pennyplanner
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 25, 1999
- Messages
- 1,554
Cast:
pennyplanner
45
Mom and obsessive Disney planner
Dad
48
Grumpy's separated at birth twin
Kids
10 and 13
After settling into our room at the WL, we made a mad dash for dinner at Cinderella's Castle in the MK. We definitely did not leave enough time to get to our early PS.
Transportation has changed since we last stayed at the WL three years ago. It did not change for the better.
We missed the boat to the Contemporary so we boarded the boat to MK which went by way of Fort Wilderness. Long and agonizing pretty much describes it. Somehow we ended up stopping at the Contemporary, jumped off and walked (no make that ran) with the crazy mother (me!) leading the way. The walkway to the MK from the Contemporary is really not that long. So far it looks like we are going to be relatively on time.
Roadblock #2 is the Castle stage show which has the shortest entrance to Cindy's is blocked off. So off we speed walk around to the right and all around to the back of the castle.
Did I savor our first walk down Main Street? Not really. I was hellbent on making that PS.
We give our name and PS time to the very busy people at the podium and sit in the waiting area. Big bonus here. Cinderella who my husband kept jokingly referring as the Brittany Spears edition was holding court, signing autographs and posing for pictures on her throne. Very entertaining while we waited a short while.
A darn good dinner followed. My husband and I were both pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. We would have just about killed for a cocktail though. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with Walt's wishes that the MK be alcohol free. It was just a very long day!
As for the atmosphere, you just can't beat it. We were seated window side lookind back toward the carousel. The sword in the stone "contest" was being conducted by Merlin. A couple of times Captain Hook ran by our window on the walkway around the castle as part of the stage show. It was a magical way to begin our trip.
When we were leaving Cindy's, Cinderella AKA Brittany was once again on her throne. My 10 year old and I scooted over for a quick picture. Darn, we didn't think to bring the autograph books!
We are definitely into the Disney spirit!!!
The whole idea was just to enjoy dinner and then exit the park for a relaxing night back at the WL. Nope! I could not help myself. People were lining up for SpectroMagic. With a little prodding from me, the kids were game. My husband opted to head back to our room. That is the beauty of staying on site. No problem.
We managed to find a spot on the second floor of the Train Station. We stood behind a nice couple with a million pins who were sitting at a table. We made friends with two women from Manchester, England. The parade started right before our eyes. We were all awed by the music and the fantastic fiber optics. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about my 10 year old shouting with such innocence and enthusiasm to Mickey down below. You know, a "Hey Mickey, hi! We're here!" kind of thing. Being at WDW just does something to you.
At the end of the parade, we made a mad dash to the WL boat landing. We had no trouble getting the first boat back. We were exhausted but felt the parade was well worth it. Back to the room for an early turn in.
Oh, did I mention I caught the fireworks? It was a spectacular view from our room. They guys ran down to the beach to see the shuttle but missed it. Sad thinking about it now.
Coming up:
Day 2 Magic Kingdom on a Sunday Morning
Evening Highlight: My child's reaction to seeing Mickey in the Spectro Parade.
Evening Downer: The incredibly horrific tap water served at Cindy's! Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck! No bottled water available. I ended up with a million dollar smoothie instead.
pennyplanner
45
Mom and obsessive Disney planner
Dad
48
Grumpy's separated at birth twin
Kids
10 and 13
After settling into our room at the WL, we made a mad dash for dinner at Cinderella's Castle in the MK. We definitely did not leave enough time to get to our early PS.
Transportation has changed since we last stayed at the WL three years ago. It did not change for the better.
We missed the boat to the Contemporary so we boarded the boat to MK which went by way of Fort Wilderness. Long and agonizing pretty much describes it. Somehow we ended up stopping at the Contemporary, jumped off and walked (no make that ran) with the crazy mother (me!) leading the way. The walkway to the MK from the Contemporary is really not that long. So far it looks like we are going to be relatively on time.
Roadblock #2 is the Castle stage show which has the shortest entrance to Cindy's is blocked off. So off we speed walk around to the right and all around to the back of the castle.
Did I savor our first walk down Main Street? Not really. I was hellbent on making that PS.
We give our name and PS time to the very busy people at the podium and sit in the waiting area. Big bonus here. Cinderella who my husband kept jokingly referring as the Brittany Spears edition was holding court, signing autographs and posing for pictures on her throne. Very entertaining while we waited a short while.
A darn good dinner followed. My husband and I were both pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. We would have just about killed for a cocktail though. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with Walt's wishes that the MK be alcohol free. It was just a very long day!
As for the atmosphere, you just can't beat it. We were seated window side lookind back toward the carousel. The sword in the stone "contest" was being conducted by Merlin. A couple of times Captain Hook ran by our window on the walkway around the castle as part of the stage show. It was a magical way to begin our trip.
When we were leaving Cindy's, Cinderella AKA Brittany was once again on her throne. My 10 year old and I scooted over for a quick picture. Darn, we didn't think to bring the autograph books!
We are definitely into the Disney spirit!!!
The whole idea was just to enjoy dinner and then exit the park for a relaxing night back at the WL. Nope! I could not help myself. People were lining up for SpectroMagic. With a little prodding from me, the kids were game. My husband opted to head back to our room. That is the beauty of staying on site. No problem.
We managed to find a spot on the second floor of the Train Station. We stood behind a nice couple with a million pins who were sitting at a table. We made friends with two women from Manchester, England. The parade started right before our eyes. We were all awed by the music and the fantastic fiber optics. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about my 10 year old shouting with such innocence and enthusiasm to Mickey down below. You know, a "Hey Mickey, hi! We're here!" kind of thing. Being at WDW just does something to you.
At the end of the parade, we made a mad dash to the WL boat landing. We had no trouble getting the first boat back. We were exhausted but felt the parade was well worth it. Back to the room for an early turn in.
Oh, did I mention I caught the fireworks? It was a spectacular view from our room. They guys ran down to the beach to see the shuttle but missed it. Sad thinking about it now.
Coming up:
Day 2 Magic Kingdom on a Sunday Morning
Evening Highlight: My child's reaction to seeing Mickey in the Spectro Parade.
Evening Downer: The incredibly horrific tap water served at Cindy's! Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck! No bottled water available. I ended up with a million dollar smoothie instead.
