Sunday July 28
We awake around 7am. What a wonderful sleep. I always seem to sleep better when on vacation, especially at Disney. I take my wonderful refillable mug down to Roarin' Fork and fill'er up with Hot Chocolate. Don't ask why, it is already close to 80 degrees out. I guess I did it just because I could. Anyway, after everyone else is dressed we grabbed the bags (which we prepared the night before) and headed downstairs to the character caravan. DD got a couple that she didn't have. I really wish EE was back but this makes up for it a little. Down to the boat dock we go for our first day in the parks. Where to first, MK of course. I can remember coming to Disney when this was the only park, so it has to be the first. Boat ride took about 10 minutes and we were through the security check in no time. Word of advice to those going in the future, have your bags unzipped and they just barely look at them, if not the look closer. OK, it isabout 8:30am and we are in line to MK. We can hardly contain ourselves, we are finally here. Some of the characters come out to sign autographs and take pictures while you wait and the announcer tries some fun things as well. Time really flies by.
Now the gates are open and everyone floods through. Being the planner that I am, we have one goal. Get to Fantasyland to ride as much as we can before the crowds and then to Toontown. As we stroll up Main Street at a brisk but leisurely pace, DW and I remember all our trips before, all while still watching our DD's reaction as she sees Cinderella's Castle for the first time in her life. Since Fantasyland is directly behind the castle, we cut through only to be stopped at the back for the rope drop. I was surprised at how few people there were standing there with us. Well, it was only a minute or two and the rope dropped and we were free again. We headed directly to the Pooh ride since it was new and we had heard how quickly it filled up. we really didn't expect to get much done and planned to visit MK each day in order to eventually see all the attractions. Anyway, we walked right on Pooh. We really enjoyed this ride, I especially liked the area where you feel like you are bouncing with Tigger. We missed where Mr. Toad was handing the deed over to Owl so we figured maybe we could ride it again later. We then headed back toward the Castle to try for Peter Pan. On the way back, we passed Snow White's Scary adventure. We really hadn't planned on this because I had heard that it can scare smaller kids, but DD said she wanted to ride Snow White. So on we go, walk on just as Pooh was. It wasn't that bad, in fact DD said she would like to ride it again. However, we feel we better get to Peter Pan if we are to have any chance at riding today. To our amazement, hardly any wait, 2-3 minutes tops. DD really liked Peter Pan. I can still hear her yelling "No Wendy, don't jump!!!!" This would turn out to be her favorite ride as it is with many people that have been going to WDW over the years. Boy, we are doing way better than I thought. Let's try Dumbo, it doesn't look too crowded and it wasn't. We waited maybe two rotations and we were on, flying high and flying low. Once we were on the ground again, DD just had to ride Cinderella's Carrousel. Walk on again. Once the carrousel stopped, we exited on the opposite side from where we left the stroller, so while I went to retrieve it, DW and DD were going into a small shop off from the Castle called Tinkerbell's Treasures or something like that. Once I came back with the stoller, the lady met me at the front of the store and said "are you with Hannah?" Did I forget to mention we had our GOH badges on? Anyway, I replied "yes" and she lead me to the back of the store. It seems DW and DD were the first in the store that day and DD was going to get to wake up TinkerBell. **Magic Moment Alert, Magic Moment Alert** Quickly I grabbed the camera and snapped away. Once TinkerBell was awake, they presented DD with a certificate and we got the CM's to sign the autograph book. You should see the reaction when you ask them to sign something instead of just characters. We left ther with the feeling that Disney is still very much a magical place.
Now on to DW's favorite ride and my least, Small World. No wait again. Could this be true? This time I really didn't mind the ride. I guess it was the joy of watching DD's reaction to all the dolls. The three of us had a boat to ourselves so we just sat back and enjoyed a family moment. This quickly became DD's second favorite ride. After exiting Small World, we just stood in the open area and wondered what to do next. We had figured it would take us two visits to MK to get all the good rides in Fantasyland and here we had done all we planned to do in the first morning and it was only a little past 10am. We literally spend more time walking between rides than we did waiting in line.
OK, let's head to Toontown. On the way, we noticed Tea Party had little to no wait. DD and I were off to get in line. DW couldn't ride what with the little bun baking in the oven. We had a blast, DD wanted to spin as fast as we could. After spinning for several minutes, we were back on solid ground. As we walked around to head toward Toontown, I spotted the Character Festival. While we are here let's see if they are open and get a few more autographs. Surprisingly, the characters were wondering around in there with no one waiting to se them. It took no time for us to get a few villains autograph and back on our way to Toontown.
Toonwtown was nice, not really that much to do for us. DD is still not keene on roller coasters so Mickey and Minnie's houses were all we needed to see. DD had a blast looking around in there. Had to stop her several times from climbing the barracades to get into the rooms. Once finished with the mouses' houses, we strolled towards Ariel's Grotto. She is one of DD's favorites. Finally we had a wait. About thirty minutes. After getting Ariel's signature, we headed in Pinnochio's Haus for a hot dog and to cool off. One more trip on Small World and we were off toward Main Street.
DW had found out about the haircuts that you can get on Main Street and she had let DD's hair grow just so we could get it cut. It was great, never had a haircut been so much fun. The Dapper Dans entertained us while we waited (more autographs). Once they finished her hair, they put Mickey clips in it and sprinkled pixie dust over her. Our first morning was complete. We felt that we could leave WDW then and it would have been a special trip already, but we still had 4 1/2 days left. Down to the boat and back to WL for a quick swim, we had PS at Garden Grill early evening for the "Rehitchen Ceremony".
After getting ready, we headed to the bus stop to catch a bus to EPCOT. Again, transportation was never an issue. We arrived at EPCOT and went through security. We still had about 30 minutes until our PS so why not catch Spaceship Earth while we are here. Great relaxing ride, still one of my favorites at EPCOT. Exit Spaceship Earth and off to the Land. Check in at Garden Grill and seated immediately. It truly is different to sit in a restaurant that moves. It wasn't crowded at all. Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale made their rounds constantly and since hardly anyone was there, we had great interaction. Chip kept spraying himself with our mister bottle. Food was great, all you can eat. If anyone ever leaves this place hungry, it is their own fault. After eating, am CM shows up and makes a big deal out of DW and I living in sin for the last eight years or something to that effect and we need to make it right. We have to stand up and with Mickey as the witness, we go through this short but funny ceremony. The CM asks DW "DO YOU?" She hesitates at first, not sure what he is asking. He kinda huffs and says let's try this again, "DO YOU" and she answers "yes". Then he turns to me and asks "DO YOU" and I answer "yes". He then pronounces us hitched and says we have to kiss to the count of 100. It isn't as bad as it seems, they count to 10 by ones and then to 100 by tens. I would recommend it to anyone who is there for an anniversary. They give you a cake big enough for 10 people. After they finish, I surprise DW with the second our my anniversary surprises, a set of bride and groom Mickey and Minnie pins. It is our anniversary, why not advertise.
After we leave, we hit the new figment ride. First time we have ridden it so not sure how it compares to the old. We enjoyed it and I had to have the new figment pin. I have become quite the pin trader.From here we went to the Living Seas. I was disappointed in this. It is under refurbishment and the viewing was very limited, but we did see the dolphins. Next came Innoventions. DD loves computer games and we all but had to drag her away. We sent video and photo emails back home and DD got to make some paper. As we left, I noticed Test Track. DW said I might as well give it a try and she didn't mind a rest, part of the pregnancy thing. I went into the single rider line and was able to complete the whole ride in 30 minutes including wait. This is one of the most fun rides in EPCOT. Afterwards, we head back to the bus to WL and a good night's rest. It has been an unbelievable day.
We awake around 7am. What a wonderful sleep. I always seem to sleep better when on vacation, especially at Disney. I take my wonderful refillable mug down to Roarin' Fork and fill'er up with Hot Chocolate. Don't ask why, it is already close to 80 degrees out. I guess I did it just because I could. Anyway, after everyone else is dressed we grabbed the bags (which we prepared the night before) and headed downstairs to the character caravan. DD got a couple that she didn't have. I really wish EE was back but this makes up for it a little. Down to the boat dock we go for our first day in the parks. Where to first, MK of course. I can remember coming to Disney when this was the only park, so it has to be the first. Boat ride took about 10 minutes and we were through the security check in no time. Word of advice to those going in the future, have your bags unzipped and they just barely look at them, if not the look closer. OK, it isabout 8:30am and we are in line to MK. We can hardly contain ourselves, we are finally here. Some of the characters come out to sign autographs and take pictures while you wait and the announcer tries some fun things as well. Time really flies by.
Now the gates are open and everyone floods through. Being the planner that I am, we have one goal. Get to Fantasyland to ride as much as we can before the crowds and then to Toontown. As we stroll up Main Street at a brisk but leisurely pace, DW and I remember all our trips before, all while still watching our DD's reaction as she sees Cinderella's Castle for the first time in her life. Since Fantasyland is directly behind the castle, we cut through only to be stopped at the back for the rope drop. I was surprised at how few people there were standing there with us. Well, it was only a minute or two and the rope dropped and we were free again. We headed directly to the Pooh ride since it was new and we had heard how quickly it filled up. we really didn't expect to get much done and planned to visit MK each day in order to eventually see all the attractions. Anyway, we walked right on Pooh. We really enjoyed this ride, I especially liked the area where you feel like you are bouncing with Tigger. We missed where Mr. Toad was handing the deed over to Owl so we figured maybe we could ride it again later. We then headed back toward the Castle to try for Peter Pan. On the way back, we passed Snow White's Scary adventure. We really hadn't planned on this because I had heard that it can scare smaller kids, but DD said she wanted to ride Snow White. So on we go, walk on just as Pooh was. It wasn't that bad, in fact DD said she would like to ride it again. However, we feel we better get to Peter Pan if we are to have any chance at riding today. To our amazement, hardly any wait, 2-3 minutes tops. DD really liked Peter Pan. I can still hear her yelling "No Wendy, don't jump!!!!" This would turn out to be her favorite ride as it is with many people that have been going to WDW over the years. Boy, we are doing way better than I thought. Let's try Dumbo, it doesn't look too crowded and it wasn't. We waited maybe two rotations and we were on, flying high and flying low. Once we were on the ground again, DD just had to ride Cinderella's Carrousel. Walk on again. Once the carrousel stopped, we exited on the opposite side from where we left the stroller, so while I went to retrieve it, DW and DD were going into a small shop off from the Castle called Tinkerbell's Treasures or something like that. Once I came back with the stoller, the lady met me at the front of the store and said "are you with Hannah?" Did I forget to mention we had our GOH badges on? Anyway, I replied "yes" and she lead me to the back of the store. It seems DW and DD were the first in the store that day and DD was going to get to wake up TinkerBell. **Magic Moment Alert, Magic Moment Alert** Quickly I grabbed the camera and snapped away. Once TinkerBell was awake, they presented DD with a certificate and we got the CM's to sign the autograph book. You should see the reaction when you ask them to sign something instead of just characters. We left ther with the feeling that Disney is still very much a magical place.
Now on to DW's favorite ride and my least, Small World. No wait again. Could this be true? This time I really didn't mind the ride. I guess it was the joy of watching DD's reaction to all the dolls. The three of us had a boat to ourselves so we just sat back and enjoyed a family moment. This quickly became DD's second favorite ride. After exiting Small World, we just stood in the open area and wondered what to do next. We had figured it would take us two visits to MK to get all the good rides in Fantasyland and here we had done all we planned to do in the first morning and it was only a little past 10am. We literally spend more time walking between rides than we did waiting in line.
OK, let's head to Toontown. On the way, we noticed Tea Party had little to no wait. DD and I were off to get in line. DW couldn't ride what with the little bun baking in the oven. We had a blast, DD wanted to spin as fast as we could. After spinning for several minutes, we were back on solid ground. As we walked around to head toward Toontown, I spotted the Character Festival. While we are here let's see if they are open and get a few more autographs. Surprisingly, the characters were wondering around in there with no one waiting to se them. It took no time for us to get a few villains autograph and back on our way to Toontown.
Toonwtown was nice, not really that much to do for us. DD is still not keene on roller coasters so Mickey and Minnie's houses were all we needed to see. DD had a blast looking around in there. Had to stop her several times from climbing the barracades to get into the rooms. Once finished with the mouses' houses, we strolled towards Ariel's Grotto. She is one of DD's favorites. Finally we had a wait. About thirty minutes. After getting Ariel's signature, we headed in Pinnochio's Haus for a hot dog and to cool off. One more trip on Small World and we were off toward Main Street.
DW had found out about the haircuts that you can get on Main Street and she had let DD's hair grow just so we could get it cut. It was great, never had a haircut been so much fun. The Dapper Dans entertained us while we waited (more autographs). Once they finished her hair, they put Mickey clips in it and sprinkled pixie dust over her. Our first morning was complete. We felt that we could leave WDW then and it would have been a special trip already, but we still had 4 1/2 days left. Down to the boat and back to WL for a quick swim, we had PS at Garden Grill early evening for the "Rehitchen Ceremony".
After getting ready, we headed to the bus stop to catch a bus to EPCOT. Again, transportation was never an issue. We arrived at EPCOT and went through security. We still had about 30 minutes until our PS so why not catch Spaceship Earth while we are here. Great relaxing ride, still one of my favorites at EPCOT. Exit Spaceship Earth and off to the Land. Check in at Garden Grill and seated immediately. It truly is different to sit in a restaurant that moves. It wasn't crowded at all. Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale made their rounds constantly and since hardly anyone was there, we had great interaction. Chip kept spraying himself with our mister bottle. Food was great, all you can eat. If anyone ever leaves this place hungry, it is their own fault. After eating, am CM shows up and makes a big deal out of DW and I living in sin for the last eight years or something to that effect and we need to make it right. We have to stand up and with Mickey as the witness, we go through this short but funny ceremony. The CM asks DW "DO YOU?" She hesitates at first, not sure what he is asking. He kinda huffs and says let's try this again, "DO YOU" and she answers "yes". Then he turns to me and asks "DO YOU" and I answer "yes". He then pronounces us hitched and says we have to kiss to the count of 100. It isn't as bad as it seems, they count to 10 by ones and then to 100 by tens. I would recommend it to anyone who is there for an anniversary. They give you a cake big enough for 10 people. After they finish, I surprise DW with the second our my anniversary surprises, a set of bride and groom Mickey and Minnie pins. It is our anniversary, why not advertise.
After we leave, we hit the new figment ride. First time we have ridden it so not sure how it compares to the old. We enjoyed it and I had to have the new figment pin. I have become quite the pin trader.From here we went to the Living Seas. I was disappointed in this. It is under refurbishment and the viewing was very limited, but we did see the dolphins. Next came Innoventions. DD loves computer games and we all but had to drag her away. We sent video and photo emails back home and DD got to make some paper. As we left, I noticed Test Track. DW said I might as well give it a try and she didn't mind a rest, part of the pregnancy thing. I went into the single rider line and was able to complete the whole ride in 30 minutes including wait. This is one of the most fun rides in EPCOT. Afterwards, we head back to the bus to WL and a good night's rest. It has been an unbelievable day.
goof
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