Marla Hellwig
I'm not lost, it's called creative exploring
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
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Two Gals from Ohio take on the World
This is a repost of our trip from last July from the old boards - by request!
CAST:
Marla - me
Kara - daughter age 9
DAY 2:
Monday, July 17 MK - EE, Pirate Cruise, MK:
Now the fun begins, our first full day at WDW!
6:00 a.m. the telephone rings. I didnt answer because I wanted Kara to answer and hear Mickey. She didnt even move. 6:05 a.m. the telephone rings again, and this time Kara climbs out of bed and picks up the phone. She said hello and handed me the phone. So her first day, she didnt hear good old Mickey. She started to climb back into bed but I asked "who wants to go to the MK this morning". Boy, she got moving then!
We were dressed and out the door and downstairs filling up our mugs by 6:40. This was the only morning I took our cups into the park.
We got to the gate for the monorail and it was still closed and locked. It wasnt opened until 7:00 a.m. While we were waiting, ate our breakfast of pop tarts and Sprite.
We were the only ones getting on the monorail at this time. Got to ride in the front cab again. I videotaped our journey this morning. After a quick trip through the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), Polynesian (P), and Grand Floridian (GF) we arrived at the MK about 7:20. We were about 50 people back from the gate in our particular line. All of the lines that were going to open had about the same number of people in them. Finished putting on that good old sun screen and waited until the gates opened at 7:30.
As you went through the gate they passed out a paper called "Surprise Morning" with the following information about what is open on Surprise Morning or Early Entry:
Restaurants: The Crystal Palace, Main Street Bake Shop, and Cinderellas Royal Table
Attractions: Main Street Vehicles, Cinderellas Golden Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, "its a small world", Mad Tea Party, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pans Flight, Snow Whites Scary Adventure, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Light & Power Co (video arcade), Tomorrowland Speedway, Tomorrowland Transit Authority (better known as the People Mover).
Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Mickeys Toontown Fair will open at 8:50 a.m.
Of course, I knew what rides were open, but Kara had to pick up a couple of these. Something else for the pack horse (better known as mom to carry for the day!)
We quickly walked to Fantasyland as we were 2 girls on a mission - to fly Dumbo first thing. Got to Dumbo and had to wait about 1 minute, they were unloading the current flight - yeah!. Kara and I each got our own Dumbo to fly, as there was nobody behind us. I video taped Karas ride and she thought mommy was being silly already.
As soon as we touched down got out and back on again. The wait this time was 3 or 4 minutes and we shared a Dumbo.
Upon our 2nd touchdown we were off to Pooh and friends. The wait times were under 3 - 4 minutes and we were able to ride this 3 times in a row. Now it is about 7:50 and have ridden Dumbo twice and Pooh three times. Kara and I rode the Tea Party once - I dont let her spin as spinning makes me sick. Rode Snow White twice, Peter Pan once and Its Small World once. By now it is after 8:30, and Fantasyland is filling up.
Thought we did real well with the low wait times and getting the rides in. By 8:30 had ridden everything in Fantasyland except for the Carrousel and seeing the Lion King show.
Started heading out of the park as needed to get started on Karas 2nd Surprise of our trip. Stopped at the Camera Shop on Main Street and just caught Mary Poppins (in her nanny traveling outfit complete with the parrot umbrella). Kara was the last child for this session. We had just missed Pocahontas.
Walked out of the MK and onward to the Surprise. Kara is signed up for the Pirates Cruise at the GF. Have to be at the GFs dock by 10:15. We walked down to the water launch for the GF outside of the MK and had about a 10 minute for the boat. While there, Kara made another pin trade (her 3rd so far). She got a Bambi from Tokyo. Got to the GF and had about ½ hour to wait for cruise. Spent time looking at the boats, birds and having a snack of cheese crackers and water.
They started getting the pirates ready about 10:20. Each child gets their life jacket and there are plenty of each size. After parent pays (cost 20) and life jacket on, they get their (blue) bandanna tied on their head, pirate style. When you pay, you will get a receipt. Keep this receipt, you will need it to get your pirate back. The cruise looked like they had about 20 children on it (but didnt count) and Kara seemed to be one of the oldest ones. I went by height and guessed. The boat left right at 10:30 a.m. As the boat was pulling out, I noticed a CM who was acting like he tripped on a bottle. He held it up saying "look what I just tripped on, think I will throw it overboard". Of course, the pirates started shouting no, there is a message in the bottle. At this point, the boat was out of view.
I spent the time talking with another mom and we exchanged e mails addresses and walked around the resort. The GF lobby is nice and pretty. But I "felt" this resort wasnt as "kid friendly". Maybe this was just the impression I got. There was construction going on all over the resort. The roof is being replaced entirely. Walkways were closed, or had temporary coverings over them so something from above wouldnt fall on you. There was a lot of painting going on the outside of the buildings.
The lobby is bright and airy. As we walked around the 1st floor, we found Victoria and Alberts. We asked if we could look in and would have been yes but they were just starting a wedding reception. Huge vases filled with fresh flowers (lots of roses). Rode the glass elevator and walked through the few shops that are on the 2nd floor. Noticed from the 3rd floor and up that there were coverings so that you couldnt look from floor down to the lobby. Are these there all of the time or just up because of the construction? The pool was practically empty, and was just a normal pool. Wasnt big as compared to the CRs one. I did buy Kara 2 card games with the intention of giving them to her at Christmas. She found them the day after we got home. Had these shipped back to our room. Boy do I like that feature!
The time seemed to pass so quickly. Soon it was noon and time to get our pirates back. We watched the boat come back. No singing could be heard, but Kara shouted from the boat, "Mom - I solved two of the clues - all by myself". "We also stole the pirate flag". Everyone seemed to have a good time. As you showed your receipt, your pirate (s) were allowed off of the boat and each was given a free pass to River Country. The life jackets had to stay on until the pirate is off of the boat, up the boat ramp, and back on solid ground. They had grapes and juice as a snack while on the cruise. Each pirate had a goodie bag. Kara later counted and had 30 pieces of treasure. Normal carnival type trinkets, but she was pleased to find some rubber frogs and lizards in her sack.
I took Kara back into the GF for her to see and ride on the glass elevator. Also found a trash can and emptied the sand out of her shoes.
Took the water launch back to the MK with a stop at the P. We did have a little wait for the launch, but it was pleasant wait at the dock with a slight breeze coming off of the water.
By now it was around 1 p.m. and we rode the train to Frontierland to check out the lines for Splash & Thunder Mtns. Splash had a 2 hour wait and you couldnt even get near the Fast Pass area to check out when the return time was. Thunder was down when we walked by. Got 2 strawberry bars and sat down near the Thunder entrance. Barely got our bars open and heard a CM say Thunders open. Off we went. We were able to walk right on and they didnt even make us get rid of our bars. Was able to put bars back into their little bags but they melted during the ride. We got the last seat and it was a really wild ride. I was all over the place and lifted out of my seat several times. We got off ride and got right back in line with about a 20 minute wait. Had another great ride.
Splash was even worse with wait time and Fast Pass area was totally a zoo, so we wandered around and ended up at County Bear and found a place for the 3 p.m. parade. We sat (as you sit with your back to the Country Bear entrance) just to the right and was right in front. Just as we were sitting down, the poles and ropes were being put up. Kara got to meet and shake hands with Gus. Had about a 35 minute wait for parade. I got to do one of my favorite things - people watch. Kara made friends with the little girl next to us and she shared her cotton candy with Kara. It was good - Kara gave me a little taste. Bubble gum flavor.
Kara was picked to participate with the Lion King float. She got to march in a circle shaking one of the big shakers that one of the silt walkers carries.
As soon as the parade was over, we headed for the railroad. Checked on Splash once again and forget it for now. Got right onto the train and got to the Main Street Station just as the parade arrived. Kara was waved to come on out by a fish from the Little Mermaid float, and did the limbo. I couldnt get close enough for pictures but she enjoyed dancing with the fishes.
As soon as parade was done, we left getting our hands stamped. It was time to get out of the heat for awhile.
Stay tuned for part 2 of day 2
This is a repost of our trip from last July from the old boards - by request!
CAST:
Marla - me
Kara - daughter age 9
DAY 2:
Monday, July 17 MK - EE, Pirate Cruise, MK:
Now the fun begins, our first full day at WDW!
6:00 a.m. the telephone rings. I didnt answer because I wanted Kara to answer and hear Mickey. She didnt even move. 6:05 a.m. the telephone rings again, and this time Kara climbs out of bed and picks up the phone. She said hello and handed me the phone. So her first day, she didnt hear good old Mickey. She started to climb back into bed but I asked "who wants to go to the MK this morning". Boy, she got moving then!
We were dressed and out the door and downstairs filling up our mugs by 6:40. This was the only morning I took our cups into the park.
We got to the gate for the monorail and it was still closed and locked. It wasnt opened until 7:00 a.m. While we were waiting, ate our breakfast of pop tarts and Sprite.
We were the only ones getting on the monorail at this time. Got to ride in the front cab again. I videotaped our journey this morning. After a quick trip through the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), Polynesian (P), and Grand Floridian (GF) we arrived at the MK about 7:20. We were about 50 people back from the gate in our particular line. All of the lines that were going to open had about the same number of people in them. Finished putting on that good old sun screen and waited until the gates opened at 7:30.
As you went through the gate they passed out a paper called "Surprise Morning" with the following information about what is open on Surprise Morning or Early Entry:
Restaurants: The Crystal Palace, Main Street Bake Shop, and Cinderellas Royal Table
Attractions: Main Street Vehicles, Cinderellas Golden Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, "its a small world", Mad Tea Party, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pans Flight, Snow Whites Scary Adventure, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Light & Power Co (video arcade), Tomorrowland Speedway, Tomorrowland Transit Authority (better known as the People Mover).
Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Mickeys Toontown Fair will open at 8:50 a.m.
Of course, I knew what rides were open, but Kara had to pick up a couple of these. Something else for the pack horse (better known as mom to carry for the day!)
We quickly walked to Fantasyland as we were 2 girls on a mission - to fly Dumbo first thing. Got to Dumbo and had to wait about 1 minute, they were unloading the current flight - yeah!. Kara and I each got our own Dumbo to fly, as there was nobody behind us. I video taped Karas ride and she thought mommy was being silly already.
As soon as we touched down got out and back on again. The wait this time was 3 or 4 minutes and we shared a Dumbo.
Upon our 2nd touchdown we were off to Pooh and friends. The wait times were under 3 - 4 minutes and we were able to ride this 3 times in a row. Now it is about 7:50 and have ridden Dumbo twice and Pooh three times. Kara and I rode the Tea Party once - I dont let her spin as spinning makes me sick. Rode Snow White twice, Peter Pan once and Its Small World once. By now it is after 8:30, and Fantasyland is filling up.
Thought we did real well with the low wait times and getting the rides in. By 8:30 had ridden everything in Fantasyland except for the Carrousel and seeing the Lion King show.
Started heading out of the park as needed to get started on Karas 2nd Surprise of our trip. Stopped at the Camera Shop on Main Street and just caught Mary Poppins (in her nanny traveling outfit complete with the parrot umbrella). Kara was the last child for this session. We had just missed Pocahontas.
Walked out of the MK and onward to the Surprise. Kara is signed up for the Pirates Cruise at the GF. Have to be at the GFs dock by 10:15. We walked down to the water launch for the GF outside of the MK and had about a 10 minute for the boat. While there, Kara made another pin trade (her 3rd so far). She got a Bambi from Tokyo. Got to the GF and had about ½ hour to wait for cruise. Spent time looking at the boats, birds and having a snack of cheese crackers and water.
They started getting the pirates ready about 10:20. Each child gets their life jacket and there are plenty of each size. After parent pays (cost 20) and life jacket on, they get their (blue) bandanna tied on their head, pirate style. When you pay, you will get a receipt. Keep this receipt, you will need it to get your pirate back. The cruise looked like they had about 20 children on it (but didnt count) and Kara seemed to be one of the oldest ones. I went by height and guessed. The boat left right at 10:30 a.m. As the boat was pulling out, I noticed a CM who was acting like he tripped on a bottle. He held it up saying "look what I just tripped on, think I will throw it overboard". Of course, the pirates started shouting no, there is a message in the bottle. At this point, the boat was out of view.
I spent the time talking with another mom and we exchanged e mails addresses and walked around the resort. The GF lobby is nice and pretty. But I "felt" this resort wasnt as "kid friendly". Maybe this was just the impression I got. There was construction going on all over the resort. The roof is being replaced entirely. Walkways were closed, or had temporary coverings over them so something from above wouldnt fall on you. There was a lot of painting going on the outside of the buildings.
The lobby is bright and airy. As we walked around the 1st floor, we found Victoria and Alberts. We asked if we could look in and would have been yes but they were just starting a wedding reception. Huge vases filled with fresh flowers (lots of roses). Rode the glass elevator and walked through the few shops that are on the 2nd floor. Noticed from the 3rd floor and up that there were coverings so that you couldnt look from floor down to the lobby. Are these there all of the time or just up because of the construction? The pool was practically empty, and was just a normal pool. Wasnt big as compared to the CRs one. I did buy Kara 2 card games with the intention of giving them to her at Christmas. She found them the day after we got home. Had these shipped back to our room. Boy do I like that feature!
The time seemed to pass so quickly. Soon it was noon and time to get our pirates back. We watched the boat come back. No singing could be heard, but Kara shouted from the boat, "Mom - I solved two of the clues - all by myself". "We also stole the pirate flag". Everyone seemed to have a good time. As you showed your receipt, your pirate (s) were allowed off of the boat and each was given a free pass to River Country. The life jackets had to stay on until the pirate is off of the boat, up the boat ramp, and back on solid ground. They had grapes and juice as a snack while on the cruise. Each pirate had a goodie bag. Kara later counted and had 30 pieces of treasure. Normal carnival type trinkets, but she was pleased to find some rubber frogs and lizards in her sack.
I took Kara back into the GF for her to see and ride on the glass elevator. Also found a trash can and emptied the sand out of her shoes.
Took the water launch back to the MK with a stop at the P. We did have a little wait for the launch, but it was pleasant wait at the dock with a slight breeze coming off of the water.
By now it was around 1 p.m. and we rode the train to Frontierland to check out the lines for Splash & Thunder Mtns. Splash had a 2 hour wait and you couldnt even get near the Fast Pass area to check out when the return time was. Thunder was down when we walked by. Got 2 strawberry bars and sat down near the Thunder entrance. Barely got our bars open and heard a CM say Thunders open. Off we went. We were able to walk right on and they didnt even make us get rid of our bars. Was able to put bars back into their little bags but they melted during the ride. We got the last seat and it was a really wild ride. I was all over the place and lifted out of my seat several times. We got off ride and got right back in line with about a 20 minute wait. Had another great ride.
Splash was even worse with wait time and Fast Pass area was totally a zoo, so we wandered around and ended up at County Bear and found a place for the 3 p.m. parade. We sat (as you sit with your back to the Country Bear entrance) just to the right and was right in front. Just as we were sitting down, the poles and ropes were being put up. Kara got to meet and shake hands with Gus. Had about a 35 minute wait for parade. I got to do one of my favorite things - people watch. Kara made friends with the little girl next to us and she shared her cotton candy with Kara. It was good - Kara gave me a little taste. Bubble gum flavor.
Kara was picked to participate with the Lion King float. She got to march in a circle shaking one of the big shakers that one of the silt walkers carries.
As soon as the parade was over, we headed for the railroad. Checked on Splash once again and forget it for now. Got right onto the train and got to the Main Street Station just as the parade arrived. Kara was waved to come on out by a fish from the Little Mermaid float, and did the limbo. I couldnt get close enough for pictures but she enjoyed dancing with the fishes.
As soon as parade was done, we left getting our hands stamped. It was time to get out of the heat for awhile.
Stay tuned for part 2 of day 2
