sittin there. Julie spotted Aladdin and his magic carpets so we made a corporate decision.
They were lost, not us. We had all the money and she was holdin me hand, let's ride!
I really like this ride. We had great fun. Can't remember what tickled us, but we laughed and giggled all the way round. I like bein 12.
We figured they must of walked to BTMR and would finally have realised there were three paths and might try them all. If we all do that, we could be goin round in circles all day. We decided to walk the normal path to Thunder Mountain and then back again. If necessary, wed wait for 30 minutes with an ice-cream (its cheaper with two).
As we approached Peco Bills, I said theyd be in there if they had any money, coz Gaz had earmarked it for chicken wraps. There they are! sittin outside Pecos.
They tried to explain, men Julie just smiled. No harm done. See how laid-back I am?
Pirates next and a walk-on was a pleasant surprise after nearly an hour's line last year.
The line came at the end. It broke down as we approach to the dungeons. No matter, we're chillin.
We got fast passes for the Jungle Cruise cos the line was 20 minutes. Valerie and Gary asked if they could get something at Peco Bill's. I wasn't plannin on eatin mid-day as we had PSs at Liberty Tree Tavern for 5pm. True, I didn't want to spoil our appetites, but I equally didn't fancy spending $20 with a prospect of another $100 at tea-time. I was still in shock from toppin in $400 in Walmart, remember. Im chillin, not life-changin!
We finally agreed on two chicken wrap meals between us. It was gonna cost $12 for fries only anyway, so all were happy.
It was 11:55, and our Jungle FPs were for 12.05/1.05, so I took them to see the show at The Castle Forecourt. V&J were thrilled coz wed never seen one of these shows before. I sent Gaz to get FPs for Buzz (once the 12.05 window opened) while I videod the show. Corny and Girly but what we go for - true Mickey Magic ! Julie stepped behind me as the baddies came out, so I reckon Ive got a couple of little girl years left yet.
Gaz got the Buzz FPs for 1.10/2.10 so they fitted into me afty plan nicely. We did the Jungle Cruise, which is still hammy but V loves it. Well, its corny, safe and she sits still so cant get lost.
Swiss Family Tree House was next stop. Weve never done this before and can see why! But thats the main aim of this once only trip- to see and do all the things weve missed or avoided before.
At 1.15 I marched them to Buzz. V doesnt march as fast as us and if I let her lag behind shell get lost. So I hung back with her and sent the kids off ahead to get the next FPs Space Mountain for me and the Boy and two more Buzz trips for the Girls. I videod Buzz coz Id never thought to try before and took the odd shot at the baddies just to make the effort. I kept turning the car for better camera angles but caught a glimpse of a scowl on me little Angels face. She didnt seem to approve of me strategy of bein more intent on scenery than shootin opportunities. Realisin I was in dabger of not bein allowed to hold her little hand anymore, I quickly changed driver policy to be attentive to Gunner Js needs.
She was very proud of her 119,000 score but her big brother had to better it with 220,000. V? A pitiful 20,000. Had she got out and wandered about? I scored 19,000 pressin the fire button from time to time.
We all did TTA for V while we waited for our next FPs to come around. The park was startin to get busier now so didnt see the need to stand in lines. Me and Gaz headed into Space and V walked towards infinity and beyond to be humiliated again. Im not a great SM lover coz I find it too rough and me poor belly gets knocked around too much on the retainer. To add to me reluctance, the walk to the start is too long and uphill for a fatlad. Our FPs dont deposit yer directly to the loadin platform. At the end of the tunnel the FPs filter into the line with those standbys already ahead of yer. The 5 minute line from here was a minor irritant at this stage. It became a real pain when we were still waitin 15 minutes later. Some idiot Astronaut had dropped her bag from a rocket and it had medical supplies in it. So all space travel was suspended until they sent some gadgey on a space-walk to retrieve it. So thats three rides in two days just as well theres no real lines or a fatlad might get miffed. We stood and wondered if V&J would just sit and wait for us. I still hadnt allocated the walkie-talkies what a pratt! Luckily, they were still there. J has more sense than to wander about with her Mam .
I sent them off to do the Speedway while I popped in to hear a man get his head bitten off in Alien. I wanted them to come as far as the Skippy pre-show and leave via the chicken exit but they wouldnt come near the place. I had hoped to film the pre-show and capture at least the sound in the dark but a CM left me in no doubt that videos were not allowed. So I just sat and got scared in the dark and hoped it was still the back row that got the visitor.
Met the others as they finished their race. J had driven herself and V had let Gaz drive her. She was scared of crashin. Hed been scared shed get them lost!
Astro Orbiter was planned next but the line was posted at 20 minutes and as the park was getting more crowded we decided there was no point waitin in lines today. Besides it was bitter cold. The sun was out but there was a very British touch to the breeze. We headed for ToonTown Fair another we missed altogether last year- but it was more packed than Tomorrowland and they had buggies! So we gave up fightin crowds and chilled some more before our tea at LTT.
We did the circular route on the Railroad and headed back to Liberty Square. V loves Character Meals and eatin in Disney generally. I can take it or leave it especially at $120 a throw but I did fancy turkey and mash dinner. LTT is a first for us and I was impressed with the surroundins and getting me coffee in a china cup and saucer. The mixed green salad was surprisingly nice. Surprisin coz I dont really do salads and especially as the greens looked more like dock leaves than lettuce.
The meal was served family style, which means you pass the turines around the table makin sure J doesnt get them till the rest of us have a share. She likes her dinners me littlun. The flank steak was pink in the middle but melt-in-yer-mouth wonderful. The turkey breast just melted and the Honey Roast Ham was delicious. The garlic mash was everything we hoped for, as was the gravy. Finished off with macaroni cheese and mixed veg, it was a lovely meal. There wasnt much of it, by our appetite standards, but what there was was very nice. I just wasnt sure it was a $22 meal.
Simone, our server must have seen uz scrapin the veg bowl coz he was soon at me side askin if Id like some more?
Too right, Simon, mate! Top lad!
He brought the lot again though we told him to hold the mixed veg and macaroni. Another helping each of steak, ham, turkey, mash and gravy and wed had another Disney Wonder. No matter what they charge, whether its food or entertainment etc, dont be afraid if its gonna be worth it. Its always worth more. Thank you, Walt.
Well fed and feelin a little weary we decided to drop Downtown and Disney Quest from the plan. I had hoped we might sneak in another Cirque when we got there but J certainly wouldnt last and Im not sure I would either.
So we took Gaz to the Premium Outlet Mall for the Levi shop. Levi and Nike are designer gear to our Gaz. We were back in the room for 9 and they were all quickly asleep, as usual.
Ill sit here with you while I force down this second Amber Bok but Ive got to admit to feelin a little sleepy now. Just talk amongst yerselves till I wake up.
)!
, thoroughly enjoyed reading that..... well I scored about the same as Val too 
