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

[Happy Duck]

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!

One of my other favorite parts is actually going "under the sea". I know it's a simple effect, but the whoosh of cold air is very neat!

Great update! Great pics!

Thanks!!!

 

[Happy Duck]

Mama added her tidbits of info

 

[dtr_angel]

great updates! I loved Be Our Guest! I had to share my amazing cupcake with my son, lol.

 

[DisneyJo]

Have you ever been to Cindy's and found the mice in the waiting area??

Yes, so cute! Just a plug as we're talking about the Castle have you read my TR in my signature? It's the UK one so still open for comments hint hint

I love your photo tour of BoG there are so many amazing details and your food looked great too

 

[Happy Duck]

great updates! I loved Be Our Guest! I had to share my amazing cupcake with my son, lol.

Next time, maybe he'll be big enough so you can each have your own LOL

Yes, so cute! Just a plug as we're talking about the Castle have you read my TR in my signature? It's the UK one so still open for comments hint hint

I love your photo tour of BoG there are so many amazing details and your food looked great too

I think I did read yours...way back when I was a newbie dis-er. It was awesome!

Seriously, how do Imagineers do it???? I know it stinks waiting forever just for a restaurant, but you just can' do that in a few months! And the food was SO GOOD. Seriously one of the best roast beef sandwiches I've ever had.

 

[Minnie Momma]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!!!​

So what do you think Happy Duck? Shall we give the readers a treat or a trick ?!?!?!?​

 

[princessnpirate]

I am really enjoying your trip report! Thanks.

 

[Happy Duck]

Fun at the Circus!

***Sorry I've been away for a couple of weeks. I hope this update gives you a little something to read and I hope to be updating more often over the next few weeks. Make sure to wish MinnieMomma a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!***

Awwww.... thanks Duckie! 24 years and going strong!​

It is time for STORYBOOK CIRCUS!

Why is it that when I see this name I hear "circus music" in my head? (giggles)​

This area of New Fantasyland is so different than the rest. I freely admit that I was apprehensive about the whole idea at first. It just didn't seem to fit in, but now that I see it, it is an area of pure FUN! Plus, I think that the transition from classic Fantasyland to Storybook Circus is long enough that it is not jarring in any way.

The fun started immediately! As we were walking towards the circus, we stumbled on a clown show!

The whole show, the clowns were trying to solve a very serious problem. They were trying to contain a very dangerous item. A banana. That's right. I was mere FEET away from a banana... and I SURVIVED!

Whew. Plus, Mama was saluted by a clown. Have I been living with the secret captain of the clowns?????

Captain? Really? I never thought I'd made it past Private! Yup, I was saluted. The sun was bright so I had my hand up to shade my eyes and that was enough to make me part of the show. Those clowns don't miss a trick!​

We headed over into the Big Top for some SHOPPING! This has become one of my favorite stores. First of all, it is HUGE. There is just so much space and there is so much too look at. Plus, it has some of the best theme-ing of a store that I have ever seen. You really feel like you are under the big top.

Really Disney? Having a roof designed like a tent just wasn't enough -- trapeze and hoops and that ladder thingy. Two thumbs up!​

I FINALLY bought myself some Minnie Mouse ears! Don't I look so cute??

WALL OF MINNIE.

The one in the middle is leaning forward precariously --No Minnie! Don't do it! Don't jump! You have so much to live for!!!!!!​

I believe! I believe!

Conductor Mickey is so adorable!

Why exactly did he not come home? Was he in the middle of a symphony? I shoulda' grabbed that baton and directed him to the check out counter...

.​

This is probably the cutest chocolate bar ever!

How in the world did I miss the perfect souvenir for my co-workers at the bank? I took a picture of it but didn't buy it. (Smacks myself in the head)​

Let's be honest. This is one of my favorite sections in this store.

The Dumbo cupcakes are cute, but I don't think the cupcake part would be all that special. It's really just the chocolate Dumbo placed on top. Now, give me one of those apples any day.

And for the record, no, we didn't get any treats. We were still full from lunch!

Mama saw a Dumbo shirt that she loved, but didn't purchase. Remember this for later

Possibly the cutest shirt ever!!!!! The innocence of Baby Dumbo just melts my heart. And the song Baby Mine makes me cry every time.​

After the store, we headed out to see what else the circus had to offer us.

Of course, I had to check out the musical instrument.

Super cute.

Perfect place to cool off on a hot day ---- or if you enjoy animal spit! ​

It was the perfect Magic Kingdom entertainment day because all of the sudden, we ran into these guys!

I have always wanted to see the Main Street Philharmonic so I was super excited!

Most of us tend to get so wrapped up in the rides that we just pass by all the various forms of entertainment. This group was so enjoyable to watch as they are very talented. And funny -- the "head guy" was be-bopping around and came toward Lauren's video camera. He looked at me and said "No clapping!" I was stunned for a second and stopped and then he just cracked a huge grin. He got me! I am such a sucker for following the rules..... (even the made up ones)​

They invited all of the audience members to sing along with "When the Saints Go Marching In". We sang loud and proud of course! Then they performed a superb arrangement of Stars and Stripes, with TWO TUBAS performing the piccolo part flawlessly. I've seen this on the internet, but never in person before, and never as a duet. It was wonderful!

Our next stop was one of Mama's favorites: The Mad Tea Party! We snagged a green tea cup and spun very fast!

I don't know what it is about those tea cups but I just love them! Such a basic ride but sooo much fun!​

We continued down towards Main Street and I visited my gal (Pocahontas) at her window. I am so glad that I can find her in Magic Kingdom. I wish I could find her there even more *hint hint Disney*

We took pictures of the cutest "advertisements" in the tunnel on the way out.

Coolest. Posters. Ever.​

And then we left the Magic Kingdom.

WHAT? WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?​

But why???????

We had to switch resorts! It was time to check-in to hotel #2: Port Orleans French Quarter!

Next Post

​

 

[Happy Duck]

I am really enjoying your trip report! Thanks.

Thanks for reading

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Happy Anniversary Minne Momma!!!!!

I do really miss Toontown (not sure exactly why, I just do), but I do like Storybook Circus. It is fun and also has my favourite CM costumes. Also, it's very rarely crowded which is always nice.

 

[Happy Duck]

Happy Anniversary Minne Momma!!!!!

I do really miss Toontown (not sure exactly why, I just do), but I do like Storybook Circus. It is fun and also has my favourite CM costumes. Also, it's very rarely crowded which is always nice.

I don't really have any frame of reference for Toontown. I was only there once, and my memory is limited to video and pictures. I wish I actually remembered being there!

Yes, the costumes are amazing and adorable! I think my favorite costumes are still Haunted Mansion though. They near perfection in my book.

Of course it's not crowded... they took all of the tourists and drafted them into the circus

 

[Minnie Momma]

Happy Anniversary Minne Momma!!!!!

I do really miss Toontown (not sure exactly why, I just do), but I do like Storybook Circus. It is fun and also has my favourite CM costumes. Also, it's very rarely crowded which is always nice.

Thanks Rob!!
Awww....ToonTown -- the kids loved exploring Mickey and Minnies house.

 

[Happy Duck]

Mama added her thoughts to the last update!

 

[DisneyJo]

I'm glad you read my TR years ago but darn I was trying to get it bumped

I love all your photos, the new area looks very cute and wow those cakes look really good

Too funny about being told not to clap, I'd totally believe him too

 

[Happy Duck]

Coming Home

We happily left the Magic Kingdom (shocking!) and found our way to the Port Orleans French Quarter bus stop!

HAPPILY left the Magic Kingdom? WHAT? Are you NUTS? ​

​

I was so excited to be heading back to French Quarter. We stayed here in Jan. 2012 and it became home to us. POFQ is small and easy to manage, the bus system is relatively predictable, and it is simple Disney elegance. It brought back so many wonderful memories and I couldn't wait to return home!

According to my journal, we were on the bus at 1:34pm!

We were checked-in via an iPad in the lobby. That was both cool and strange. Cool because we didn't have to wait in a line of any sort. Strange because we were just chilling in the middle of the lobby being checked into a hotel. But it got the job done!

It seemed more strange than anything. I didn't have a place to lean against and it just seemed kind of awkward. Perhaps we could have gone to sit in the comfy chairs near the TV? I was hoping for some kind of pixie dust but we got matter of fact service. Oh well.........​

Our room wasn't ready yet, so we headed off to the shop for some exploring. Of course I had to pin trade! I traded for PIRATE DONALD. It was the most PERFECT pin trade to start our POFQ stay!

After shopping, we went to Sassy's (our nickname for Sassagoula Floatworks Food Factory) and got our refillable resort mugs. After some chatting and refreshments, we were notified that our room was ready at 2:40pm.

We were in Building 3. Head out the back of the lobby, turn right, walk to the end of the sidewalk. Hello Building 3! (Seriously. This resort is so small, it is almost impossible to get lost.)

Our room was just as we remembered it. Simple, elegant, and very comfortable. Please enjoy some room pictures.

Mama's bed was by the door, my bed was next to the wall.

No room is complete without a towel Mickey!

Artwork!

Are there some hidden Mickeys that I am missing? This art work seems so ordinary. ​

While two sinks are not necessary, it certainly made mornings easier!

Details!

In the "Bathroom Decorating Contest", AOA wins every time. POFQ has a very nice bathroom. It is quaint. It functions. But the AOA bathroom design took me Under the Sea with Ariel. No contest.

Your basic TV Stand/Dresser/Fridge Cabinet.

The view from our window. Call me crazy, but this is definitely not a "Garden View." Unless Disney has started growing automobiles in their gardens.

Tried to come up with a flower that sounds like a name of a car. Nope. Got nothin'. (But it would've been a great joke!)​

Our luggage was delivered, so we sorted a bit and freshened up before heading back out at 3:30. Where were we going? Back to the Magic Kingdom of course!

We were greeted in the most fantastic way: by the Dapper Dans!

It was such a magical moment. I was in the Magic Kingdom, at the start of a trip-of-a-lifetime, and we just happen upon the Dapper Dans . It was wonderful!

I wanted to stay and listen but SOME PEOPLE were being pushy.... ​

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay for very long. We had dinner reservations... at the Castle!

That's right- not only was our first dinner reservation for Cinderella's Royal Table, but we had eaten at Be Our Guest for lunch earlier that day. TWO castle meals in ONE day. Not bad for two Princesses, huh?

Next Post

​

 

[Happy Duck]

I'm glad you read my TR years ago but darn I was trying to get it bumped

I love all your photos, the new area looks very cute and wow those cakes look really good

Too funny about being told not to clap, I'd totally believe him too

I'll get over there and make a comment then!

I think the word gullible must be written above our heads at all times.

 

[Happy Duck]

Sorry about being absent for so long. I've been dealing with some health things and trying to keep up with work at the same time.... definitely not the easiest when you are a music director in charge of getting the winter concert up and running! Good news--- it is Thanksgiving Break! So look forward to a few updates this week!

 

[Happy Duck]

Cinderella's Royal Table

We checked in for dinner at 4:01pm exactly.

Look who we found in the lobby!!!

I all the mice! Cinderella is such a Disney classic and I love "walking into the movie".​

In no time at all, we were granted an audience with the Princess herself!

She liked my slippers (my decorated Disney shoes) so we chatted about them. Unfortunately, Mama was tongue-tied again! It's really quite precious. Cinderella is Mama's favorite princess. The last time they met, Mama couldn't say anything. She was too stunned! This time, I really tried to let Mama take the lead in the conversation, but she was a little shy. No worries, Mama. We have plenty more opportunities!

I seem to recall a certain Princess who was having her own "words leaving the mouth" trouble when she was granted an audience with her favorite, Pocahontas....​

We had our picture and we were escorted to the dining room.

Our waiter, Jay, explained the meal to us. If you don't know, all of the courses (Appetizers, Entrées, and Desserts) are all included in the price. Basically, you are in for a feast.

He was wonderful and allowed us to relax and enjoy the meal without being overly efficient. I understand if you have places to be, but I know that I wanted this meal to be something to remember. Our meal lasted almost 2 hours but it was well enjoyed.

How in the world is that possible? 2 HOURS?!??!?!??! There is the part of me that says Yaaaayyyy what a wonderful experience/meal. The other part of me says -- How many rides did we miss?!?!?!??! ​

We started off with a basket of rolls. Basic, but good.

I began with the cheese plate appetizer. If I wanted to do some top-notch trip reporting, I would look up the names of all the individual cheeses for you. But alas, not today. So let's say that the left one was creamy, the middle one was my least favorite, and I really enjoyed the one on the right.

Mama had this salad. I'll let her tell you what she thought of it.

Very tasty. I recall some sweet and salty and nutty and just an all over great flavor!​

We had THE best table in the whole place. We were close enough to the window to enjoy the view. That was lovely. But the best part was that we were the first table the Princesses would come to after being announced. There was no wondering how long it would be until they came around, having to track the Princesses through the restaurant. It was Princess announcement--- get the camera ready!

First was Snow White!

This picture would be amazing if I could edit the glare from Mama's glasses

Next was Aurora! Now we've got double glare

Sometimes I think I should take off my glasses before a picture because of glare. Hmmmm, previous pix are an example! But if I did then I wouldn't "look like me"​

Next was Ariel! She was bubbly as always! Unfortunately, none of the pictures came out well. And none of mine with any Princess came out well because I was standing in front of the window, so all of my pictures are darkened out. It's very sad.

This was my meal. It was melt in your mouth, heaven on a fork food. I LOVED it.

It had gnocchi, vegetables, cheese, and a scrumptious sauce. I was in love! Plus, it was HUGE. I think I might have been lucky to get half way through.

This was Mama's meal.

Meat was yummy and just the right size. Green beans were cooked well. I got them instead of the suggested veggie -- can't remember what it was -- asparagus maybe?????? And scalloped potatoes -- Mmmmmmmm mmmmmmm good! No one else at home likes them so they are a rare treat!​

I don't know from first hand experience, but I think mine was better.

Next was Jasmine! She was our best interaction all night. We talked about many things, including the GPS. Which of course is the Genie Positioning System!

She also suggested that I move away from the window... which allowed me to get one great Princess picture!

After meeting Princesses and enjoying our entrées, it was time for dessert. But not just any regular dessert!

It was time for a SURPRISE! I had secretly ordered a special dessert for Mama in celebration of her birthday!

I was so excited for this moment. I wanted to see Mama's face, see the excitement, and see the beautiful dessert!

If you are celebrating any special event, I highly suggest this dessert. It is relatively inexpensive and it is so fancy!

She's just a tad happy.

What a surprise!!!!!!! I had absolutely no idea and it was such a sweet sweet gesture. Celebrating an event in Cinderellas Castle is absolutely magical. I had seen the chocolate slipper before and always wondered how it would taste ---- Sweet and rich and chocolatey goodness! Thank you again my Duckie Daughter. ​

After sharing that dessert, it was time for Dessert #2! Remember, this meal is prepaid for all of the courses. So you might as well order the dessert!

Mama's choice:

Good thing I was wearing a dress with an elastic waist band -- I ate this too! The sugar was surging through my veins!​

My trio:

Apparently I cut off the 3rd dessert from the picture, but I promise you, it was there! They were tasty, but nothing terribly memorable. I recall not even eating more than a few bites of at least one of them.[

After finishing our second desserts, we headed back out into the Magic Kingdom for an evening of magic, fun, and joy!

Next Post

​

 

[Happy Duck]

Late Night at the Magic Kingdom!

I am sorry to have to deliver this devastating news, but the post you are about to read has only has a few pictures. I know, this may come as a shock to most of you. Before you start throwing virtual rotten vegetables in my direction, please let me explain it as simply as possible. We didn't charge the camera midday, so it died. Here endeth the explanation.

Please enjoy anyway!

After dinner, we headed over to Space Mountain to check on the fastpass situation. There weren't any available, so we grabbed a set for Buzz Lightyear (6:35-7:35) on the way to Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor. It was neat to see how they incorporated Monster's University into the decorations and show.

We stopped in at Merchant of Venus and Star Traders to do some pin trading. When did stores start to be less about shopping and more about possible pin jackpots???

Since some chica bought an ebay supply of pins that we thought would be plenty!!! (ummmmm..... keep reading future reports to see how that turns out)​

It was time to blast off into space so we headed back to Buzz Lightyear. I won!

The only way to concentrate is with a tongue sticking out, 'eh Lauren? ​

Next was a spin on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (aka Peoplemover). This is a new favorite. It is such a relaxing ride!

We left Tomorrowland and headed over to Adventureland. First stop was to pick up Fastpasses for Jungle Cruise (8:05-9:05).

Pirates had a 15-20 minute wait but we decided to wait. Can't walk on everything! There was a chatty family ahead of us. Their kid kept asking, "Are you scared or excited?" to everyone around. It was cuter the first time...not as cute the 20th time.

After sailing with Pirates, we flew over Agrabah on a Magic Carpet. We didn't get spit on by a camel, which was slightly disappointing.

Tried to get the driver to steer towards the spitting camel but some people need to re-apply for their Magic Carpet license!​

Next we ventured where few rarely go...into the Tiki Room! I was actually pretty excited. It was supposed to be closed for refurb, but only half of the auditorium was walled off. I'm sure the show is better when you can actually see the whole thing in the round, but I got the gist.

Yay! It was time for our long journey into the Jungle. We returned with our heads...sorry Trader Sam!

We picked up some treats (a Citrus Swirl for Mama and a Dole Whip Swirl Float for me) and wandered through Main Street stores. We shopped until 9:30when we found a spot for Celebrate the Magic and Wishes at the top of the hub.

We used my phone to Skype the rest of the family so they could see the show too! We loved seeing their faces and apparently, Sarah was singing along with the show!

Awwwwww.... so happy to see them and just a bit sad that they weren't with us. Had some of these moments throughout the trip.​

After Wishes, we found a spot to wait for Main Street Electrical Parade. While we waited, we sort of saw Celebrate the Magic again, though people were blocking the view. That didn't stop me from freaking out at the Pocahontas section though!!!!

MSEP was awesome! Mama got lots of "Happy Birthdays!" Her favorites were from Cinderella and the Lost Boys!

That was hysterical when the Lost Boys from Pinnochio were interacting with us. The cast members are so good at staying in character!​

We joined the parade at the end and followed it around the hub until we could cross over. Our next stop was Dumbo!

I love post-parade crowds! It took longer to walk through the queue then it took to wait for the ride! Dumbo is so pretty at night!

The queue was so empty that the kiddie play area was closed My inner child was REALLY upset! ​

We were feeling brave so we went on Barnstormer. It was cute but not something that I will ever feel the need to wait for.

Winnie the Pooh was next. It had a 15 minute wait. Oh, no!

Continuing on through New Fantasyland, it was time for Enchanted Tales with Belle! There was NO WAIT! Seriously. Wait until the wee hours to see this attraction. Don't waste prime rollercoaster time during the day! This show was really cute. The little boy "Beast" gave Belle the sweetest kiss ever.

We met Ariel in her fin, which was so much fun!

She was excited to see herself on my lanyard pouch!

I love this picture. It is perfect.

Love!!!

After returning to dry land, we RAN as fast as our little legs could carry us (which wasn't very fast) to Buzz Lightyear. We made it from Ariel's grotto to Buzz Lightyear in FOUR MINUTES! We jumped in line just as she was closing the rope.

We didn't score as well. Mama kept turning the car as I was trying to aim. Some drivers....I'm just a little competitive!

Next time we are switching sides of the travel vehicle. You can drive. I will shoot ALL the aliens, including Zurg! I will be the Commander and you can be a lowly cadet! Do you accept the challenge?​

After returning to Earth, we headed out of Tomorrowland and back down Main Street. We were back to the resort around 2am. As I was writing the entry in the journal, it was 2:53am. Following the time check were the words "NO ALARM TOMORROW". I wonder why?

Next Post

​

 

[Happy Duck]

Mama updated.