When I last left you, I was standing in front of the Fairygodmother:
I was ready to start my Magic Kingdom adventure.
Beside me were a Mom and Dad with their two little girls, who appeared to have just come from a BBB session. They were made-up from head to toe in full Tinkerbelle regalia (wings and all!).
A CM called the girls to the front of the line, then lowered down the left end of the rope to let them and their parents in. They were escorted to the giftshop called Tinkerbell's Treasures.
These girls were selected to wake-up Tinkerbell!
Though I didn't follow the family there when the rope dropped, I can imagine what must have happened {Dream montage follows, images courtesy of my Dis friends in the Theme Parks strategies board}:
It is believed that Tinkerbell lies sleeping in the top drawer in a locked chest located in the giftshop:
Peep inside the keyhole and see for yourself:
The lucky children are given a wand and are instructed to tap on the chest three times and say “wake-up Tinkerbell." Sure enough Tinkerbell wakes-up and flies around the room in a dazzling display of lights and sounds:
Tink typically flies around the shop intermittently through out the day.
{Now back to my *real* TR}
So when the family heads off to wake up Tink, I tell the other CM standing there, "But
I wanted to wake Tink up!" in a real whiny voice. I was obviously just joking, but the CM thought I was serious! She looks at me and replies, "Kids have first priority."
I inform her I wasn't serious, and she says somewhat apologetically, "ohh, okaaay...." I give her a big cheshire cat grin.
At last, the rope drops.
My commando instinct is ordering me to run, run, run to the nearest ride! But the solo tripper in me chides me to slow down...it's telling me, "Stop girlfriend, why the rush?"
I disregard the commando's directive. I walk ever so slowly, ignoring the groups of people rushing past me to get to Dumbo.
I beam at the line of CM's welcoming the morning's first visitors to Fantasyland:
I thought of the boys, and how they would have loved to see this. Bright smiling CM's waving to the guests, blowing bubbles, saying "Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!"
How very special and memorable! I make a note to myself to make sure the boys experience this next time.
I walk towards:
Guess what? I was the first rider of the day!
I was running to catch my flying pirate ship when I took this photo:
I normally do not take photos during a ride because I think the flash ruins the ride experience not just for me but for the others. BUT, since I was the only rider at the time, I take a few select (darkish) shots.
My favorite part of the ride, flying over the twinkling streets of London at night:
Tiger Lily and her Dad the Chief at the Indian Encampment:
Mermaid Lagoon's most popular citizen:
When the ride ends, I ask to ride again. And again.
I ride Peter Pan 3 times in a row without having to get off my ship!
I head on to:
I think Jasmine and Aladdin's ride on the Magic carpet is sooooo romantic!
. However, watching this show reminds me of how Sam reaches up to catch Ariel's gems - this is Sam's favorite MK attraction! And although I am having lots of fun, it tugs on my heart a little. I decide to see it only once.
I need something to pick up my spirits, so I go on to visit the 999 Happy Haunts residing at:
The Haunted Mansion! {insert creepy music here} My favorite MK ride!
Up Next:
Grim Grinning Me
Scared of Splashes
Hot Cap'n Jack!
Stay tuned!
I can't wait to hear all about MK 
That's funny about the CM thinking you were serious about wanting to wake up Tink. Get a sense of humour! 
