The "We have one whole year to wait" Now a Trip Report

[Laura.bora]

We played in Donald's Boat for a few minutes. It was more of a someone is in timeout, so we need to stop and wait - oh look a boat, go play.

 

[Laura.bora]

After the time out was over, we headed to the Toontown Train Station to catch the train to the Expo Center. Time for our pictures!! I'm missing the pictures of train ride over too. Hoping I find them.

(at some point during the day, I grabbed pictures of us near the Rose Gardens, but I can't remember where this fell in our day. Somewhere after princesses, but before Expo hall!)

It was REALLY bright out and hard too look at the camera.

We made our way to the Expo center and waited our turn. We killed time by taking photo's of the kids.

I knew from the Dis and TGM that the Expo Center photo shoot is FREE! So since we had bought the photopass, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to get our family pictures done along with Ainsley's Bippidy Boppidy Boutique photo's!

Ok - so all my family photos seem to be missing too - but I have those on disk, so I'll download them again. I forgot to take my sunglasses off my head, and Nathaniel has his spikey hair which he hates, so they weren't any good really, but next time, I think we'll take pictures everytime we are in the Magic Kingdom since it is free. With my matching outfits, we should have some nice pictures.

After the photo shoot, the kids discovered the photo cutouts. You know we needed to grab a few pictures!

No movies were playing today, so on we went! Back to the train to head to Frontier Land.

 

[Laura.bora]

We rode Astro Orbitor for 3 rides in a row before another family even made it on. We were all alone for that time, which was cool. A family got on with us, and we went around again, but by the fourth time of spinning around in cirles, holding on for dear life, I had had enough! Circular motions don't agree with me! We got out and sat in front of Buzz Lightyear to wait for Ken. Ken finally came and he was not so sure he liked Space Mountain. He didn't like the feeling of being in the dark and not being able to see where you are going. He had fast passes for them, but he wasn't so sure he was going to use them. We were all together now, so it was time for Buzz Lightyear! We had heard a lot about this ride, so we were excited!

The wait time listed was 5 minutes, but we walked right on. We had a great time! It was a lot of fun!

Nathaniel making his "I'm angry because I'm in prison" face/

We went on this a few times in a row - 3 I think. All walk on! I love MiKE. There were countless times during our trip when we were so happy to have signed up for this service!

We weren't sure what the line on Indy Speedway would be, but when we wandered by, we saw it was walk-on and so Ken took Nathaniel on since he was the only one tall enough to go....I think that it was during this time that I actually grabbed FP for Space Mountain as per the plan but I'm not sure...I can't remember what Ainsley Ephraim and I were doing.

 

[Laura.bora]

Ken and NAthaniel loved the Indy Speedway - and Nathaniel got his "drivers licence". He was very excited about that.

Next up was the tea cups because we hadn't visited them before. Ephraim and I sat those out. He wasn't allowed on and I wasn't about to get on another ride that spun round and round so soon after Astro! (also known as the Rockets of Imending Doom ) You could hear the kids giggling the whole time as Ken whipped them round and round at lightning speed. yup - glad we didn't go. When we got off the tea cups, we spotted Alice, so we stopped by to say hello!

 

[Laura.bora]

We still had the parent swap pass for Splash Mountain and we had remembered the ponchos this time, so I convinced NAthaniel to ride Splash with me. Nathaniel HATES water to get anywhere near his face, so I convinced him that with the poncho, he'd be fine.

We went on, and he was a brave soul, but he DID NOT like it. Even with the poncho to keep him dry, which it did, the anxiety over what if I get water on me was too much for him. Never again he said. well - at least until I'm older. That's my boy!!

Ken hadn't had a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - and since that was hands down Nathaniels favorite ride, we grabbed a fastpass to ride later. It was then that we saw Donald Duck as Davey Crockett - Nathaniel just HAD to grab a picture for his best friend Jameson who is a Davey Crockett fan.

 

[Laura.bora]

Before we knew it it was time for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We walked down together to grab the parent swap and then Ainsley Ephraim and I played on the playground.

 

[Laura.bora]

The morning flew by and before we knew it, lunch time was here. We decided to try out Columbia Harbor House. We sat on the 2nd floor by the window and yet agaiin - MiKE was right on with his least crowded days!

This picture is just before noon on a "green Day"

You can see Fantasyland is just starting to fill up - but we zigged when they zagged - so it's all alright!

Colombia Harbor House was a great choice for a meal! It was quiet, food was good - we'll be stopping here again!

 

[Laura.bora]

After lunch we went to go use some of our FP's in Fantasyland we picked up during the day. I can't quite remember which rides we rode, but most likely Peter Pan, Pooh and Mickey's Philharmagic. Now, we kept track of when our Fastpass window opened by the alarm on the cell phone. The alarm went off and for the first time during our whole vacation, Ken actually looked at what I had typed and asked "what's a fart pass??" Turns out the phone thought it was more likely I wrote the word fart instead of fast....it knows me so well!

We had gone on It's a Small World earlier and it was walk on - glad we followed MiKE's plan, because otherwise, we'd be on line for this long

 

[Laura.bora]

When we walked from Colombia Harbor house to Fantasyland, we came across what I'm assuming was the Keys to the Kingdom tour. And who did Nathaniel spot but Peter Pan and Wendy!!! We asked a cast member if there was anywhere else we could see Peter Pan and Wendy since this was a private viewing for people on the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Sure enough - there was! We found out what time they'd be there and after using our Fastpasses, we wandered over to Adventureland to see Peter Pan and Wendy! As we came closer, we saw Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. We still had about a half an hour wait before Peter and Wendy showed up, so we stopped to say hello.

Ainsley wasn't so sure she wanted to go.

Do you think Ainsley could lean any further back to get away from them but still be near them??

After waiting in line we were HOT - and so we decided it was time for a Mickey Bar and a dole whip! Yumm!

We waited patiently on the bench and we were all ready when they came out!

The kids were THRILLED that they got to meet their favorite characters!!

As we finished it started to rain, we decided since we were right there, we'd take a ride on Pirates of the Caribean. It was a nice air conditioned ride - and best of all - WALK ON!

It was still raining when we came off our ride, so we donned our ponchos, and waited for a lull in the rain and headed back for a break in the pool before heading back for a few hours before they closed MK for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

 

[Laura.bora]

After a rest in the hotel and a bath for Ainsley (it took FOREVER to get all that gel out of her hair, and it took weeks for the sparkles to come out) we were back at the MAgic Kingdom. There wouldn't be any nighttime entertainment at the parks, but we still had a few hours to enjoy the rides and then we decided that we would go to Fort Wilderness to enjoy the campfire as long as the weather held out.

A nice boat ride over and we were back again!

We went over to Space mountain just to see if Nathaniel could ride. If he could, then NAthaniel and I were going to ride together - but it was not to be - he was too short. We should have gone when his hair was spikey. He would have been tall enough then!

We decided to go on Buzz lightyear next. After that, we went on the people mover. It's not called that anymore - but that's what I call it!

You can see how empty the park still is.

Rockets of Impending Doom

The Red path

Great time on the people mover. Nice and relaxing.

 

[Laura.bora]

We wandered around fantasyland next grabbing and useing Fastpasses - I know we rode Pooh and Peter Pan a lot - we rode Small world because it was walk on. Same with the carousel. Most of Fantasyland was walk on! We saw the sword in the stone and took our turns trying to pull it out!

 

[Laura.bora]

Next up we decided to go watch Mickey's Philharmagic one last time.

This was by far our favorite 3D movie.

After that, it was a few minutes before the park would be closing for the party, so we decided to go back to Tomorrowland and try Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. This was HILARIOUS. It was along the same lines of Turtle Talk - interactive, tons of jokes. We loved it. Ken was crying he was laughing so hard!

When we wandered out towards Main Street - they were already getting ready for the Halloween parade. People were lining up along Main Street, spooky music was playing. We don't celebrate Halloween, but the themeing Disney had was amazing. It was while walking down Main Street all decked out for Halloween that Ken and I decided that the next time we come back will be for Christmas. We want to see Disney decked out for Christmas!

It was just past 7:30 when we strolled out of the park.

Ken didn't think we would make it over to the campfire, so we left Nathaniel with the decision, did he want to go night swimming or did he want to try and make it over. He wanted to try for the campfire and so we did and we made it! We were a little late, but we were there for a majority of the songs. He sang some Disney classics, some country classics made a few jokes. We had a great time - we did miss Chip and Dale. The singing was over, and the movie started, and so we packed up to head home for the night. It was almost 9:30. Nathaniel started to cry hysterically. He thought we were going to stay for the movie. That was what he was looking foward to and he begged and pleaded to stay, but Ken was firm that we needed to head home. We had a long day ahead of us tomorrow. We promised him that next time we'd stay for the fire AND the movie. That didn't really help and he cried all the way home. He kept appologizing for crying but said he couldn't help it, he was just so sad. I knew it was the smarter move to go home and get some sleep -but I really wanted to let him stay!!

 

[cjackearl]

Wow, you've been busy updating,girl! Let's see, once again your fam is darling.(pretend there's a boy one too)

I'm looking forward to the yummy looking tuna sandwhich at CHH. What did you guys like?

Could you get your pictures together, girl, I NEEDS to see them.

What's the Red Path? Is it a TGM thing I haven't come across yet?

FART PASSES?! Too funny! That is so something I would do, and NEVER live it down.

You should definitely fram that pic of Nathaniel and Ainsley with PP and Wendy.

Ok, I think I'm done.

 

[Laura.bora]

And once again - Thank you! I think my family is pretty darling too! Ken got the Tuna Sandwhich and really enjoyed it - which is saying a lot because he's REALLY picky about fish. I had Chicken Fingers - they were my staple food in DW. I love Chicken Fingers!

I think I posted all the photos I was missing, right?? Was I missing smething?

And as soon as I find a frame that will look nice in their room, the Peter Pan and Wendy picture is going on their wall in their Peter Pan room!

Ok - off to do more updating.

 

[Laura.bora]

Day 9 - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Much like Animal Kingdom, there was no way around taking the bus. Bummer. We hated the bus. We were spoiled by the beautiful boat ride every morning for MK and Epcot. We were down at the bus stop at 7:57 and we were on the bus by 8:01 - and moving by 8:02! We were the ONLY ones at the bus stop!

We made it to DHS by 8:20. This bus driver REALLY liked the gas and didn't like to use the brakes until the last possible minute which would send us flying - and the kids LOVED it. The park was pretty empty when we arrived because we were so early!

The very first Mickey we spotted that day:

As you can see, not too crowded at the turnstyles

They let us through the turnstyles and I ran ahead to secure us a spot right up against the ropes.

Walking to the rope

Up against the rope!

It was very cool to be right up against the ropes and have NO ONE in the picture!

Soon the park opening ceremony was starting and the crazy director and his foolish assistant were instructing us on what we as the crowd needed to do in order to star in his movie. It was fun to be at the rope, but this was our least favorite park opening. No characters means no fun in my book. Sorry. Bring out Mickey and I'd like it a lot better.

 

[Laura.bora]

While at the rope drop, one of the attendants asked Nathaniel if he was planning on riding Toy Story Midway Mania. OF COURSE! I took that time to make sure that they still used the parent swap pass since Ephraim was too little to go on. I had heard conflicting reports on the DIS if they offered the parent swap or not. Turns out they don't because they changed the height requirement - Ephraim can ride with us now! That will make things much easier. Now that Ephraim could ride, there would be a quick changes of plans. Ken would run and get the Fastpasses while I took the kids to the enterance of Toy Story Midway Mania, we'd meet up there and ride.

Once they let down the rope, it was a STAMPEDE to TSMM!! People were running, jumping over plants and benches, mowing people down with strollers, all so they could get there first. It was crazy!! Once I saw the craziness of everyone going, I told Ken to "walk with a purpose" to the Fastpass machine, we'd meet up at the entrance. Ken ran ahead and when the kids and I passed him a minute or so later, he was still waiting on line for a Fast Pass. Crazy! We parked the stroller got everyone out, Ken met up with us, and in we went for the first ride of the day.

The queue area was very cool. Once again, I LOVE how Disney pays attention to the detail! The ceiling was a scrabble board, with the monkey's in a barrel hanging from the ceiling.

NAthaniel was excited to see a giant Tinker Toy set that looked just like his.

They even had fingerprints in the finger paint!!

Nathaniel pretending he's locked in jail and he cannot see his Mamma again.

Tinker toys and Christmas lights

I tried to grab a picture of Ken and Nathaniel's first ride, but my camera was too slow. Instead, if you look carefully, you can see Ken's nose peeking out of the car. All in all, we waited about 10 minutes to ride.

I rode with Ainsley and Ephraim. This ride was awesome. It's in 3D and you compete against the person next to you with a cannon that shoots images in 3D. There were games like pie throwing, popping balloons with darts, ring toss, shooting the ducks. Basically carnival games, but in 3D and it tosses you around in the car as you play. Very fun.

We finished TSMM around 9:45. It was a crazy start to the morning with the stampede, but worth it because it was Nathaniel's favorite ride so far - and that's saying a lot, because he made us ride Peter Pan a million times! When we passed the FP machine after our ride, this is what we saw:

In 45 minutes, the return time jumped from 9:45 to 4:05. Crazy. Just Crazy!

 

[Laura.bora]

Hi all, this is Ken. I'm reading the new updates to the TR and I just want everyone to notice how my wife makes sure she looks AMAZING in EVERY picture and somehow I happen to look like an idiot! Notice the one where I'm sticking my tongue out, dazed and confused, and my personal favorite, my nose sticking out of the TSMM car, like I'm Jimmmy Durante or something. Hope everyone finds this as amusing as I do

 

[Laura.bora]

Hi all, this is Ken. I'm reading the new updates to the TR and I just want everyone to notice how my wife makes sure she looks AMAZING in EVERY picture and somehow I happen to look like an idiot! Notice the one where I'm sticking my tongue out, dazed and confused, and my personal favorite, my nose sticking out of the TSMM car, like I'm Jimmmy Durante or something. Hope everyone finds this as amusing as I do

Oh my darling - you DO have a jimmy Durante nose! And you are forever sticking your tongue out looking for stray mustache hairs! But I love you anyway!

 

[cjackearl]

Jimmy Durante?!Ok, now I'm forever going to have Frosty the Snowman going through my head when I see pictures of Ken.

And sorry Ken, it's the perogative of the poster to post only good postings of themselves while the postee (that's you) has to deal with whatever posts said poster posts.

 

[cjackearl]

Hello long lost Dis friend! Just wanted to wish you and your family a very blessed Resurection Day!