Marla Hellwig
I'm not lost, it's called creative exploring
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
- Messages
- 16,020
Two Gals from Ohio take on the World!
This is a repost of our trip last July, from the old boards, by request!
CAST:
Marla - me
Kara - the kid - 9
DAY 5:
Thursday, July 20 MK EE & the Magic Family Tour:
Will we be able to save the kingdom? Will we survive the heat? Will Diane and I ever guit playing telephone tag? Can and do we actually make it out of bed this morning? Does mommy still have feet that are strong enough to make it through another day? Too many burning questions this early in the a.m.!!
The telephone rings at 6:00 and Kara bounds out of bed and says righto Mickey. We got into the shower and dressed. My feet dont look much better today than yesterday. Kara zips down and gets drinks and we have another yummy breakfast (the pop tarts are starting to wear a little thin by now) in our room.
We walked into the MK and were walking up to Space Mt. about 7:45. Rode Space once and then walked over to Buzz. This was a first for both of us. Karas score was 13,100 and mine 54,600. Kara started pouting when we got our scores, but in her defense she was too busy looking at all of the stuff during the ride and wasnt shooting much. We were encountering a lot more people this morning. So we ducked onto the good old People Mover. Yeah, I know it has a different name but to me its the People Mover. I think we were the only ones on the ride at this time. After that, we started moving over towards Toon Town.
We got to Toon Town at 8:45. The rope was up and a small crowd was waiting for the rope drop. Couple of CMs were explaining the rules to the crowd. In a few minutes a couple of characters you know and love will be coming down and they will stay on this side of the rope. You can take pictures, but no autographs at this time.
Mickey and Minnie soon appeared. Just as they got to the rope, they hugged and kissed each other. They waved to everyone in the crowd and we all patiently waited for the rope drop. Just before the rope drop, the CMs told us if we wanted to see Mickey to follow him, and same with Minnie. Since we had done Mickey and Minnie already, we were off to the Barnstormer.
We "power walked" with the crowd staying on the far right hand side. We got to the Barnstormer and we were the first ones there. The CM at the entrance said good morning, welcome and there may be a surprise ahead. After quickly walking through the totally empty cues, we got up to the ride and Goofy was sitting in the front car waiting for a lucky person to ride with him.
Kara got to ride with Goofy! I had the camcorder out and taped the whole ride. It is pretty bumpy on tape, but I got it!
When we pulled in, Goofy got out and gave Kara an hug and climbed back in for one more ride. Another little girl was jumping up and down at this point. We walked out and got squirted by Donalds boat. As we came out of exit, no line so back in line and up to ride. As we were walking through the cue, Kara asked how on earth did I arrange this surprise. I told her I didnt, it was just the luck of the draw. Goofy was waving good bye and walking down the exit as we got up to ride. Climbed in and off we went again for our 2nd ride. Back to the station, and nobody was waiting, so off we went again for our 3rd ride. Back to station and no one was waiting again, so off for 4th ride once more.
At the end of our 5th ride, there was finally guests lined up so we sadly climbed out. We got it again from the boat. We headed over to the Toontown Hall of Fame. Wanted to buy our postcards so could mail them from Epcot tomorrow. The place was almost empty and so cool. I asked one of the CMs (Stan) how would I go about finding out where an employee worked. The message from Diane last night said she was working at Disney today and would try to meet up with us later. He asked me couple of questions and started looking in the computer. He finally found her and called her department. Yes Diane was working today. She was taking her finals in bus driving, she would be done at 6:30, couldnt be reached but they would take a message and get it to her later today. Left message that we would be in our room at 6:30 and would stay put until we heard from her. Then I asked Stan if he could call Dining to see if we could change our PS to a earlier time.
Got that done, thanked Stan for all of his help and turned around and Kara was gone. Another CM came up to me, described Kara and asked if she was mine. I answered yes, he said she was in seeing Pooh and friends and would be right out. Then Stan told me that the building was being evacuated due to a water problem and that I could wait right out side for her and someone would bring her out immediately. Kara came bouncing out and said that she had got to meet Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore and got their autographs. I scolded her for not telling me where she went and she replied, but I told that nice man with the Mickey badge where I was going!
Kara told me that she asked Pooh how many pots of honey he ate a day and he rubbed his tummy really hard. Tigger and Kara bounced around and Tigger gave Kara a thumbs up on her Tigger pins on her hat. Eeyore gave just a big hug and a kiss. Kara also got lots of hugs and kisses from Pooh and Tigger also.
Since we had already done Mickeys and Minnies house before decided to take a ride on the train. We just missed one and had about 10 minute wait or so. Rode the train all the way around back to Toon Town and then up to the Main Street Station. Look at all of the people. Boy the park is looking full today.
As we walking out of the train station, noticed Pinocchio standing in the little garden right next to Town Square Exposition Hall / Camera Center, so got in line. Just as we were getting up front, CM said Pinocchio needed to check in with Geppetto but would be back in 3 minutes. Since we were in the shade stayed and waited. Had a quiet laugh from the parents behind me. She quietly said to her husband, you know what really needs to happen dont you and the husband shook his head yes. I turned around and nodded also. We all shared that special parent smile.
Pinocchio was back out in 3 - 4 minutes and got picture and autograph. From here we walked into the Camera Center to check out if any action was happening here. Surprise - 6 of the dwarfs Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Dopey, and Bashful were in the main room before you get to the cut outs area. Kara got sneezed on by Sneezy, skipped and twirled with Dopey and then Dopey started chasing her around. She had to wake up Sleepy who was asleep on the lamp post. Bashful was hiding in the corner. The only dwarf who wasnt around was Grumpy. CM said Grumpy had worked too late in the mine last night and was too Grumpy to come out. I bet Grumpy!
Kara had a good time with all of the dwarfs, and then we wandered to the right of the center to see if any other characters were out. If you go past the cut outs and little theater, there is another room with a pin station. Here we found Esmeralda, Snow White, and Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Esmeralda was just getting ready to leave but waved Kara over for autograph and picture. After a quick hug, she started to leave. Kara told her to say hi to Phil and Quasi and she let Kara give her hugs to give to them later. A nice touch I thought. Snow and Aurora both looked bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. Noticed Auroras dress was really detailed and I thought to myself, bet that velour is hot at this time of the year. Dont remember what Kara and Snow talked about but Aurora told Kara that she was feeling well rested and Kara said she should after sleeping for so long.
Took Karas pictures with all of the cut outs on our way out and noticed by now the dwarfs were leaving and CMs said it would be awhile before any other characters would be out due to pressing business elsewhere (lunch time).
Its almost time for our Surprise - the Family Magic Tour at 11:30 a.m. Made a quick restroom break and made our way over to the City Hall Garden area. We were quickly checked in and given our name tags that we were to wear during the tour. There was fresh orange juice and coffee available and we both had big glasses of juice. We were to meet at the bench just outside of the Main Street Gallery at 11:30 where our tour guide Kathleen would meet us. We waited inside City Hall until then.
All of the group met, (there was 5 families taking the tour with Kara being the 2nd oldest of the children). There were 2 families that had little ones in strollers and I was wondering how that would work but it seemed to work out O.K.
A CM (not Kathleen) came out and started our tour off by saying that there had been a change of plans and we were first off to see how Disney dealt with the mounds of trash every day. I thought to myself well O.K. But Kathleen came running up and interrupted saying there was a crisis with the kingdom and she needed our help. We got to vote to deal with the crisis or see the trash and the crisis won out.
The tour started out with Kathleen having each of us introduce ourselves, our hometown and our favorite character. Then we got down to the business of trying to deal with the crisis at hand.
The problem was that Peter Pan had stolen Captain Hooks best Sunday dressed hook - the gold one and the good old captain had given us 2 hours to find his hook and return it. Meanwhile Hooks pirates were gathering over at Pirates of the Caribbean (logical choice in my opinion), plotting on how to destroy the kingdom. Oh my! At this point one of the little girls started crying. We started out with pixie dust and all threw it up in the air to help with our solving of the crisis.
After that Kathleen laid out a scroll that Peter had left with her. It had clues written on it and there were 12 clues (I think). The first one lead us to the barber shop where we had to sing "When You Wish Upon A Star" to the customers getting their hair cut. From there we were off to Tomorrowland for the next few clues. At one point we had to walk north 50 paces to the race cars. 5 children got to pick how we would walk 10 paces each. At this point, we were hopping, skipping, marching, baby steps, and walking sideways.
What was so funny to me was most of the crowd around us werent even paying attention to us, but there were others who would stop one of the adults and ask what was going on!
One of the funniest parts was watching the kids crawl on their hands and knees through Cosmic Rays Starlight Café. We had to sneak up on the lounge lizard Sunny, pop up, shout Hi Sunny and then run out of the building. I did not crawl - wasnt sure if I would be able to get up again. Kara was funny - she asked Kathleen so seriously, does my mom have to crawl - dont think she can get up. Kathleen told her mom doesnt have to crawl.
After a 10 minute drink and potty break we were off again. First to the wishing well, where everyone was given a penny to make a wish and then we had to say what made us happy. Karas was seeing a rainbow in the sky and mine was seeing Tink fly, the fireworks over the castle and the MSEP. I had the job of keeping the bag of pennies from the start of the tour until we got to the well. During the tour, a different person got to read a clue and try to solve it. Kara was able to figure out the clues most of the time but didnt know where exactly we had to be. She knew you got your hair chopped at the barbershop but didnt know where the shop was.
After another stop behind the castle, we were off to Advertureland. At this point, we had to walk different ways again and then walk clapping our hands and saying Tick Tock to keep Hook away from us.
We stopped at the squirting poles across from the Tiki Room, and had to dance in the water. I passed on this since I was video taping but the kids all enjoyed this little break.
We came around a corner and there was Hook at the character greet and meet. We all shouted Hooks a "Cod Fish" and ran away again. Running in the heat wasnt a pleasant thing to do but we all gave it our all.
We by this time were over in Liberty Square standing at the Liberty Tree looking for Tinkerbell in one of the lanterns. We finally found a lantern that had one of the panes of glass was missing, so Tinkerbell had escaped Hook. One problem solved. Yeah.
By this time, we had found our way to a little shady area somewhere behind the Liberty Tree Tavern. Here we had our last clue and off we were sent to try to find the hook. Kara and another little boy even started looking in the woods off of the path. We called them back and just as Kara turned around out pops Aladdin and Prince Charming. Al was in his street rat outfit and the Prince in his prince uniform. Boy both of these characters are good looking. Al quite looks the part and the Prince with his blue eyes. Oh boy! Aladdin asked Kara what was going on. Said he was flying on carpet and saw us poking around and decided to stop and see what was going on. Prince said the noise we were making scared his horse away so he was going to have to walk back to the castle. After we all explained what was going on, Prince asked if this was what we were looking for and he pulled the hook out of his pocket. Yes the kingdom was saved!!
We all were able to get pictures and autographs with both of them. Kinda of our own private meet and greet. After we were done, Al and Prince asked if we had time for another adventure. We all agreed and we were off. Aladdin took Karas hand and they walked hand in hand from that point halfway through the park. At one point, Aladdin and Prince Charming both stopped along the parade route and told us that we should watch todays parade at that particular spot. We all agreed to. Off we were again, ending up at Its a Small World and going through the exit. Our whole group took over one boat and we were off. Aladdin sat with Kara and I and they had a nice long discussion. Talked about Jas and the rest of the gang. Aladdin was so nice to Kara and checked out all of our pins we were wearing on our hats.
Towards the end of the ride Kara leaned over and gave Aladdin a big kiss on the cheek and received a really big hug from him. But alas, the magic must end and the ride was over. We walked out of the ride and good-byes were said to all.
Kara was so excited and I was pleased on how much fun the tour was. Kathleen was a great leader and was really good with the children. How she stayed so perky throughout the whole thing I really dont know. My hat goes off to her.
By this time it was about 2 p.m. and I was ready for some shade and a rest. We got a snack and cold drink and slowly made our way back over to Liberty Square. We did look around Fantsyland but the wait times were really bad. 45 minutes to 90 minutes for everything - I dont think so.
Stayed tuned for part 2 and a couple of magical moments!
This is a repost of our trip last July, from the old boards, by request!
CAST:
Marla - me
Kara - the kid - 9
DAY 5:
Thursday, July 20 MK EE & the Magic Family Tour:
Will we be able to save the kingdom? Will we survive the heat? Will Diane and I ever guit playing telephone tag? Can and do we actually make it out of bed this morning? Does mommy still have feet that are strong enough to make it through another day? Too many burning questions this early in the a.m.!!
The telephone rings at 6:00 and Kara bounds out of bed and says righto Mickey. We got into the shower and dressed. My feet dont look much better today than yesterday. Kara zips down and gets drinks and we have another yummy breakfast (the pop tarts are starting to wear a little thin by now) in our room.
We walked into the MK and were walking up to Space Mt. about 7:45. Rode Space once and then walked over to Buzz. This was a first for both of us. Karas score was 13,100 and mine 54,600. Kara started pouting when we got our scores, but in her defense she was too busy looking at all of the stuff during the ride and wasnt shooting much. We were encountering a lot more people this morning. So we ducked onto the good old People Mover. Yeah, I know it has a different name but to me its the People Mover. I think we were the only ones on the ride at this time. After that, we started moving over towards Toon Town.
We got to Toon Town at 8:45. The rope was up and a small crowd was waiting for the rope drop. Couple of CMs were explaining the rules to the crowd. In a few minutes a couple of characters you know and love will be coming down and they will stay on this side of the rope. You can take pictures, but no autographs at this time.
Mickey and Minnie soon appeared. Just as they got to the rope, they hugged and kissed each other. They waved to everyone in the crowd and we all patiently waited for the rope drop. Just before the rope drop, the CMs told us if we wanted to see Mickey to follow him, and same with Minnie. Since we had done Mickey and Minnie already, we were off to the Barnstormer.
We "power walked" with the crowd staying on the far right hand side. We got to the Barnstormer and we were the first ones there. The CM at the entrance said good morning, welcome and there may be a surprise ahead. After quickly walking through the totally empty cues, we got up to the ride and Goofy was sitting in the front car waiting for a lucky person to ride with him.
Kara got to ride with Goofy! I had the camcorder out and taped the whole ride. It is pretty bumpy on tape, but I got it!
When we pulled in, Goofy got out and gave Kara an hug and climbed back in for one more ride. Another little girl was jumping up and down at this point. We walked out and got squirted by Donalds boat. As we came out of exit, no line so back in line and up to ride. As we were walking through the cue, Kara asked how on earth did I arrange this surprise. I told her I didnt, it was just the luck of the draw. Goofy was waving good bye and walking down the exit as we got up to ride. Climbed in and off we went again for our 2nd ride. Back to the station, and nobody was waiting, so off we went again for our 3rd ride. Back to station and no one was waiting again, so off for 4th ride once more.
At the end of our 5th ride, there was finally guests lined up so we sadly climbed out. We got it again from the boat. We headed over to the Toontown Hall of Fame. Wanted to buy our postcards so could mail them from Epcot tomorrow. The place was almost empty and so cool. I asked one of the CMs (Stan) how would I go about finding out where an employee worked. The message from Diane last night said she was working at Disney today and would try to meet up with us later. He asked me couple of questions and started looking in the computer. He finally found her and called her department. Yes Diane was working today. She was taking her finals in bus driving, she would be done at 6:30, couldnt be reached but they would take a message and get it to her later today. Left message that we would be in our room at 6:30 and would stay put until we heard from her. Then I asked Stan if he could call Dining to see if we could change our PS to a earlier time.
Got that done, thanked Stan for all of his help and turned around and Kara was gone. Another CM came up to me, described Kara and asked if she was mine. I answered yes, he said she was in seeing Pooh and friends and would be right out. Then Stan told me that the building was being evacuated due to a water problem and that I could wait right out side for her and someone would bring her out immediately. Kara came bouncing out and said that she had got to meet Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore and got their autographs. I scolded her for not telling me where she went and she replied, but I told that nice man with the Mickey badge where I was going!
Kara told me that she asked Pooh how many pots of honey he ate a day and he rubbed his tummy really hard. Tigger and Kara bounced around and Tigger gave Kara a thumbs up on her Tigger pins on her hat. Eeyore gave just a big hug and a kiss. Kara also got lots of hugs and kisses from Pooh and Tigger also.
Since we had already done Mickeys and Minnies house before decided to take a ride on the train. We just missed one and had about 10 minute wait or so. Rode the train all the way around back to Toon Town and then up to the Main Street Station. Look at all of the people. Boy the park is looking full today.
As we walking out of the train station, noticed Pinocchio standing in the little garden right next to Town Square Exposition Hall / Camera Center, so got in line. Just as we were getting up front, CM said Pinocchio needed to check in with Geppetto but would be back in 3 minutes. Since we were in the shade stayed and waited. Had a quiet laugh from the parents behind me. She quietly said to her husband, you know what really needs to happen dont you and the husband shook his head yes. I turned around and nodded also. We all shared that special parent smile.
Pinocchio was back out in 3 - 4 minutes and got picture and autograph. From here we walked into the Camera Center to check out if any action was happening here. Surprise - 6 of the dwarfs Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Dopey, and Bashful were in the main room before you get to the cut outs area. Kara got sneezed on by Sneezy, skipped and twirled with Dopey and then Dopey started chasing her around. She had to wake up Sleepy who was asleep on the lamp post. Bashful was hiding in the corner. The only dwarf who wasnt around was Grumpy. CM said Grumpy had worked too late in the mine last night and was too Grumpy to come out. I bet Grumpy!
Kara had a good time with all of the dwarfs, and then we wandered to the right of the center to see if any other characters were out. If you go past the cut outs and little theater, there is another room with a pin station. Here we found Esmeralda, Snow White, and Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Esmeralda was just getting ready to leave but waved Kara over for autograph and picture. After a quick hug, she started to leave. Kara told her to say hi to Phil and Quasi and she let Kara give her hugs to give to them later. A nice touch I thought. Snow and Aurora both looked bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. Noticed Auroras dress was really detailed and I thought to myself, bet that velour is hot at this time of the year. Dont remember what Kara and Snow talked about but Aurora told Kara that she was feeling well rested and Kara said she should after sleeping for so long.
Took Karas pictures with all of the cut outs on our way out and noticed by now the dwarfs were leaving and CMs said it would be awhile before any other characters would be out due to pressing business elsewhere (lunch time).
Its almost time for our Surprise - the Family Magic Tour at 11:30 a.m. Made a quick restroom break and made our way over to the City Hall Garden area. We were quickly checked in and given our name tags that we were to wear during the tour. There was fresh orange juice and coffee available and we both had big glasses of juice. We were to meet at the bench just outside of the Main Street Gallery at 11:30 where our tour guide Kathleen would meet us. We waited inside City Hall until then.
All of the group met, (there was 5 families taking the tour with Kara being the 2nd oldest of the children). There were 2 families that had little ones in strollers and I was wondering how that would work but it seemed to work out O.K.
A CM (not Kathleen) came out and started our tour off by saying that there had been a change of plans and we were first off to see how Disney dealt with the mounds of trash every day. I thought to myself well O.K. But Kathleen came running up and interrupted saying there was a crisis with the kingdom and she needed our help. We got to vote to deal with the crisis or see the trash and the crisis won out.
The tour started out with Kathleen having each of us introduce ourselves, our hometown and our favorite character. Then we got down to the business of trying to deal with the crisis at hand.
The problem was that Peter Pan had stolen Captain Hooks best Sunday dressed hook - the gold one and the good old captain had given us 2 hours to find his hook and return it. Meanwhile Hooks pirates were gathering over at Pirates of the Caribbean (logical choice in my opinion), plotting on how to destroy the kingdom. Oh my! At this point one of the little girls started crying. We started out with pixie dust and all threw it up in the air to help with our solving of the crisis.
After that Kathleen laid out a scroll that Peter had left with her. It had clues written on it and there were 12 clues (I think). The first one lead us to the barber shop where we had to sing "When You Wish Upon A Star" to the customers getting their hair cut. From there we were off to Tomorrowland for the next few clues. At one point we had to walk north 50 paces to the race cars. 5 children got to pick how we would walk 10 paces each. At this point, we were hopping, skipping, marching, baby steps, and walking sideways.
What was so funny to me was most of the crowd around us werent even paying attention to us, but there were others who would stop one of the adults and ask what was going on!
One of the funniest parts was watching the kids crawl on their hands and knees through Cosmic Rays Starlight Café. We had to sneak up on the lounge lizard Sunny, pop up, shout Hi Sunny and then run out of the building. I did not crawl - wasnt sure if I would be able to get up again. Kara was funny - she asked Kathleen so seriously, does my mom have to crawl - dont think she can get up. Kathleen told her mom doesnt have to crawl.
After a 10 minute drink and potty break we were off again. First to the wishing well, where everyone was given a penny to make a wish and then we had to say what made us happy. Karas was seeing a rainbow in the sky and mine was seeing Tink fly, the fireworks over the castle and the MSEP. I had the job of keeping the bag of pennies from the start of the tour until we got to the well. During the tour, a different person got to read a clue and try to solve it. Kara was able to figure out the clues most of the time but didnt know where exactly we had to be. She knew you got your hair chopped at the barbershop but didnt know where the shop was.
After another stop behind the castle, we were off to Advertureland. At this point, we had to walk different ways again and then walk clapping our hands and saying Tick Tock to keep Hook away from us.
We stopped at the squirting poles across from the Tiki Room, and had to dance in the water. I passed on this since I was video taping but the kids all enjoyed this little break.
We came around a corner and there was Hook at the character greet and meet. We all shouted Hooks a "Cod Fish" and ran away again. Running in the heat wasnt a pleasant thing to do but we all gave it our all.
We by this time were over in Liberty Square standing at the Liberty Tree looking for Tinkerbell in one of the lanterns. We finally found a lantern that had one of the panes of glass was missing, so Tinkerbell had escaped Hook. One problem solved. Yeah.
By this time, we had found our way to a little shady area somewhere behind the Liberty Tree Tavern. Here we had our last clue and off we were sent to try to find the hook. Kara and another little boy even started looking in the woods off of the path. We called them back and just as Kara turned around out pops Aladdin and Prince Charming. Al was in his street rat outfit and the Prince in his prince uniform. Boy both of these characters are good looking. Al quite looks the part and the Prince with his blue eyes. Oh boy! Aladdin asked Kara what was going on. Said he was flying on carpet and saw us poking around and decided to stop and see what was going on. Prince said the noise we were making scared his horse away so he was going to have to walk back to the castle. After we all explained what was going on, Prince asked if this was what we were looking for and he pulled the hook out of his pocket. Yes the kingdom was saved!!
We all were able to get pictures and autographs with both of them. Kinda of our own private meet and greet. After we were done, Al and Prince asked if we had time for another adventure. We all agreed and we were off. Aladdin took Karas hand and they walked hand in hand from that point halfway through the park. At one point, Aladdin and Prince Charming both stopped along the parade route and told us that we should watch todays parade at that particular spot. We all agreed to. Off we were again, ending up at Its a Small World and going through the exit. Our whole group took over one boat and we were off. Aladdin sat with Kara and I and they had a nice long discussion. Talked about Jas and the rest of the gang. Aladdin was so nice to Kara and checked out all of our pins we were wearing on our hats.
Towards the end of the ride Kara leaned over and gave Aladdin a big kiss on the cheek and received a really big hug from him. But alas, the magic must end and the ride was over. We walked out of the ride and good-byes were said to all.
Kara was so excited and I was pleased on how much fun the tour was. Kathleen was a great leader and was really good with the children. How she stayed so perky throughout the whole thing I really dont know. My hat goes off to her.
By this time it was about 2 p.m. and I was ready for some shade and a rest. We got a snack and cold drink and slowly made our way back over to Liberty Square. We did look around Fantsyland but the wait times were really bad. 45 minutes to 90 minutes for everything - I dont think so.
Stayed tuned for part 2 and a couple of magical moments!
