The Wilderness Must Be Explored (for 15 days!)- A Mother/Daughter Trip! NEW 3/6

[BigData]

You have to finish this trip report before you start the next PTR!

 

[dtr_angel]

so if mom got an AP, does that mean more trips... can't wait to hear more about this trip and future trips!

 

[Minnie Momma]

If you look at my little Happy Duck's signature you will see a new ticker. Yup.

BigData has decided he wants to go to Disney since he is surrounded by WDW loving friends and family. He just can't seem to escape! (insert evil laugh) We are going in March with the whole family! (Before Lauren's AP expires... )​

 

[Happy Duck]

so if mom got an AP, does that mean more trips... can't wait to hear more about this trip and future trips!

It definitely made more sense to get her an AP because we were there for 15 days. Anytime you are going for more than 11 days, it makes sense to get the AP...unless you don't plan on going to the parks everyday. And that's just plain silly!

So we originally got her an AP just because of the trip itself....didn't know it was going to lead to a whole new adventure!

 

[dtr_angel]

It definitely made more sense to get her an AP because we were there for 15 days. Anytime you are going for more than 11 days, it makes sense to get the AP...unless you don't plan on going to the parks everyday. And that's just plain silly!

So we originally got her an AP just because of the trip itself....didn't know it was going to lead to a whole new adventure!

I didn't even think of that! That's awesome you get to go again!!

 

[Happy Duck]

Good Morning, Good Morning!

Why, hello!

I was so very, very happy to finally see this show! We had watched it so many times on video,but to see it live on this much anticipated adventure was pure magical joy!​

This show is so great. I think that it is so carefully crafted. Notice that the Disney characters do not enter right away. The first part of the show is all about taking you back to small town Main Street, and then you get into the Fantasy part of the show. You're entering another world!

I can only imagine the auditions for these performers -- #1 prerequisite is to be a "morning person"!​

HI MICKEY!!!

Awww... shucks -- you didn't have to wear your sparkly tux just for ME!​

It's Peter Pan!!!! (and Wendy)

So nice to see Marie the Kitty standing next to Pluto the Puppy -- and they're not chasing each other around!​

Look at everyone!!!!!!

Evil Stepmother cracks me up ​

Anastasia, you're really not that fabulous. Sorry. And your mother looks thrilled to be surrounded by so much happiness.

After counting down and officially being welcomed to the Magic Kingdom we skipped on into Town Square!

Our first stop was the Town Square Theater to get our PhotoPass+ card! We had to wait in a short line, but it wasn't too bad. The CM actually gave the "pitch" to three groups at once to expedite things, which was great. Why have each party come up individually when you can get everyone on their way even faster?

On the way out, we stopped for a picture with Goofy! He didn't talk to us though

We have a great picture from my very first trip: my brother, sister, and I are all sitting on the bench. Bryan heard Goofy speaking and has his head turned in such amazement and surprise. I, on the other hand, am blissfully unaware, holding my sister, and being amazed at everything around me!

I wonder if Goofy talks these days..... He was not a good conversationalist this trip...​

It didn't take long before we were off towards Main Street.

LOOK!!!!! THERE IS A CASTLE!!!!

Looking through the PP pictures.....I think Mama had a little fun

Well she does..... I think..... Maybe..... Could be..... I CERTAINLY HOPE SO!​

Mama is so happy!

Really loving this picture (but it reminded me that we didn't take a picture of our shadows wearing the Mickey ears... next trip!)​

Time for an infinite number of castle pictures.....

You're not mad, are you?

Apparently, it's 9:10!

I kept trying to figure out how the projections are so crystal clear on the castle for Celebrate the Magic.... I think these are more for regular strobe lights, but you never know. I'm always trying to figure out how things work!

Hello, everyone! Welcome to my kingdom.

I have NEVER seen this fountain in person before. LOVE!!!!!

I didn't know this existed on our trip in January 2012. After we found the DIS boards a whole new world was opened in front of our eyes!​

Awwww! Gus Gus!!!

LOVE HIM!!!!!​

We stopped off and picked up FPs for Little Mermaid AND Peter Pan.

Yes. This is where my semi-unethical park touring will come into play. Yes, I knew that I could use both my AP and room key for FPs. And yes, I took full advantage of it. It would be the one and only trip that this could ever take place, so I thought that we would live it up while we could!

We headed toward Frontierland, via Rapunzel bathrooms!

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[Happy Duck]

Off to Fantasy and the Frontier

I know they are bathrooms, but it is so cool! Plus, I love the background music they play here.

This was me dancing in the middle of the Magic Kingdom. Yay happiness!!!

Me thinks someone is happy to have found the ladies room....​

Pretty!

Only in WDW can you want to take pictures of a rest room area. Is it wrong to say that it is beautiful?​

Every detail. Even down to the buckle on the armor.

Frying Pans --- who knew?!?!?!?!?​

Maximus was here.

Sure, this is probably the reason why bathrooms took forever to build...but it is so neat!

Anyone for some fake fruit?

It's all about the details! You really do feel like you're in the town!​

After thoroughly enjoying the bathrooms, we headed on to Big Thunder Mountain!!! I LOVE THIS RIDE! I don't think I even realized my insane love for this ride until this trip.

There was a 10 minute wait posted, but we basically walked on.

This is where Mama's problem with the gates began. Apparently she was taking my picture getting into the ride:

Uh oh -- they apparently don't really care that you want to get just the right shot.​

and at that moment, the gate started to close on her! Move along, Mama!

I didn't move quick enough and I had the bruise to prove it!​

I can dance at the bathrooms but not on a rollercoaster? Come on, Disney!

Kissy people were in front of us. Other than that, the ride was just amazing.

Nope. Not happy at all.

She's escaping! (I would too)

What was she doing? No idea we had gotten this picture. Too funny!​

Even though we danced while on the ride, we made it back safely.

Just in time, because we had another mountain to get to!!!

Don't worry BTMR -- you can't get rid of us that easily. WE WILL be BACK!!!!​

My all time favorite kind of rides at amusement parks was always a log flume. For some reason I was never as scared at the big drops if I was landing in water.... (rollercoasters were a no go back then -- silly me didn't know what I was missing!)​

​

While in line, I remembered to take one of the most beautiful pictures ever.

Don't get into trouble, now, ya hear?

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who is telling whom not to get in trouble? I don't know whatever you could be talking about..... just because some mommas have trouble listening to directions.......​

We got to use our PP+ card for the first time! It was super easy. The longest part of the whole process is just waiting in line to get the picture. And remembering the number. That's always an issue for me!

Classic ride picture.

We headed away from the mountains towards Liberty Square. Along the way, we saw the cast members from Pecos Bill singing a welcome song! Did you know that they sing a song to welcome you for lunch? It's super cute! We clapped along as we walked. But we certainly weren't going to waste prime ride time for food just yet

We walked through the doors of the Haunted Mansion and basically headed straight for the dead center of the room. I waited until everyone had left the room so that I was in the dead center all by myself. It was cool.

Ummm.... hello? Remember me? You weren't all by yourself. (silly little Duckie)​

A little tip. We've found that if you just wait for everyone to push past you, it is a much more enjoyable experience getting on the ride. It's not like it increases your wait by that much to be at the end of the throng, and you get the chance to really look at all of the details around you.

Incredible little details that we usually miss as we are pushed through onto the ride. Amazing woodwork --- and it is so hard to see all of it in the dark, but by golly, WDW does it again!​

After Haunted Mansion, it was time for Peter Pan! There was a posted 50 minute wait. Thank you Fastpass!

Now, I think this ride is cute. And it is classic. But I would never wait 50 minutes for it. If I can ride it with FP once or twice, I will, but it is certainly not a necessary stop for me.

However, our next adventure has now become a "must" for me....

Any guesses? IASW would not be correct.... just sayin'​

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[KBrown88]

What a fun time! I love the relationship you two have as mother and daughter! Can't wait to read more!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[Happy Duck]

Mama has added her thoughts to the last 2 updates!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahh, the stepsisters are totally fabulous to me!!

Castle photos are always acceptable!!

Don't quote me on this, but I "think" the lights you photographed might be for the colors on the castle and the projestors for the castle show are on the main street buildings? Maybe?

Ahh, you know I've heard about all the various means to get FP's. It never occurred to me to try it last April when I had an AP and KTTW card. DARN!!

 

[Happy Duck]

What a fun time! I love the relationship you two have as mother and daughter! Can't wait to read more!

Awwww, thanks! We're quite a crazy pair, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Great update!

Thanks!

Ahh, the stepsisters are totally fabulous to me!!

Castle photos are always acceptable!!

Don't quote me on this, but I "think" the lights you photographed might be for the colors on the castle and the projestors for the castle show are on the main street buildings? Maybe?

Ahh, you know I've heard about all the various means to get FP's. It never occurred to me to try it last April when I had an AP and KTTW card. DARN!!

I think it would be quite fun to be friends with a stepsister. Crazy improv all of the time!

I only posted a very small percentage....one can never have enough castle pictures!

It's a mystery that I must solve!!

I know that not everyone agrees with "double dipping".....but it was amazing! And remember, I eventually held 3 different KTTW cards along with my AP.....................

 

[emilyindisney]

The guy in the front of your Splash picture looks like he's going to cry, hahaha!

Playing a little catch up here-

I love all your AoA pictures! It makes me want to be back so badly! I agree with you that I'd definitely want to stay in the Cars section next time. Everything was almost perfectly lifesize which was really fun to walk through.

Yay! Magic Kingdom! Isn't it so magical to start your first day with a view of the castle?!

 

[DisneyJo]

You both look like you have so much fun :

I absolutely love the MK opening ceremony, it makes me tear up everytime so I'm so pleased you saw it

Such a cute photo of Gus and I agree thanks to the DIS I've seen so many hidden treasures I never knew about

 

[Happy Duck]

The guy in the front of your Splash picture looks like he's going to cry, hahaha!

Playing a little catch up here-

I love all your AoA pictures! It makes me want to be back so badly! I agree with you that I'd definitely want to stay in the Cars section next time. Everything was almost perfectly lifesize which was really fun to walk through.

Yay! Magic Kingdom! Isn't it so magical to start your first day with a view of the castle?!

I never noticed that! LOL I'm too busy looking at the awesomeness of ourselves. haha. For once we put our hands up and didn't cover our faces! WIN

I really wish Mater would talk....that would be so fun!

My first full day in Disney must start at Magic Kingdom. I know it's busy and I know that everyone else has the same idea, but it doesn't matter. Standing in front of the castle is one of the most magical moments of the trip!

You both look like you have so much fun :

I absolutely love the MK opening ceremony, it makes me tear up everytime so I'm so pleased you saw it

Such a cute photo of Gus and I agree thanks to the DIS I've seen so many hidden treasures I never knew about

Lots of fun!

I usually don't tear up, but I do stare in awe with a huge grin on my face!!!

Mama's favorite mouse is Gus Gus. She was so happy to find him! Have you ever been to Cindy's and found the mice in the waiting area??

 

[Minnie Momma]

Mama's favorite mouse is Gus Gus. She was so happy to find him! Have you ever been to Cindy's and found the mice in the waiting area??

Just a little clarification here: my favorite CINDERELLA mouse is Gus Gus. But please, oh please, don't make me choose between Mickey and Minnie!


And while getting your picture taken with Cinderella at her Royal Table you can find Gus Gus and Jack up in one of the corners of the ceiling. LOVE the theme of that entire restaurant -- knights and stained glass and the seating and if ever so lucky, the view!

 

[Happy Duck]

Be Our Guest!

I'm back in New Fantasyland!!!

And I get to finally see it in person!!!​

It was time for me to return to one of my new favorite rides: Under the Sea! I know that this is JUST a dark ride, but it is an AWESOME dark ride. The Under the Sea scene is so happy, colorful, and joyous!! I love the music, the characters.....everything!!!

We didn't stop along the way for pictures because we were at the very edge of our FP return time. When we were off the ride, it was time for Be Our Guest!

Welcome to France! AKA home of Le Fou's Brew AKA apple amazingness

Just passing through on our way to the Food ala France....​

...where Beasts ROAR!

I had been lucky enough to book a FP+ for lunch the week before, so we didn't have to wait in the long line!

Very official looking.

I was trying to get as many details as possible. There is so much to look at and so little time!!!​

How can I get this for my room?

We went straight into the ordering room. It was slightly confusing, only because we wanted parts of meals. We weren't each getting our own full meal. We were sharing an entree (the roast beef sandwich) but each getting soup, and sharing a dessert. We figured it out eventually!

There are CMs there waiting to assist --- but "some people" want to do it all on their own. ​

I can see how the line forms because even someone who understands most tech still needs to have a learning curve on a new program. It may take an extra 2 minutes, but those 2 minutes translates to longer lines.

We decided to eat in the ballroom. I can't believe it!!! I was in the Beast's ballroom!!!!!!

Walking into the ballroom and seeing it for the very first time is unlike any other experience. you really do feel like you are walking onto the screen. The Imagineers really outdid themselves!​

Here was our meal:

I think it was the perfect amount of food. We shared the absolutely fabulous sandwich. Seriously, I loved it. It was so tender and the bread was delicious. The soup was good. It was very cheesy, but wasn't anything that I couldn't get elsewhere. Fries were your typical french fries. The cupcake was another story. I'm a cupcake convert. It was incredible! So light and yet rich. Yummmmmmmmmm. I think I almost went back to order another one!

The princesses are here!

I really this picture! My buddy and me!​

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[Happy Duck]

Be Our Guest (part 2)

Of course, we needed to take a tour of our new home.

Sweet!

Spooky!

It was very hard to take pictures in the West Wing because it was so dark. But I did notice some really great details. A tall candelabra had "tipped over" against a wall and the wallpaper looked like it was "torn" off the wall perfectly. They consider everything!

More details.....

It took a few tries and a few camera settings, but we finally got a picture of the magical rose!

Lots of people were taking pics around the restaurant so I didn't feel weird doing this. The west wing is dark and staying true to the movie. The main ballroom and the library are much lighter so it is easier to take pictures.​

Trying desperately to get a picture of the snow falling outside of the window.

If anyone has any luck getting the snow on film, please share your technique!​

Remember that chandelier from the entrance that I wanted....can I have this one instead????

Ummmm.... I don't think it would fit in your room, or down the stairs, or in the foyer or even through the front door for that matter! But you can keep on dreaming.....​

Candelabra

Be careful of the dripping wax!​

The most perfect window.

We actually had to wait in line to get this picture!!

Someone tell me....what kind of animal is this???

It looks like a cross between a Bighorn Sheep and a Lion. What shall we call it? A Sheep Horned Lion? A Shion? A Lion Horned Sheep?​

I feel bad for these little guys. They look so sad!

Well why didn't you give them a hug? According to the movie they are just cherubs underneath that evil magic!​

I see Maurice's cottage!!

One of my castles from a distance...

You can have this "little one" I guess..... Cinderella's Castle is MINE!​

Gaston's fountain. Graciously given by Gaston himself.

I use antlers in all of my DEEEEcorating.

The smarmy sleezeball himself.

We didn't feel the need to stand in line for a picture -- he just does nothing for us. Such an icky dude -- so we just did a Snap-N-Run. ​

It's really hard deciding on which castle I want to stay in each night. I have so many to choose from!

This picture just makes me so happy! We bought the new edition of The Little Mermaid when it came out recently and watched it with happy little grins. Singing along and saying the lines..... family movie night rocks!​

Ariel!!!!

It was time to move on to other sections of New Fantasyland. Time for some fun at the circus!!!

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[DisneyKid4Life]

I agree Lauren. Little Mermaid is exactly what it needs to be... No more, no less.

How have I not seen the inside of Be Our Guest yet? That sandwich does looks delish!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update! Great pics!