Those two...no shirts on...running in the rain?...Our P&PP adventure 8/24!!

[TxRabbit]

So you would think that an obsessive Diser such as myself would not be caught unprepared for a little rain...or even a lot of rain, as the case may be. You would think that I would have taken 3 of the 18 emergency ponchos left back in room in my slim, ultra handy waist pack...you would think so, wouldn't you?

But no...we were caught in the rain...pouring down rain...hard, instantaneously soaking your underwear through your clothing rain...well, we were caught in the bus stop bay, which didn't include the pick up for our resort, of course...because you know they usually don't drop you off in the place where your resort gets picked UP when you go to the Magic Kingdom. Did I mention the thunder? And the lightening?

And we were dressed to the NINEs...FULL costumes...totally ready for the P&PP, except for those 18 blue emergency ponchos BACK IN THE ROOM!!!!

What would you do?

What did you do?

Were you there? Did you see my family?

I have editted this post to make this thread dedicated to our P&PP adventure. I will detail this adventure with another post.

 

[csuzannet]

Ooh!!! I have a P & PP scheduled for 9/3. Hurry, hurry, tell me how yours went!

 

[TxRabbit]

Ooh!!! I have a P & PP scheduled for 9/3. Hurry, hurry, tell me how yours went!

Hi csuzannet! Wow. You'll be at that party SOON!!

In the interest of someone who is interested...I am actually going to edit my OP to make this thread just about our P&PP adventure. Give me some time...I'm going to make my edits and post all about our fun this evening...

 

[TxRabbit]

For this trip...we had been faithfully following an early to bed and early to rise strategy. DS was scheduled to start First Grade two days after we returned from our trip...so it was important to be on a schedule similar to what is necessary for a typical school day to minimize that transition from summer to school starting.

Now when I say early...I mean that we would hear the booms from the fireworks from Illuminations every night in our BC room...and we would be in our room and somehow engaged in our bedtime routine with DS. DH and I would then enjoy some libation on the balcony and try to turn in ourselves around 11 pm, give or take. Waking up early involved trying to make 8:00 am plans. We were generally well rested the entire trip.

But, for the morning of the P&PP we turned off the alarm. We braced chairs and pillows against the edges of the black out curtains. No light. We wanted to sleep in this morning. We fully intended to shut the P&PP down. And yet, DS still woke up at 7:45 am. Ah well. What can you do?

We didn't want to do something that would involve too much physical activity...we needed DSs legs to be well rested for this party...not to mention mine! The pool was out...too tiring for DS. And he doesn't nap...no matter what. We decided that Disney Quest was the thing to do for us...

We had been there earlier in our trip...and DS had been itching to go back ever since that first visit...every day he asked about it...so we had to go back...it is what would contribute most to a magical day for DS...But, um, DQ doesn't open until 11:30 am?

We ate a leisurely breakfast in the lounge.

We had our arcade card still, so we headed down to the arcade at YC/BC. It was really cold in there for me so I stepped outside to sit at the tables outside Beaches and Cream. I started to feel the need to be doing something fun...and not just sitting around. In my mind's eye I looked across that lake and saw "Scrapbook" over on the Boardwalk side. I had heard that there was a scrapbooking store at WDW...I thought it was in DTD...but apparently I was wrong...it was at the Boardwalk! I saw the words "Arcade" too, over there, and thought Perfect! Let's all head over to the Boardwalk for a while.

Before 10:00 am.

So I hightailed it into the arcade and we all headed down the pier to the boat that would take us across the lake to the Boardwalk.

As the boat approached...I read "Screendoor." Seriously, I was just at the eye doctor...I have a new perscription and everything. We walk on over to the Arcade, which I did read correctly...opens at 11:00 or later, even maybe.

Well, we decided that we would just head on down to DTD...from the BWI. So we headed over to their bus stop...and waited...and waited...and waited. Maybe it was only 15 minutes.

We arrived at DTD west side at 10:30 am. We checked out some of the stores between the bus stop and DQ. With 10 minutes until opening, we decided to head on over...and we saw this...

(insert rather boring photo of the line that stretched down the length of the building here.)

We were there for over an hour...and took a break to eat lunch at Wolfgang Puck Cafe Express (details for lunch in my dining review). I tell you, the sun was shining, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was a beautiful day. We headed back to DQ to play DS fav game a few more times before leaving to get ready for the party. Note to all: DQ was getting really, really busy on this Friday afternoon...much more busy that the Tuesday afternoon visit.

We weren't sure when we really wanted to arrive at MK. We wanted to be there until closing...and if the lines would be so great during the party...should we bother with the early entry? We knew you could get in after 4 or 4:30. We had dinner ressies for 6:25 pm at CP. We kind of hoped to be seated a little early...we had been to CP before, so it would be okay if we didn't see all the characters...we could focus on the food...eating enough to get through the night...and getting out of there to enjoy the party.

We walked out of DQ and it was RAINING? Wow. Okay. It was a light drizzle. Not too bad. Should we even use the ponchos? Well, we have them, why not use them? So, we poncho-ed up and walked on over to the bus stop. DS was splashing in all the puddles along the way...totally defeating the purpose of the poncho...and having a great time. We were in high spirits...we were going to the P&PP! No worries.

 

[TxRabbit]

We love dress up. I mean we LOVE dress up. We are one of those families that gets all dressed up to go to the Renaissance Festival. At the second festival that DH and I went to together...way back in 1996...we bought a full Scottish kilt costume for DH. He has blood from that part of the world, so it was especially fun. It's what he wears to the festival everytime we go now.

I have some sewing skills. Some. So I made my own Renaissance costume. I made the shirt, the vest/corset thing, the skirts.

DH loves pirates. He hasn't seen the Pirate movies. We won't let him. Yet. But that doesn't matter. He still loves pirates...he was Captain Jack for Halloween last year. All I could find was a size 8...it was on sale. I bought it. It still fit him in January, when his birthday is. He had a pirate themed birthday party. He wore his costume for it. He was wearing that costume again. That costume was one good investment. It had pants, the combo shirt, vest, belt top, and boot covers. It was an actual Disney Store costume...not a super cheap one. A nice comfortable costume...hmmm...could be a little hot to wear that costume in August. No matter. He definitely wanted to wear it. Okay.

So, DH costume begins with his Renaissance shirt. I made the scarf thing for his head and the wrap for his belt. He wore an old pair of lounging pants that were a bit ratty now. He wore one of my belts, because it was longer than any of his. Ah well. It was a great costume...could be a little hot to wear that costume in August. No matter. He definitely wanted to wear it. Okay.

My costume also began with my Renaissance shirt, which isn't quite as piratey looking as DHs. I really needed something to spruce it up. I went to my local thrift shop and found a sueded leather jacket. Hmmm. I could cut the arms off this jacket and it would be a vest very similar to the red one that Elizabeth Swann wore in Pirates 2. I had big hoop earrings and some fun necklaces. I made myself a head scarf. I had a very lightweight pair of capris that I could wear that could counter balance the heavy weight of the jacket. Could be a little hot to wear that jacket in August. No matter. I definitely wanted to wear it. Okay!

Our costumes were all set for the party.

We were getting dressed for the party...I was adding eyeliner under DHs eyes...and I just started to worry that the party wasn't really that day. Maybe my schedule was off? Were we going to look absolutely ridiculous going to the party all dressed up on THE WRONG DAY?

No. We weren't. But I did worry about it though.

I must add here...there is a hair wrap book along the walkway area by the BC. I had my hair wrapped with beads to help my costume for the party. I was going for that Cap'n Jack hair look. If you're interested, she was there in the early afternoon, and she said she went over to the Boardwalk from 5 to 11 pm. The cost seemed to be about $3.00 an inch and included standards beads that matched the colors of the thread you picked. You could pick up to four colors. Special designer beads were and extra $5.00. Back to the story...

It was still drizzle raining. We decided that we would just take it easy on getting to the park. We would just try to get there a little early for our ADR and see if we couldn't get out of dinner earlier. The rain was actually cooling things off quite a bit...it seemed like a wonderful blessing...we weren't sweltering in our costumes!

As we head out the door...should we take some more ponchos? Nahhhh. We didn't really want to wear them. They would cover up our cool costumes. And it's important to look good, right? LOL! Besides, it was only drizzling. It couldn't last all night.

We walked down the hall to the elevator and the conceirge desk people were quite complementary about how we looked. We were off and on our way to the par-tay!

 

[TxRabbit]

We headed on down to the bus station...a very nice young pirate came up to our DS and handed him some treasure...a shiny silver doubloon. There was much pirate speak going about...we were having a good time. It had stopped raining, even.

The bus arrived and we climbed aboard. We were among the only ones dressed for the party. I felt quite conspicuous...but I was having fun...we all were.

Then we drove into the rain. And the thunder boomies. And the lightening started striking.

Other passengers on the bus started putting their ponchos on.

We arrived. We were in the far bay away from the entrance to MK. And the people were running toward us...exiting to go home. They were totally soaked through. Not a problem if you are headed back to your hotel room. Slight problem when you are all dressed up and ready to go and not able to keep dry. There were others who stayed under the bus bay and waited...wondering what to do.

I felt a little sorry for the children of that family. The young man was dressed in a sleeveless shirt and shorts and was complaining about being cold. It was quite chilly. Another reason to try to stay dry...we don't need to catch a chill the night before we are scheduled to travel home. Ack. What do we do?

We looked at the trash receptical. Seriously. We wondered if there were extra trash bags in the bottom of it. There wasn't a way to easily find out. Time was passing. Now we were definitely going to be LATE for our ADR. Ack. What do we do?

DH says that he and DS could just take off their shirts and bundle them up, so that at least they stay dry. He was more worried about me. I was thinking that I basically had a jacket on and I was more worried about them.

So, here we go...DH and DS are undressing in the bus bay in front of MK. Off come the shirts, the belts, the scarves. Roll up the pants. We should have taken DSs socks off and removed the boot covers. But I guess we were thinking that the boot covers would help keep his pants dry.

I slipped my sleeves off and tucked them into my vest. I rolled up my capris to under my jacket. I was tucking the bundled, removed clothing into my vest.

We were getting ready to run. A very kind lady said, Pirate family! I have an extra bag for your clothes. That was nice...we tucked them into that. And then we started running to the cover of the boat dock. We plotted the next course...and avoiding the serious run off under the monorail...we made it to the bag check point.

Um. Excuse me, but you can't get into the park without shirts on. Yes, we know. You'll have to put them on now. But we are just trying to get to those bathrooms...right there...one more sprint in the rain and then we can generally stay undercover and make it to CP fairly dry...despite it all. They supposed that could be allowed.

Off to the bathrooms. Its really too bad there weren't any of those hand blow dryers in there. Ah well. There was a very nice CM changing the garbage bags in the Ladies room. Hmmmmm. Outside the bathroom, she was in the supply closet. If you don't ask...you don't receive. Excuse me, you can say no, but, could I possibly have 3 garbage bags? Of course.

After redressing in some fairly dry clothing...and doaning our oh so lovely, black garbage bags with newly ripped holes for head and hands...we finally entered the MK. Ahhhh.

There was red carpet laid out. Under the first bridge, the CMs were passing out the special Treasure Maps and handing out our booty bags, which are small black drawstring bags with the famous Jolly Roger on them. Such excitement. We were finally there!

We still hopped from awning to awning down Main St. despite our new found rain gear.

We arrived at about 6:40 pm at CP. In talking to others waiting, it seemed to be a good thing that we arrived late. Everyone had been waiting for a LONG time...some over one HOUR...even with ADRs. When the rain started...the people slowed down in the restaurant. They dawdled...they took their time...and the turnover time for the tables was drastically lengthened in the face of the downpour.

We only waited about 10 minutes.

In retrospect, we totally could have skipped the CP. It was something of a downer for DS. Here we have been having quite an adventure really. Despite it all, we were having a blast. We are like that. We can keep our humor about us. The time you have is largely dependant on your attitude, you know? Keep your good attitude and generally, keep a good time.

We really tried to eat fast and get out of the restaurant quickly. For more info on our actual dining experience...it will be included in my dining review. Again, we were among the few that were really dressed up for the event...

I would never again schedule a TS at any time close to the time of the party. Really. I would plan on eating CS at the park. I will have to look at my map so I can report what was actually open. I will. But not tonight. It's time for bed.

Coming up...wait times for Cap'n Jack...would we be able to meet him? The parade, the fireworks...

 

[TxRabbit]

After CP, the rain was back to drizzle mode. We decided we could do without the garbage bag ponchos...and just hurried along.

Meet Jack Sparrow was right over the bridge to Adventureland...I don't recall what that building normally is...There is a tent style sign announcing the meet...and a CM stands toward the entrance...how long do you think the wait is? About 45 minutes. Hmmmm. It was less than one hour...but...we'll see if people can't take the rain and it gets shorter.

We came to the first of 3 "X"'s that we visited this night...I don't know if the set up was in this way because of the rain...but basically, the X's were in a covered location...sometimes indoor...and you would go in and sort of walk through with many others in a line past the CMs that would give you bead necklaces...and then past the CMs that would put a small handfull of candy into your booty bag...which I was wrong on the decoration btw...it's a gold emblem saying Pirate and Princess Party Magic Kingdom. It was not a self serve type thing...DS would kindly ask for what he wanted...he wanted extra necklaces, please...and he really wanted gold coin candy please...and the CMs would kindly give it to him, sometimes telling him not to tell anyone...

On to ride Pirates of the Carribean...you gotta love seeing 5 minute wait for this ride. We all just leisurely walked through the entire queue, we didn't stop...at the end of the night, DS said, this party is great, it's like a the lines are walking no standing...there was a small pause as we waited were assigned our seating...ahhhhhhh

We were still dealing with the rain...we took our time in the pirate store...some musicians gathered under that covered area outside the store...all I can remember is that their name started with R, because they all said we are R_____ _______s, and that's spelled with an ARRRRRRRGGGGGHH. They were entertaining.

Through another X line at the restaurant on the way to Splash Mountain and on to Splash Mountain...which they had just reopened. I guess they shut it down because of the weather...maybe the lightening? but anyway...again...walking walking walking down the queue and pausing for our seat assignment.

Restroom stop. Another X line at Tom Sawyer's boat launch and then the turning point in our evening. We had suffered a major, MAJOR disappointment earlier in the week when we discovered that Goofy's Barnstromer was closed...and wouldn't be reopened this week...they were painting the cars. So, I said to DS, do you want to try TMRR, it's more like Goofy's than Space Mountain...

DS rode SM last trip and didn't like the fact that you couldn't see where you were going...Goofy's was his fav because it was fast and outside and you could see where you were going...which makes TMRR more like Goofy's...

I will only ask you once sweetie, you can say no. I'll try it. OKAY! Again...walking walking walking...I was getting more nervous than DS because I hadn't ridden this ride in a long time...and I didn't want DS to have a bad experience that would wreck the night...

We all fit into one car...DS squeezed between DH and I...which was GREAT for DS...because he was just rocked back and forth between somewhat squishy Momma and Daddy, no banging the hard sides of the ride...HE LOVED IT!! Let's do it AGAIN! OK!

SEVEN times later...

We decided to check on the Jack line again...and we were wondering about the fireworks...which were supposed to go off earlier...but didn't...and the parade...which was scheduled for WAY earlier...but didnt' happen...

Hey, they're setting up for the parade! We walked past the beginning of the parade route at we walked past SplshMtn and around Pirates back to Jack. The Jack line was at 20 minutes, but we were told that if you waited, you would miss the parade and the fireworks.

I didn't want to miss the parade or the fireworks...so we went to grab a spot to watch the parade.

We ended up standing right in front of the castle but on the side where it turns to head up Main St. We waited and waited and waited for the parade to start. The parade was cute...but it seemed short...like it wasn't quite worth waiting for to me...but that's because we waited for what seemed like a long time...and it was...

we were told that the fireworks would begin immediately following the parade...yeah right...we waited and waited and waited...

This was quite frustrating...all this waiting...I really was wishing that we had just stayed in the Jack line...and taken our chances on whether or not we would see the parade...because we knew that the parade hadn't started yet...but I haven't been to WDW enough to automatically put together that the parade has to travel it's route and then completely finish, etc., before the fireworks would start...and I wouldn't know that there would be a 15 minute break between the parade and the fireworks...the announcement said 15 minutes...so it must be a planned thing...

The Fireworks were AWESOME!!!! Well worth the wait. I really don't want to give away the fireworks...it is a special show just for the P&PP party...the castle is an intregal part of the show and I think that if you opted to view from a location where you couldn't see the castle, you would miss out on some of the spectacular effects...and in order to fully enjoy the voice accompaniments, you should be familiar with the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, the 3 little fairies from Sleeping Beauty, and Captain Hook and Tink. I don't think providing this info is a spoiler.

So, the fireworks ended and we hurried over to Jack...the CM said 35-45 minutes. I tell you...I was frustrated inside all that other waiting...anyway...we really wanted to meet Jack...we got in the line...and were pleasantly surprised...

I guess they had shortened the switch backs on the inside of the room earlier in the night...so they were lengthening them now...so if the CM was assuming that the switch backs inside were in their long position, then yes, the wait may have been 35-45 minutes...but as it was...only 15 minutes!!!

The queue for Jack attempts to entertain in true Disney fashion. There is a display all about the different Jolly Rogers that the different pirates flew...there is a cannon and some cannonballs...a couple of skeletons...some pirate treasure...etc etc...nothing super elaborate...but they do try to set the mood...

Finally, when you meet Jack, you and several others are admitted into the room...which is nice...you walk through curtained switchbacks and land in a lush, picture perfect setting where Jack is...it's fun to get to see him interacting with everyone...there is a CM that will use your camera to take photos of your group...and also a Photopass photographer on hand to take photos. I saw that a young lady (young 20s) held up her cell phone to take a self portrait pic with Jack...and I thought what a great idea! Here's a pic I took while waiting here in this room

For our turn, I went straight over to the CM to give her my camera. I really wanted to have a moment with Jack...good interaction...when I came back he was telling DS about doing the things that are right, and how the things that are right are those things that are right for Jack, savvy? Jack was GOOD. I said, Look, there's the Govenor's daughter...(which is a line from the pirate tutorial) and Jack laughed and said I was a keeper...

Ahhhhhh. We met Jack.

Then we had to go back and ride TMRR some more! DS had a goal...he wanted to ride it 10 times!

For the tenth time, we got in the queue right at 11:58.

And then the party was over.

And everything shut down right at 12 midnight.

Nothing was open.

You know how sometimes, it seems like the ice cream parlor or the gift shops stay open just a bit longer? especially because some people are still in line for rides because they got in right before closing...Not this night.

The buses were CROWDED and they were waiting...and they wouldn't leave until they were at capacity. DS was falling asleep on his feet. Literally.

That was our experience. I hope it offers some insight to someone. It's rare to read about people's experiences at the P&PP...

Here's are other observations...

We saw the pirate tutorial during our Spring Break trip in March. It is highly entertaining. We loved it. I would definitely try to see it at some time. Due to the rain, many of the showing for our night were canceled. I know they had at least one showing, late at night during the 10:00 hour...but I don't know if they had more. I have pictures of the tutorial that I took from our Spring Break trip...I don't think it's changed much...and I could describe that if anyone was interested...with the understanding that the one I saw was NOT during the actual party.

We did not see the training of the princess guards...again...we walked past the show in progress as we came out of seeing Jack...and I only saw one showing on their board...10:45, which was the show currently playing...and I don't think there was time for another...nor do I know if they had one during the parade and the fireworks...

Obviously, we didn't go anywhere else or do anything else...it was such a value...seriously...if I could go twice in one week, I would...Like every other day in WDW, there is no way that you could see all of this party in one night.

We rode 3 different rides. That's it. But we rode TMRR 10 times. Which made DS extremely happy, which is what was important, you know? And, I ask you, when else would that EVER be able to happen? In one brief visit to MK?

Because I like to be thorough, I'll look at my treasure map and see if it lists what food is open and when the show times are and post those separately.

I hope this helps someone.

 

[TxRabbit]

The only show times listed are for

Special Entertainment

Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade
Steps off in Frontierland 8:15 & 10:30 pm

Magic, Music & Mayhem Fireworks Spectacular
9:30 pm

Dream Along With Mickey Show
Castle Forecourt - 7:45, 10:05 & 11:15 pm

Also Note:
Character Meet and Greets will take place until 11:30 pm. See a Cast Member for show times. All entertainment subject to change.

Ahhh
I see the name of the band was Rusty Cutlass...they were funny.

Here's the food that is open:

El Pirate y el Perico Restaurante - New Tortuga *Adventureland*
Aloha Isle - Jasmine's Court *Adventureland*
Pecos Bill Cafe - Frontierland
Westward Ho - Frontierland
Liberty Tree Tavern - Riverboat Riviera *Liberty Square*
Sleepy Hollow - Riverboat Riviera *Liberty Square*
Scuttle's Landing - Ariel's Court *Fantasyland*
Cinderella's Royal Table - Ariel's Court *Fantasyland*
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe - Solaris' System *Tomorrowland*
The lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza - Solaris' System *Tomorrowland*
Casey's Corner - Main Street, U.S.A.
Tony's Town Square Restaurant - Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street Sweets - Main Street, U.S.A.

There are numerous dance parties and street performances listed.

Here's some fine print for ya:

Save on photos of your favorite pirate and princess moments! Disney Photopass photographers can be found throughout the Along Main Street, U.S.A., near Cinderella Castle, and at most character meet and greet locations. During tonight's even only, save $10 on our most popular photo package. Get any three 5x7 prints for just $19.95 plus tax. Offer valid during tonight's Pirate and Princess party event and only at Town Square Exposition Hall. The offer is not available online at Disney PhotoPass.com or in any other Theme Park on other dates.

I will add...the framing that they do for the Jack photo is a nice touch. I used our free 5x7 coupon the following day to get our Jack photo. Yay! I actually used the coupon this trip!!!

I am a very detail oriented person, and I write the same way. Unfortunately, I don't have a perspective about how Fantasyland or Tomorrowland was during the party to share. But if anyone has any other questions...I'd be happy to answer, if I can. That's what the boards are for, right?

 

[Shell & Ted]

Great report. Keep it coming.

We weren't as brave as your family that evening. Luckily we were able to enjoy Blizzard Beach that morning but our planned evening at MGM was a wash out Talk about a downpour.

 

[TxRabbit]

Great report. Keep it coming.

We weren't as brave as your family that evening. Luckily we were able to enjoy Blizzard Beach that morning but our planned evening at MGM was a wash out Talk about a downpour.

I don't know about brave...more like we had no choice...well we could have eaten the cost of the party and not gone..Yeah right...

It was a downpour.

And it was our last evening in the world. No-one was really interested in this TR so I was trying to just make it about our P&PP party. I started my TR over again...the link is in my sig...I don't know though...my dining review is going well...people like a lot of detail over there...here...I just don't think I have the knack for writing trip reports! Not enough story...too much detail...ah well...check it out and tell me what you think...

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

OMG! So weird. Our family was there on the friday too. We went to DQ in the morning, ate at Wolfgang Puck Express then went BBB to get ready for the party. I have 2 girls (12 and 13) so it was a must. It started raining just after they finished getting all primped at BBB. We went over to the party, tried to stay dry, and finally gave up. It was so bad that when my 2 daughters were on Splash Mountain just at the top before the drop a huge bolt of lightning came and the lights went out. Fortunately the lights came back on and they could finish the ride but they were scared out of their little Jasmine costumes. We left because we were miserable but we got to go back on Tuesday.

 

[TxRabbit]

OMG! So weird. Our family was there on the friday too. We went to DQ in the morning, ate at Wolfgang Puck Express then went BBB to get ready for the party. I have 2 girls (12 and 13) so it was a must. It started raining just after they finished getting all primped at BBB. We went over to the party, tried to stay dry, and finally gave up. It was so bad that when my 2 daughters were on Splash Mountain just at the top before the drop a huge bolt of lightning came and the lights went out. Fortunately the lights came back on and they could finish the ride but they were scared out of their little Jasmine costumes. We left because we were miserable but we got to go back on Tuesday.

That IS weird...we had virtually identical days! I can't believe that happened to you on Splash Mountain...that must be why they closed it down for a while...I am so glad that you got to back on Tuesday! I hope you had a much better time then...with better weather too!