Obsessed w/Disney in OH
With hope, the imagination soars.
- Joined
- Sep 25, 1999
- Messages
- 254
The Sloneckers January Trip to DisneyMGM, Star and Cars Parade, MK, Spectromagic Part 4 of 8
Slonecker Family:
Russ-DH, a converted Disney fan after trip in summer of 2000
Lisa-the compulsive plannerfanatical DIS fan; been dying to go back to Disney since summer of 2000
Holly-13; wants to set a new record for the number of times on Rock n Roller; definite list of have tos and can skip attractions
Emily-10; Has enough energy and curiosity for all of us! Ready and raring to gomost excited about missing school to go to Disney
Jana-6; Says she is ready to go and see Mickey and Minnie again. Thinks shes brave enough to try Rock n Roller!
Trip:
5 nights, 5 days at Port Orleans Riverside. January 16-22
The girls were up and at it with not much problem today. They are anticipating RnR!!
We were out of the room and to the bus stop by 8:15. Both mornings, a CM has been there at the bus stop checking to see where we were going. I never did figure out if they were just making sure the buses came as needed, or if they were tracking the # of people for information, or what. But, the bus was there promptly and after we passed through security, joined the line. Just as we went to join it, there were 2 new lines that opened, so we joined those, putting us near the front.
A word about the security at the parks...we didn't have any problems the whole time we were there. The security guards were friendly & efficient--took minimal time to go through. We had a back pack that had a lot of zippers--we were always prepared with everything open and ready. They truly looked in every compartment. We always had snacks and bottled water with us--they never said anything to us about that. I was happy they were checking things. It's certainly not fool proof--it's a quick glance in, but it's something at least. One word of advise--get your things open before you get to the table. It is very frustrating for those in line if they have to wait while you open everything while you're there. They will ask you to open it--don't try to sneak through.
About 8:45, they let us through the gates to the rope by Hollywood and Vine. Then, we had to stand there until the official announcement. They said they would walk us to the next areamost people were heading to RnR or TOT. The walk was extremely briskJana had to run to keep upthis is scary.
At the junction of RnR and TOTthe CMs dropped out and an all out run occurred. I sent the passes with Holly to go ahead and get fast passes for RnR. Just as we got there, she had gotten FPs and we joined the standby line.
This was Janas first time. She was nervous and so was I. I had convinced her she was brave enough, but I worried she would forget to put her head back and/or hate it! Before we could really think about itwe were in! I kept saying to her Put your head back! Put your head back! Of course, once the ride takes offthere is no conversation!! I forgot how scary those first few seconds are!! The G-forces and that first loop are unbelievable! Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!! But, great of course and when we got back in Janas thumbs up and huge grin told the storyshe loved it!!
We got in standby line againmaybe a 10 minute wait. At this point, we are all loving this off-season visiting and the small crowds!! Holly and Emily asked to ride headlightsthey got in the front car no problem. This time, the music went out after the first loop. It was really bizarre to ride on it with no music. Actually, it was almost scarierthat music just gets you going, and you don't really think about it--but when its not there, all you hear is the grind of the car against the tracks.
It was not yet time for FP, and the standby line was short, so we went again!! The CM winked at us this time and DIDNT measure Janahe said, I remembered her this time!. This time, we had music againmuch better!!
When we got out this time, our hour for our FPs had started, so we could get FPs again. After 3 ridesJana said she was done. So, she and I headed to Playhouse Disney and left the girls and Russ with 10 FPs all together. They were psyched. We got to Playhouse Disney, what a line!! I prepared Jana for the possibility of not getting in on this show. She said OK, and luckily, we got in. They really pack in the people!! This was cute, but I was glad to get up off the floor when it was over. This is tough for old bones!!
She and I walked over to Millionaire. We got FPs for the next show. She wanted to get a souvenir from Playhouse Disney, but we had to meet Russ. So, we headed to the sorcerers hat and saw a ton of characters. Jana was sooo excited, but unfortunately, Russ had the backpack with the autograph book and camera. Jana was bummed. On top of that, they were 20 minute late. We were not a happy greeting committee.
Jana grabbed the autograph book and I grabbed the camera and we got Cruella at least. She was most disappointed to miss Donald the Duck who left while we were waiting. A lesson--you never know when a character will show up--if you separate--take the autograph book and camera with you!!
We headed to Millionaire game. This was so fun!! It really is like the real showlights, music, etc. I did feel sorry for the first guy. The question was What is the name of our national anthem?. He had to ask the audience to help him with ithe was a little embarrassed. He shouldn't have been--it's a lot pressure I imagine! I almost didnt want to answer the fastest finger questions because I could just picture me getting in the hot seat and embarrassing myself!!
All in allwhat a fun attraction. We decided to see it again before our trip was done.
We loved Muppets 3-D the last time, so we headed there for a repeat. Just as cute as I rememberedI just would like to skip the pre-show. We were heading to Honey I Shrunk Playground when we went by Star Tours and there was a 20 minute wait. Holly and Emily decided to do that and Russ, Jana, and I headed for a snack. After their ride and our snack, we decided to pick a spot for the parade. I must applaud MGM for strategically placing benches along the parade route. This is so nice to wait on the benches. The girls started to complain about the sun shining so hot on us. I reminded them that at home it is probably 20-some degrees and their friends were in school...that ended that complaining. I thought the sun felt fantastic!!
The girls got ice cream and we waited.
This parade was awesome!! I loved the characters and theming, Russ loved the cars! The girls just plain loved it. It was detailed, energetic and all around fun. We headed to the entrancewe wanted to get to Spectromagic tonight at MK. The girls were frustratedthey felt like we hadnt gotten much done at MGM today. However, they spent 2 ½ hours riding RnR non-stop and everything at MGM takes a half hour or more--there's no "let's do this quick" attractions, so the time did fly. MGM is not a one-day park.
We got to MK via TTC and monorail. We went to Toontown since that was the only area we missed yesterday. We toured Mickey and Minnies house such a fun, cute attraction
The girls did Barnstormer. We jumped on the RRnice ride around to Frontierland to see if we could get our platform seats for the parade again. We did and settled in to save our spots. Russ took the girls to get food. They got food from Pecos Billsdelicious turkey wrap sandwich and hot dogs/burgers for the girls. We tried a turkey leg for the first time ever!! Emily was totally grossed out by the sight of it and we of course teased her mercilessly about it. It tasted like ham, I thought. I liked it, but couldnt finish itwas just too much.
While I saved our spot, the girls headed to Aladdin Carpets for another ride. They came back quickly which was good because people were crowding in. Holly wanted light-up pink mickey earssilly things, but she was happy. Jana got a light up/fiberoptic Minnie. Emily decided to save her allotment for another day. We also tried a churroyum!! Like a cinnamon-sugar breadstick/pastry.
The parade started. This was beautiful. I missed the crazy, zany music of the old Electric Light Parade-there is no comparison, but the floats were unique, detailed and just awesome. My favorite was the carousel and the peacock. We walked toward the entrance and just found a spot in the middle of Main Street to stand for the fireworks and we could see the speck of Tinkerbells flightthis is so magical. Jana thinks that would be a really scary job and wondered how anyone could learn to do thatoh the magic!!
The fireworks were really good. The summer we were here before, we were definitely unimpressed with the fireworks but this time there were lots of really pretty displays and we enjoyed them. We zipped back to the entrance to catch the bus. The girls wanted to swim after we got back.
It was chilly, but the water was warm. You could see the steam rising from their heads. I was freezing sitting outside the poolbrrrr! However, I warmed up some when I heard someone from Ohio talking about the fact that they left earlier that day before the predicted snow hit. Tee-hee, we got sunburnt today and theres snow at home!! Shower and to bedChef Mickeys and Animal Kingdom tomorrow!!
Slonecker Family:
Russ-DH, a converted Disney fan after trip in summer of 2000
Lisa-the compulsive plannerfanatical DIS fan; been dying to go back to Disney since summer of 2000
Holly-13; wants to set a new record for the number of times on Rock n Roller; definite list of have tos and can skip attractions
Emily-10; Has enough energy and curiosity for all of us! Ready and raring to gomost excited about missing school to go to Disney
Jana-6; Says she is ready to go and see Mickey and Minnie again. Thinks shes brave enough to try Rock n Roller!
Trip:
5 nights, 5 days at Port Orleans Riverside. January 16-22
The girls were up and at it with not much problem today. They are anticipating RnR!!
We were out of the room and to the bus stop by 8:15. Both mornings, a CM has been there at the bus stop checking to see where we were going. I never did figure out if they were just making sure the buses came as needed, or if they were tracking the # of people for information, or what. But, the bus was there promptly and after we passed through security, joined the line. Just as we went to join it, there were 2 new lines that opened, so we joined those, putting us near the front.A word about the security at the parks...we didn't have any problems the whole time we were there. The security guards were friendly & efficient--took minimal time to go through. We had a back pack that had a lot of zippers--we were always prepared with everything open and ready. They truly looked in every compartment. We always had snacks and bottled water with us--they never said anything to us about that. I was happy they were checking things. It's certainly not fool proof--it's a quick glance in, but it's something at least. One word of advise--get your things open before you get to the table. It is very frustrating for those in line if they have to wait while you open everything while you're there. They will ask you to open it--don't try to sneak through.
About 8:45, they let us through the gates to the rope by Hollywood and Vine. Then, we had to stand there until the official announcement. They said they would walk us to the next areamost people were heading to RnR or TOT. The walk was extremely briskJana had to run to keep upthis is scary.
At the junction of RnR and TOTthe CMs dropped out and an all out run occurred. I sent the passes with Holly to go ahead and get fast passes for RnR. Just as we got there, she had gotten FPs and we joined the standby line. This was Janas first time. She was nervous and so was I. I had convinced her she was brave enough, but I worried she would forget to put her head back and/or hate it! Before we could really think about itwe were in! I kept saying to her Put your head back! Put your head back! Of course, once the ride takes offthere is no conversation!! I forgot how scary those first few seconds are!! The G-forces and that first loop are unbelievable! Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!! But, great of course and when we got back in Janas thumbs up and huge grin told the storyshe loved it!!
We got in standby line againmaybe a 10 minute wait. At this point, we are all loving this off-season visiting and the small crowds!! Holly and Emily asked to ride headlightsthey got in the front car no problem. This time, the music went out after the first loop. It was really bizarre to ride on it with no music. Actually, it was almost scarierthat music just gets you going, and you don't really think about it--but when its not there, all you hear is the grind of the car against the tracks.
It was not yet time for FP, and the standby line was short, so we went again!! The CM winked at us this time and DIDNT measure Janahe said, I remembered her this time!. This time, we had music againmuch better!!When we got out this time, our hour for our FPs had started, so we could get FPs again. After 3 ridesJana said she was done. So, she and I headed to Playhouse Disney and left the girls and Russ with 10 FPs all together. They were psyched. We got to Playhouse Disney, what a line!! I prepared Jana for the possibility of not getting in on this show. She said OK, and luckily, we got in. They really pack in the people!! This was cute, but I was glad to get up off the floor when it was over. This is tough for old bones!!
She and I walked over to Millionaire. We got FPs for the next show. She wanted to get a souvenir from Playhouse Disney, but we had to meet Russ. So, we headed to the sorcerers hat and saw a ton of characters. Jana was sooo excited, but unfortunately, Russ had the backpack with the autograph book and camera. Jana was bummed. On top of that, they were 20 minute late. We were not a happy greeting committee.
Jana grabbed the autograph book and I grabbed the camera and we got Cruella at least. She was most disappointed to miss Donald the Duck who left while we were waiting. A lesson--you never know when a character will show up--if you separate--take the autograph book and camera with you!!We headed to Millionaire game. This was so fun!! It really is like the real showlights, music, etc. I did feel sorry for the first guy. The question was What is the name of our national anthem?. He had to ask the audience to help him with ithe was a little embarrassed. He shouldn't have been--it's a lot pressure I imagine! I almost didnt want to answer the fastest finger questions because I could just picture me getting in the hot seat and embarrassing myself!!
All in allwhat a fun attraction. We decided to see it again before our trip was done. We loved Muppets 3-D the last time, so we headed there for a repeat. Just as cute as I rememberedI just would like to skip the pre-show. We were heading to Honey I Shrunk Playground when we went by Star Tours and there was a 20 minute wait. Holly and Emily decided to do that and Russ, Jana, and I headed for a snack. After their ride and our snack, we decided to pick a spot for the parade. I must applaud MGM for strategically placing benches along the parade route. This is so nice to wait on the benches. The girls started to complain about the sun shining so hot on us. I reminded them that at home it is probably 20-some degrees and their friends were in school...that ended that complaining. I thought the sun felt fantastic!!
The girls got ice cream and we waited. This parade was awesome!! I loved the characters and theming, Russ loved the cars! The girls just plain loved it. It was detailed, energetic and all around fun. We headed to the entrancewe wanted to get to Spectromagic tonight at MK. The girls were frustratedthey felt like we hadnt gotten much done at MGM today. However, they spent 2 ½ hours riding RnR non-stop and everything at MGM takes a half hour or more--there's no "let's do this quick" attractions, so the time did fly. MGM is not a one-day park.
We got to MK via TTC and monorail. We went to Toontown since that was the only area we missed yesterday. We toured Mickey and Minnies house such a fun, cute attraction
The girls did Barnstormer. We jumped on the RRnice ride around to Frontierland to see if we could get our platform seats for the parade again. We did and settled in to save our spots. Russ took the girls to get food. They got food from Pecos Billsdelicious turkey wrap sandwich and hot dogs/burgers for the girls. We tried a turkey leg for the first time ever!! Emily was totally grossed out by the sight of it and we of course teased her mercilessly about it. It tasted like ham, I thought. I liked it, but couldnt finish itwas just too much. While I saved our spot, the girls headed to Aladdin Carpets for another ride. They came back quickly which was good because people were crowding in. Holly wanted light-up pink mickey earssilly things, but she was happy. Jana got a light up/fiberoptic Minnie. Emily decided to save her allotment for another day. We also tried a churroyum!! Like a cinnamon-sugar breadstick/pastry.
The parade started. This was beautiful. I missed the crazy, zany music of the old Electric Light Parade-there is no comparison, but the floats were unique, detailed and just awesome. My favorite was the carousel and the peacock. We walked toward the entrance and just found a spot in the middle of Main Street to stand for the fireworks and we could see the speck of Tinkerbells flightthis is so magical. Jana thinks that would be a really scary job and wondered how anyone could learn to do thatoh the magic!!
The fireworks were really good. The summer we were here before, we were definitely unimpressed with the fireworks but this time there were lots of really pretty displays and we enjoyed them. We zipped back to the entrance to catch the bus. The girls wanted to swim after we got back.
It was chilly, but the water was warm. You could see the steam rising from their heads. I was freezing sitting outside the poolbrrrr! However, I warmed up some when I heard someone from Ohio talking about the fact that they left earlier that day before the predicted snow hit. Tee-hee, we got sunburnt today and theres snow at home!!
Shower and to bedChef Mickeys and Animal Kingdom tomorrow!!
