A Small World
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- Feb 22, 2007
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Part 4- Monday - EMH, loads of rides and Cars!!!!
Cast:
Me (21 + lot more)
DH (21 + lot more)
DD - Charys (7)
Gladys Invaluable Sat Nav to keep us on the right track
Up early today as we wanted to be in the parks by 8.00 for the start of EMH. Woke DD and told her Mickey was waiting to see her. As none of us (Well me really) like eating early in the morning we had not booked breakfast at the hotel (one thing I like about Holiday Inn being able to opt for that option) so made a cup of tea/coffee and got dressed and were ready to set out. Again decided to take the car and park in New York rather than wait for the shuttle bus. Drove into New York flashing our annual pass- does give you power doesnt it?
Walked along the lake towards the parks and found the entrance for Disney Hotel guests only. Entered through here again flashing our APs. There was a small queue here as the gates werent open yet however very soon it started moving. We strolled through the bag check and into the park.
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We headed first of all for Fantasyland and decided to ride Peter Pan first as we knew how the queues build up for this. Quite a few people had been entering the park at 8.00 but there was hardly anyone in Fantasyland, quite a few had obviously got GMF breakfast as they disappeared into Chalet de la Marionette. I think we were the first people on Peter Pan. When the ride finished we asked if we could stay on for another go and were told that was fine but we had to get off and into the ship again- seemed odd but did as we were told. We rode again and then headed towards Dumbo. Again it was more or less walk on- we just needed to wait for the ride before us to finish but there were empty elephants on that.
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We then got off and immediately back on again for another go. We then headed to the Carousel and rode and then to the tea cups- DH doesnt normally do spinning rides but decided he would be brave!!!!
We then headed to Pinochio which we rode twice and back to Peter Pan which we rode again. It wasnt even 9.00 and we had done 9 rides. It was starting to get a bit busier as people were finishing breakfast so we headed into Discoveryland. Here we rode Buzz which had a very short queue.
As we had done everything which was open that we wanted to do we decided to go for some breakfast as we wanted to try and get to the studios for opening at 10.00 to try and ride Cars and see the High School Musical show.
We went again to Cable Car Bake Shop where we bought Pain au Chocolats, Mickey Brioches and Hot Chocolates much cheaper than paying extra for breakfast at the hotel and filling enough for us.
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By now non EMH guests were being allowed in to the park but having to wait behind the ropes. It was a nice feeling heading out of the park as others were just coming in knowing we had done so many rides and could have done even more if wed wanted.
We headed towards the studios where guests were being allowed into Studio 1 to wait. We joined the queue knowing most people would be heading the same way as us towards Cars or Crush. We desperately wanted to ride Cars and see the set as we love the film but werent too bothered about Crush - I didnt think Id like it and DH didnt like the idea of queueing for hours.
Sure enough as soon as the doors opened there was a mad dash in that direction. Something needs to be done here as the crowds in that small area are horrifying. It isnt immediately obvious where the entrance to Crush is so people were going round the corner towards Cars then realising they had gone slightly wrong and trying to push back against the crowds going down that way. Crush was definitely given the right name!!!
We pushed our way past the crowds and onto Cars. The queue was very short at this time and we walked quickly past all the things. Again I dont think it is organised very well.
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The CMs count the number of people into 2 holding pens but then when the gates open it is a free for all. A lot of families split up and took 2 cars instead of sharing which then meant they needed to share with people they didnt know. We grabbed a car with DD sitting in the front and DH and I in the back- a bit of a squeeze but we made it. The ride was fabulous and very fast. It was amazing to see how close the cars spun towards each other without actually crashing into each other. Unfortunately the ride was over too quickly and by now a queue was building up so there was no hope of another ride without waiting. It is quite a slow loader as lots of people hang round in the ride area to take photos with the 2 model cars there- Mater and Lightening McQueen. Sometimes they waited until everyone got out before letting the next group of people in but sometimes they let the next group in whilst people were taking photos so they werent always sure who was going out and who was getting on.
We had a look round the other sets which were very good. And then decided to go on the Tram tour as we were close by.
At this point we had no idea what time the High School Musical Tour was on so we went in hunt of a programme. On route we saw Chicken Little just coming into the park so managed to get a photo before the crowds appeared. We found an events programme and discovered HSM was only on in the afternoons- obviously a ploy to try and keep people in that park for longer. We also found the park much busier than previously with longer queues for the characters. It is no longer the escape from chaos that it used to be.
We really only wanted to do Cars and HSM in Studios this time as wed seen all the shows at Easter and so decided it would only be a brief visit to do these 2 things- little did we know at that stage how much time we would spend there in the next few days!!!!
As we had a reservation at Blue Lagoon at 1.30 we decided to head back to the main park and try and catch HSM later in the day.
It was certainly different entering the park now to when we entered at 8.00.
We wandered over to Frontierland to do Phantom Manor. There was a queue but it was moving all the time so we didnt have to wait long. We have never done this ride so were unsure what to expect. It was good but I dont think it will become a favourite probably one to do at least once a trip but no more.
We then saw the Riverboat with people getting on so joined them. Again this is the first time weve been able to do the ride. It was nice seeing different areas of the park and found it a nice relaxing ride.
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We then strolled round Frontierland and Adventureland on route to our lunch at Blue Lagoon. It was nice not rushing and having time to browse in the shops, look into the different restaurants and admire the scenery hopefully taking more in ready for the next quiz!!!!!
We reached Blue Lagoon slightly early but were seated immediately, unfortunately not by the water edge but we were happy with the table.
Again I will do a fuller report on the restaurant thread but will say we really enjoyed our meal. We claimed our free aperitifs (Kir- one of our favourite drinks) with APs but it only struck us afterwards we could have got a free OJ for DD with hers.
DD ordered from the childrens menu and there was no problem mixing and matching the dishes. All the food arrived hot and our waiter was very good. He lit our candle when we asked and came to let us know at one point that our meal was on the way. We felt the meal was very good value especially with AP discount.
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After the meal we just had to ride on POTC. We dont usually ride this during the day- we prefer it as an evening ride but even so the queues werent too bad. The sign said 5 minutes but it was longer than that- probably nearer 10.
We then strolled down mainstreet looking at some shops. DD saw a castle with pens that she wanted. It was already reduced quite a lot so we didnt think wed get AP discount but we asked and were told of course we would. We like this AP more and more!!!!!!
We went back to the hotel hoping for a rest (and in DDs case a swim) however before we could do that we had more hassle with the hotel.
Just to remind you we had booked an extra 2 nights at the hotel when we arrived and we were first told we would have to book out then in again. Then we were assured by the Manager that we wouldnt need to do this, that the room would be continuous and the keys would not be deactivated (this was on top of being told first we only had a double room booked then being told we had no room booked for July but had had one for June) however when we returned to the room youve guessed it the key wouldnt work. DH went down to reception to sort this out while DD and I flopped in a chair on the landing. He returned with the Manager (a different one to the day before) who was very apologetic. The keys had been reactivated. She was unsure what had happened and why and said she would check it out and promised to come back immediately. We waited for her but she didnt appear so DH took DD for a swim. The Manager then returned again very apologetic but with no real answer as to what had happened but with a voucher for us to get a free drink each in the bar anything except Champagne.
When DD returned from her swim we got ready to go back into the park again. We drove back to New York and flashed our AP again - the security guy knew us well by now. We wandered over to the parks. Unfortunately we decided we were too late to see the last HSM show which meant we would have to nip into Studios again tomorrow. We went into the park and wandered towards Fantasyland. It was still very busy but we were hoping a lot of the crowd would be settling down to watch the parades soon so we were hopeful of getting on quite a few rides.
I think we rode Small World then went towards the Pays des Contes de Fees and Casey Junior but these were still very busy so we wandered towards POTC. On route we passed Toad Hall and DH decided he was hungry and DD can always eat so we got Fish and Chips- Yummy. We sat outside to eat these and just watched the world go by. After this we went to POTC and rode this- the queue was very short but unfortunately not short enough for them to allow us to stay on for a 2nd ride. By now a lot of people had dispersed to watch the parade and go to eat so we went back to Small World and did Contes des Fees and Casey- both twice. The queues for Peter Pan and Dumbo were still ginormous!!!! PP was showing 90 minutes, even the fast pass queue was outside the roped area and we had done it as a walk on earlier that day.
After this we went to POTC again and rode it again and then stayed on again. We do like ending the evening with that ride. Im sure we did more rides eg Snow White at some point and I seem to remember riding Buzz and BTM again but cant remember when and we certainly didnt queue for them as we decided this holiday that we dont do queues!!!!!!
By now we were really tired and decided we couldnt stay in the park any longer so headed back to the hotel. We had intended claiming our free drink at the bar but after a game of Table Football for DD (me losing against her and DH of course) we were so tired we couldnt be bothered and just wanted to flop into bed to prepare ourselves for another fun filled (with EMH) day tomorrow.
Next part: More EMH, HSM chaos, a tour of the hotels and more fun
Cast:
Me (21 + lot more)
DH (21 + lot more)
DD - Charys (7)
Gladys Invaluable Sat Nav to keep us on the right track
Up early today as we wanted to be in the parks by 8.00 for the start of EMH. Woke DD and told her Mickey was waiting to see her. As none of us (Well me really) like eating early in the morning we had not booked breakfast at the hotel (one thing I like about Holiday Inn being able to opt for that option) so made a cup of tea/coffee and got dressed and were ready to set out. Again decided to take the car and park in New York rather than wait for the shuttle bus. Drove into New York flashing our annual pass- does give you power doesnt it?
Walked along the lake towards the parks and found the entrance for Disney Hotel guests only. Entered through here again flashing our APs. There was a small queue here as the gates werent open yet however very soon it started moving. We strolled through the bag check and into the park.
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We headed first of all for Fantasyland and decided to ride Peter Pan first as we knew how the queues build up for this. Quite a few people had been entering the park at 8.00 but there was hardly anyone in Fantasyland, quite a few had obviously got GMF breakfast as they disappeared into Chalet de la Marionette. I think we were the first people on Peter Pan. When the ride finished we asked if we could stay on for another go and were told that was fine but we had to get off and into the ship again- seemed odd but did as we were told. We rode again and then headed towards Dumbo. Again it was more or less walk on- we just needed to wait for the ride before us to finish but there were empty elephants on that.
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We then got off and immediately back on again for another go. We then headed to the Carousel and rode and then to the tea cups- DH doesnt normally do spinning rides but decided he would be brave!!!!
We then headed to Pinochio which we rode twice and back to Peter Pan which we rode again. It wasnt even 9.00 and we had done 9 rides. It was starting to get a bit busier as people were finishing breakfast so we headed into Discoveryland. Here we rode Buzz which had a very short queue.
As we had done everything which was open that we wanted to do we decided to go for some breakfast as we wanted to try and get to the studios for opening at 10.00 to try and ride Cars and see the High School Musical show.
We went again to Cable Car Bake Shop where we bought Pain au Chocolats, Mickey Brioches and Hot Chocolates much cheaper than paying extra for breakfast at the hotel and filling enough for us.
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By now non EMH guests were being allowed in to the park but having to wait behind the ropes. It was a nice feeling heading out of the park as others were just coming in knowing we had done so many rides and could have done even more if wed wanted.
We headed towards the studios where guests were being allowed into Studio 1 to wait. We joined the queue knowing most people would be heading the same way as us towards Cars or Crush. We desperately wanted to ride Cars and see the set as we love the film but werent too bothered about Crush - I didnt think Id like it and DH didnt like the idea of queueing for hours.
Sure enough as soon as the doors opened there was a mad dash in that direction. Something needs to be done here as the crowds in that small area are horrifying. It isnt immediately obvious where the entrance to Crush is so people were going round the corner towards Cars then realising they had gone slightly wrong and trying to push back against the crowds going down that way. Crush was definitely given the right name!!!
We pushed our way past the crowds and onto Cars. The queue was very short at this time and we walked quickly past all the things. Again I dont think it is organised very well.
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The CMs count the number of people into 2 holding pens but then when the gates open it is a free for all. A lot of families split up and took 2 cars instead of sharing which then meant they needed to share with people they didnt know. We grabbed a car with DD sitting in the front and DH and I in the back- a bit of a squeeze but we made it. The ride was fabulous and very fast. It was amazing to see how close the cars spun towards each other without actually crashing into each other. Unfortunately the ride was over too quickly and by now a queue was building up so there was no hope of another ride without waiting. It is quite a slow loader as lots of people hang round in the ride area to take photos with the 2 model cars there- Mater and Lightening McQueen. Sometimes they waited until everyone got out before letting the next group of people in but sometimes they let the next group in whilst people were taking photos so they werent always sure who was going out and who was getting on.
We had a look round the other sets which were very good. And then decided to go on the Tram tour as we were close by.
At this point we had no idea what time the High School Musical Tour was on so we went in hunt of a programme. On route we saw Chicken Little just coming into the park so managed to get a photo before the crowds appeared. We found an events programme and discovered HSM was only on in the afternoons- obviously a ploy to try and keep people in that park for longer. We also found the park much busier than previously with longer queues for the characters. It is no longer the escape from chaos that it used to be.
We really only wanted to do Cars and HSM in Studios this time as wed seen all the shows at Easter and so decided it would only be a brief visit to do these 2 things- little did we know at that stage how much time we would spend there in the next few days!!!!
As we had a reservation at Blue Lagoon at 1.30 we decided to head back to the main park and try and catch HSM later in the day.
It was certainly different entering the park now to when we entered at 8.00.
We wandered over to Frontierland to do Phantom Manor. There was a queue but it was moving all the time so we didnt have to wait long. We have never done this ride so were unsure what to expect. It was good but I dont think it will become a favourite probably one to do at least once a trip but no more.
We then saw the Riverboat with people getting on so joined them. Again this is the first time weve been able to do the ride. It was nice seeing different areas of the park and found it a nice relaxing ride.
<embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="359" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img265.rockyou.com/photofx/2/2329/2329887/2329887_bbb8a1671186598022.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=359&imageWidth=452&instanceid=14174886&userid=9422703&createDateString=Aug%2008%20%2707&username=" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "/><br><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=13BA7&c=1&id=14174886&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com?type=photofx&refid=14174886"><img alt="RockYou PhotoFX" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/logo-mini.gif" border="0"></a> - <a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?refid=14174886">Get Your Own</a><br>
We then strolled round Frontierland and Adventureland on route to our lunch at Blue Lagoon. It was nice not rushing and having time to browse in the shops, look into the different restaurants and admire the scenery hopefully taking more in ready for the next quiz!!!!!
We reached Blue Lagoon slightly early but were seated immediately, unfortunately not by the water edge but we were happy with the table.
Again I will do a fuller report on the restaurant thread but will say we really enjoyed our meal. We claimed our free aperitifs (Kir- one of our favourite drinks) with APs but it only struck us afterwards we could have got a free OJ for DD with hers.
DD ordered from the childrens menu and there was no problem mixing and matching the dishes. All the food arrived hot and our waiter was very good. He lit our candle when we asked and came to let us know at one point that our meal was on the way. We felt the meal was very good value especially with AP discount.
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After the meal we just had to ride on POTC. We dont usually ride this during the day- we prefer it as an evening ride but even so the queues werent too bad. The sign said 5 minutes but it was longer than that- probably nearer 10.
We then strolled down mainstreet looking at some shops. DD saw a castle with pens that she wanted. It was already reduced quite a lot so we didnt think wed get AP discount but we asked and were told of course we would. We like this AP more and more!!!!!!
We went back to the hotel hoping for a rest (and in DDs case a swim) however before we could do that we had more hassle with the hotel.
Just to remind you we had booked an extra 2 nights at the hotel when we arrived and we were first told we would have to book out then in again. Then we were assured by the Manager that we wouldnt need to do this, that the room would be continuous and the keys would not be deactivated (this was on top of being told first we only had a double room booked then being told we had no room booked for July but had had one for June) however when we returned to the room youve guessed it the key wouldnt work. DH went down to reception to sort this out while DD and I flopped in a chair on the landing. He returned with the Manager (a different one to the day before) who was very apologetic. The keys had been reactivated. She was unsure what had happened and why and said she would check it out and promised to come back immediately. We waited for her but she didnt appear so DH took DD for a swim. The Manager then returned again very apologetic but with no real answer as to what had happened but with a voucher for us to get a free drink each in the bar anything except Champagne.
When DD returned from her swim we got ready to go back into the park again. We drove back to New York and flashed our AP again - the security guy knew us well by now. We wandered over to the parks. Unfortunately we decided we were too late to see the last HSM show which meant we would have to nip into Studios again tomorrow. We went into the park and wandered towards Fantasyland. It was still very busy but we were hoping a lot of the crowd would be settling down to watch the parades soon so we were hopeful of getting on quite a few rides.
I think we rode Small World then went towards the Pays des Contes de Fees and Casey Junior but these were still very busy so we wandered towards POTC. On route we passed Toad Hall and DH decided he was hungry and DD can always eat so we got Fish and Chips- Yummy. We sat outside to eat these and just watched the world go by. After this we went to POTC and rode this- the queue was very short but unfortunately not short enough for them to allow us to stay on for a 2nd ride. By now a lot of people had dispersed to watch the parade and go to eat so we went back to Small World and did Contes des Fees and Casey- both twice. The queues for Peter Pan and Dumbo were still ginormous!!!! PP was showing 90 minutes, even the fast pass queue was outside the roped area and we had done it as a walk on earlier that day.
After this we went to POTC again and rode it again and then stayed on again. We do like ending the evening with that ride. Im sure we did more rides eg Snow White at some point and I seem to remember riding Buzz and BTM again but cant remember when and we certainly didnt queue for them as we decided this holiday that we dont do queues!!!!!!
By now we were really tired and decided we couldnt stay in the park any longer so headed back to the hotel. We had intended claiming our free drink at the bar but after a game of Table Football for DD (me losing against her and DH of course) we were so tired we couldnt be bothered and just wanted to flop into bed to prepare ourselves for another fun filled (with EMH) day tomorrow.
Next part: More EMH, HSM chaos, a tour of the hotels and more fun
I'm hoping there won't be any more blunders with your hotel room.
