A Small World
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Part 5 - 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 again today for another EMH. It was harder getting DD up this morning but when we reminded her how easy she would be able to do the rides she was eager to go.
Once again we drove to New York and flashed our AP at the man. Parked in our usual place and walked towards the parks. Once again the gates werent open and so we stood waiting to get in. Only a few other people were there so we were more or less at the front of the queue. Once through the bag check we headed towards the gates and were stopped from putting our passes in as they werent ready. We saw them about to open and so DH got ready and quickly put his pass in and so was first to enter the park.
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There seemed to be less people about today even going for breakfast. We again headed towards Fantasyland and the whole place seemed deserted. First port of call was Peter Pan where once again we were first to ride it.
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When the ride had finished there still no one else waiting so we rode again (having to get off and then on again). We then rode again and then for a fourth time. It was only after riding it for 4 times that anyone else came near the ride. It was surprising how accustomed our eyes came to the dark after even 2 rides- you could see so much more detail over London.
After 4 attempts we decided we had better try something else before they started to mistake us for new CMs or something!!!!
We headed over towards Dumbo where again we walked on. Then over to Pinochio which we did twice and the Carrousel where DD was able to get onto her favourite horse- what she calls the pretty one with lots of flowers.
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We decided to give teacups a miss today and headed towards Discoveryland via the side of the castle past the Wishing Well where wwe got some different views of the castle. On reaching Discoveryland we rode Buzz- again walk on and Orbitron. I really dont like Orbitron I find it goes much higher and faster than it looks and you are tilted. I really felt as though I was going to fall out. DH tried to reassure me that it was safe by saying no one has fallen out yet but I wasnt convinced. Again a really good selection of rides done during EMH.
<embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="325" height="453" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img309.rockyou.com/photofx/2/2329/2329887/2329887_9ac480ea1186684103.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=325&height=453&imageWidth=325&instanceid=14211253&userid=9422703&createDateString=Aug%2009%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=13C0B&c=1&id=14211253&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com?type=photofx&refid=14211253"><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=14211253">Get Your Own</a><br>
After this we decided to go for breakfast. Where else but Cable Car place and what else to eat but Pain au Chocolats, Mickey Brioches and Hot Chocolate.
By this time the non EMH guests were in the park waiting for rope drop. We decided to go towards the rope at Frontierland to try and do BTM before the crowds built up. Unfortunately we found a big crowd there as there was a large group of French teenagers (some kind of trip and they had teachers or something with them). Listening to what they were saying they were obviously all heading towards BTM. After 5 minutes or so of waiting the crowd started to move and we moved with it. When the crowd reached Frontierland a lot of people stopped opposite BTM to get their bearings unsure of where the entrance was. Knowing which way to go we headed towards the entrance where there was a queue to get in but which was moving steadily. However (as someone else has posted about another ride) for every person who joined the queue in the right place at least 20 just dashed to the front and pushed in. The FP machine was open so rather than trying to fight with the crowds we went to get a FP.
Obviously it meant we couldnt ride straight away but the wait time wasnt too long so we walked towards Adventureland via Adventure Isle exploring the pathways and crossing what DD calls the Wibbly Wobbly bridge. She thinks this is great fun so crossed back again and then back again.
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By this time it was more or less time for BTM so we returned to Frontierland. However when we got there the queue had been stopped again as there was once again une probleme technique (this ride breaks down an awful lot at the moment!!!!) so we were told the same as day 1 we could return at any time through the day and the fast pass would be valid. We were pleased that we hadnt just joined the queue at opening as we reckoned with the number of people pushing in we probably wouldnt have got to ride before it broke down and so would have either been stuck in the queue waiting or worse still stuck on it!!!!
We headed back towards Adventureland and rode POTC then wandered through Fantasyland looking at how big the queues were now. Im not sure if we rode anything there possibly Small World then decided to explore the castle.
We checked the dragon was still there and hadnt broken loose fortunately he was safe and sound keeping guard - and then went upstairs. We looked round the Sleeping Beauty Gallery and then went out onto the balcony. As we were up there a band appeared to play by the Sword in the Stone. We were able to stand and watch from above giving the odd royal wave and imagining all the crowds were trespassing in our grounds (Well you can dream cant you!!!)
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We headed towards the Village browsing in a few shops on route for an earlyish lunch at Planet Hollywood.
We were seated immediately and had decided to just get a sandwich and fries as we had the tea party booked later.
Once again we had a lovely meal with a lovely waitress. She was very attentive and chatting away but not in an intrusive way.
DD went for the childrens menu of hot dogs and fries, DH had the hot pork sandwich and I had the Turkey Club. The portions were enormous. DD then had a dessert included in hers, she was given the choice of normal ice cream, icecream sundae or something else (I think chocolate mousse). She opted for the sundae and as DH and I werent having dessert the waitress brought 3 spoons with it for us to dip in as well. Once again we got the 20% discount from the AP voucher.
Once we had finished we headed into the Studios park for a quick visit to see HSM tour. We browsed in the Studio 1 shop and then headed towards Rand R coaster (no not to ride it DD still hasnt recovered from her Easter ride on it) as we knew the HSM had its first stop near there. We stopped a CM to ask where it stopped and were told by R and R so found a place on the roadside opposite. DD sat down along with a few other children and we stood to wait.
A word of warning - avoid the 1.30 show if possible.
Just as it was about to start two and half thousand people poured out of Moteurs Action show next to it.
We felt it was very crowded and unsafe especially as no walk way had been left for all these people to get through. This surprised us as usually Disney are very good at directing and controlling people during parades although I know this isnt a parade as such. For some reason instead of directing them across the road and making them move up the road (with Armageddon on left and Rendez Vous das Stars on right) the CMs were ushering the crowds towards R and R then across the road but as there was no space for them to get through they then started to make people move along to make space for them to cross and get passed. At first we were moving to one side but as more and more people came they crossed and then joined the crowd waiting which meant it was then even harder for people to get through. A CM was more or less trying to push people aside but as people were moving children on the ground were very close to being stood on and squashed. Also all that was happening was people were moving then their place was taken by those who'd just joined the crowd so it got to a stage where people refused to move (including us). It was actually getting to the stage where it was quite dangerous. The CMs were under real pressure to get people across the road as the tour was about to start. At one point we commented how badly organized it seemed and the CM just looked at us and said well thanks for your support It wasnt a criticism of her but the organisation as a whole.
The show started and familiar music was heard but in fact instead of stopping in front of R and R as wed been told it stopped just past there in the big space in front of Moteurs Action. Once it had passed the spot where we were everyone just dashed forward so we were pushed back. DD was way back behind loads of people so couldnt really see a thing. We tried to ease her forward a little bit (without pushing people out of the way of course). A CM was stood right in front and whereas they usually crouch down to avoid blocking the view he didnt and so he got a brilliant view. I would say the best place to wait is in front of the truck outside Armageddon.
We felt it was so badly organised in view of health and safety that DH decided he wanted to make Disney aware of it so we headed towards Guest relations to discuss it with them (well DH did). Im not sure if all showings are as chaotic or if its just a combination of it being the first of the day, at the time when Moteurs Action was finishing and at the time when the parade used to be on so some people may have thought they were waiting for the parade but it was not a pleasant experience at all.
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Whilst DH was in Guest relations we browsed in some shops and sat in the sun- he came out after ages smiling with a big surprise and gift from Disney to apologise. The CM in Guest relations had got the CM in charge of that area to come and talk to DH. He in turn was very attentive and took on board everything that was being said. DH was given a form to complete and then the offer came- (Youll have to wait until tomorrows report to find what it was. We made DD wait so youll have to as well!!!!!)
We headed out of studios and decided instead of going back to the hotel to have a leisurely walk around the lake spying in some of the other hotels. We went into Sequioa lodge and found the bar. We seated ourselves and got a frozen drink each- very nice. We peeped into the 2 restaurants and thought how nice it would be to stay there. We then walked round to Newport Bay where again we went inside to have a quick look at the restaurants. It was nice to see the New York from that perspective for a change. We then continued back to the parks again (exploring some shops in the Village on route).
We headed into the main park where we had a tea party to attend.
As this report is already so long Ill do a separate one about the tea party but will say it was really good. We enjoyed it and felt it was worth the money- lots of food (sweet and savoury) and at least 9 characters visited.
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After the tea party we intended doing more rides. We walked towards Small World but the queues were still massive everywhere and we really didnt see the point in queueing as we had done the rides loads of times. People were starting to find a space for Once upon a Dream Parade. We hadnt intended watching it this time as we saw it twice last time but DD was looking very tired so we thought she might appreciate just sitting down for a while and watching it. We gave her the option and she seemed really pleased about it. We found a space just passed the Bella Notte Towers near where the parade turns round the corner towards the castle. It proved to be a really good place-not too crowded. Loads of characters came right up to us and shook hands and DD saw her favourite Belle who fortunately turned at the right time and gave her a big wave as though she recognized her. It was fortunate (especially for those round us) as I was prepared to shout Belle loudly to attract her attention if she had been looking the other way. It was the first time DH had seen the parade properly as at Easter the first time he was taking loads of photos so it wasnt the same as just watching and he didnt watch when DD and I watched for a 2nd time.
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We then went to do some rides. I cant really remember in what order but I know we did Buzz again as I decided not to shoot and just look at the scenery- amazing how much you dont see when all you are looking for are Z targets.
We also had our FPs still for BTM so went to ride that as well as doing the Contes des Fees and Casey rides, Small World at least once possibly more. We looked in some shops and DD had been eyeing up a Dalmation puppy all holiday so DH bought it for her and we also bought a DVD of the parks. We then headed towards Adventureland and our favourite ride- POTC. We stayed on POTC 3 times in a row and got to ride in the front twice. I could have stayed on there all night as I was just so comfortable and sleepy.
By the time we came out of POTC it was dark and Fantasyland had been closed off to prepare for the fireworks. We were directed out of the park by Pirates via Frontierland. We passed BTM still operating in the dark and thought about doing it one last time but the queue still looked quite big so we decided against it.
We wended our way out of the park via Liberty Arcade catching sight of Fantillusion on route.
We didnt stop to watch but instead made our way back to the Hotel where we got some Croque Monsieurs and claimed our free drinks from the bar (2 Kirs for DH and me and an apple juice for DD). We then went upstairs where we flopped into bed ready for our fantastic special treat the following day.
Next (and final) part Our special day- what an amazing treat.
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 again today for another EMH. It was harder getting DD up this morning but when we reminded her how easy she would be able to do the rides she was eager to go.
Once again we drove to New York and flashed our AP at the man. Parked in our usual place and walked towards the parks. Once again the gates werent open and so we stood waiting to get in. Only a few other people were there so we were more or less at the front of the queue. Once through the bag check we headed towards the gates and were stopped from putting our passes in as they werent ready. We saw them about to open and so DH got ready and quickly put his pass in and so was first to enter the park.
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There seemed to be less people about today even going for breakfast. We again headed towards Fantasyland and the whole place seemed deserted. First port of call was Peter Pan where once again we were first to ride it.
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When the ride had finished there still no one else waiting so we rode again (having to get off and then on again). We then rode again and then for a fourth time. It was only after riding it for 4 times that anyone else came near the ride. It was surprising how accustomed our eyes came to the dark after even 2 rides- you could see so much more detail over London.
After 4 attempts we decided we had better try something else before they started to mistake us for new CMs or something!!!!
We headed over towards Dumbo where again we walked on. Then over to Pinochio which we did twice and the Carrousel where DD was able to get onto her favourite horse- what she calls the pretty one with lots of flowers.
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We decided to give teacups a miss today and headed towards Discoveryland via the side of the castle past the Wishing Well where wwe got some different views of the castle. On reaching Discoveryland we rode Buzz- again walk on and Orbitron. I really dont like Orbitron I find it goes much higher and faster than it looks and you are tilted. I really felt as though I was going to fall out. DH tried to reassure me that it was safe by saying no one has fallen out yet but I wasnt convinced. Again a really good selection of rides done during EMH.
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After this we decided to go for breakfast. Where else but Cable Car place and what else to eat but Pain au Chocolats, Mickey Brioches and Hot Chocolate.
By this time the non EMH guests were in the park waiting for rope drop. We decided to go towards the rope at Frontierland to try and do BTM before the crowds built up. Unfortunately we found a big crowd there as there was a large group of French teenagers (some kind of trip and they had teachers or something with them). Listening to what they were saying they were obviously all heading towards BTM. After 5 minutes or so of waiting the crowd started to move and we moved with it. When the crowd reached Frontierland a lot of people stopped opposite BTM to get their bearings unsure of where the entrance was. Knowing which way to go we headed towards the entrance where there was a queue to get in but which was moving steadily. However (as someone else has posted about another ride) for every person who joined the queue in the right place at least 20 just dashed to the front and pushed in. The FP machine was open so rather than trying to fight with the crowds we went to get a FP.
Obviously it meant we couldnt ride straight away but the wait time wasnt too long so we walked towards Adventureland via Adventure Isle exploring the pathways and crossing what DD calls the Wibbly Wobbly bridge. She thinks this is great fun so crossed back again and then back again.
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By this time it was more or less time for BTM so we returned to Frontierland. However when we got there the queue had been stopped again as there was once again une probleme technique (this ride breaks down an awful lot at the moment!!!!) so we were told the same as day 1 we could return at any time through the day and the fast pass would be valid. We were pleased that we hadnt just joined the queue at opening as we reckoned with the number of people pushing in we probably wouldnt have got to ride before it broke down and so would have either been stuck in the queue waiting or worse still stuck on it!!!!
We headed back towards Adventureland and rode POTC then wandered through Fantasyland looking at how big the queues were now. Im not sure if we rode anything there possibly Small World then decided to explore the castle.
We checked the dragon was still there and hadnt broken loose fortunately he was safe and sound keeping guard - and then went upstairs. We looked round the Sleeping Beauty Gallery and then went out onto the balcony. As we were up there a band appeared to play by the Sword in the Stone. We were able to stand and watch from above giving the odd royal wave and imagining all the crowds were trespassing in our grounds (Well you can dream cant you!!!)
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We headed towards the Village browsing in a few shops on route for an earlyish lunch at Planet Hollywood.
We were seated immediately and had decided to just get a sandwich and fries as we had the tea party booked later.
Once again we had a lovely meal with a lovely waitress. She was very attentive and chatting away but not in an intrusive way.
DD went for the childrens menu of hot dogs and fries, DH had the hot pork sandwich and I had the Turkey Club. The portions were enormous. DD then had a dessert included in hers, she was given the choice of normal ice cream, icecream sundae or something else (I think chocolate mousse). She opted for the sundae and as DH and I werent having dessert the waitress brought 3 spoons with it for us to dip in as well. Once again we got the 20% discount from the AP voucher.
Once we had finished we headed into the Studios park for a quick visit to see HSM tour. We browsed in the Studio 1 shop and then headed towards Rand R coaster (no not to ride it DD still hasnt recovered from her Easter ride on it) as we knew the HSM had its first stop near there. We stopped a CM to ask where it stopped and were told by R and R so found a place on the roadside opposite. DD sat down along with a few other children and we stood to wait.
A word of warning - avoid the 1.30 show if possible.
Just as it was about to start two and half thousand people poured out of Moteurs Action show next to it.
We felt it was very crowded and unsafe especially as no walk way had been left for all these people to get through. This surprised us as usually Disney are very good at directing and controlling people during parades although I know this isnt a parade as such. For some reason instead of directing them across the road and making them move up the road (with Armageddon on left and Rendez Vous das Stars on right) the CMs were ushering the crowds towards R and R then across the road but as there was no space for them to get through they then started to make people move along to make space for them to cross and get passed. At first we were moving to one side but as more and more people came they crossed and then joined the crowd waiting which meant it was then even harder for people to get through. A CM was more or less trying to push people aside but as people were moving children on the ground were very close to being stood on and squashed. Also all that was happening was people were moving then their place was taken by those who'd just joined the crowd so it got to a stage where people refused to move (including us). It was actually getting to the stage where it was quite dangerous. The CMs were under real pressure to get people across the road as the tour was about to start. At one point we commented how badly organized it seemed and the CM just looked at us and said well thanks for your support It wasnt a criticism of her but the organisation as a whole.
The show started and familiar music was heard but in fact instead of stopping in front of R and R as wed been told it stopped just past there in the big space in front of Moteurs Action. Once it had passed the spot where we were everyone just dashed forward so we were pushed back. DD was way back behind loads of people so couldnt really see a thing. We tried to ease her forward a little bit (without pushing people out of the way of course). A CM was stood right in front and whereas they usually crouch down to avoid blocking the view he didnt and so he got a brilliant view. I would say the best place to wait is in front of the truck outside Armageddon.
We felt it was so badly organised in view of health and safety that DH decided he wanted to make Disney aware of it so we headed towards Guest relations to discuss it with them (well DH did). Im not sure if all showings are as chaotic or if its just a combination of it being the first of the day, at the time when Moteurs Action was finishing and at the time when the parade used to be on so some people may have thought they were waiting for the parade but it was not a pleasant experience at all.
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Whilst DH was in Guest relations we browsed in some shops and sat in the sun- he came out after ages smiling with a big surprise and gift from Disney to apologise. The CM in Guest relations had got the CM in charge of that area to come and talk to DH. He in turn was very attentive and took on board everything that was being said. DH was given a form to complete and then the offer came- (Youll have to wait until tomorrows report to find what it was. We made DD wait so youll have to as well!!!!!)
We headed out of studios and decided instead of going back to the hotel to have a leisurely walk around the lake spying in some of the other hotels. We went into Sequioa lodge and found the bar. We seated ourselves and got a frozen drink each- very nice. We peeped into the 2 restaurants and thought how nice it would be to stay there. We then walked round to Newport Bay where again we went inside to have a quick look at the restaurants. It was nice to see the New York from that perspective for a change. We then continued back to the parks again (exploring some shops in the Village on route).
We headed into the main park where we had a tea party to attend.
As this report is already so long Ill do a separate one about the tea party but will say it was really good. We enjoyed it and felt it was worth the money- lots of food (sweet and savoury) and at least 9 characters visited.
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After the tea party we intended doing more rides. We walked towards Small World but the queues were still massive everywhere and we really didnt see the point in queueing as we had done the rides loads of times. People were starting to find a space for Once upon a Dream Parade. We hadnt intended watching it this time as we saw it twice last time but DD was looking very tired so we thought she might appreciate just sitting down for a while and watching it. We gave her the option and she seemed really pleased about it. We found a space just passed the Bella Notte Towers near where the parade turns round the corner towards the castle. It proved to be a really good place-not too crowded. Loads of characters came right up to us and shook hands and DD saw her favourite Belle who fortunately turned at the right time and gave her a big wave as though she recognized her. It was fortunate (especially for those round us) as I was prepared to shout Belle loudly to attract her attention if she had been looking the other way. It was the first time DH had seen the parade properly as at Easter the first time he was taking loads of photos so it wasnt the same as just watching and he didnt watch when DD and I watched for a 2nd time.
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We then went to do some rides. I cant really remember in what order but I know we did Buzz again as I decided not to shoot and just look at the scenery- amazing how much you dont see when all you are looking for are Z targets.
We also had our FPs still for BTM so went to ride that as well as doing the Contes des Fees and Casey rides, Small World at least once possibly more. We looked in some shops and DD had been eyeing up a Dalmation puppy all holiday so DH bought it for her and we also bought a DVD of the parks. We then headed towards Adventureland and our favourite ride- POTC. We stayed on POTC 3 times in a row and got to ride in the front twice. I could have stayed on there all night as I was just so comfortable and sleepy.
By the time we came out of POTC it was dark and Fantasyland had been closed off to prepare for the fireworks. We were directed out of the park by Pirates via Frontierland. We passed BTM still operating in the dark and thought about doing it one last time but the queue still looked quite big so we decided against it.
We wended our way out of the park via Liberty Arcade catching sight of Fantillusion on route.
We didnt stop to watch but instead made our way back to the Hotel where we got some Croque Monsieurs and claimed our free drinks from the bar (2 Kirs for DH and me and an apple juice for DD). We then went upstairs where we flopped into bed ready for our fantastic special treat the following day.
Next (and final) part Our special day- what an amazing treat.
