Very Merry D23 Holidaze Dec 2009 TR - 7 magical park days! updt 7/1

[MyMuse]

SUPER jealous of those two little tidbits!!!

It's quite exciting, right? I will be tweeting from the event, so I will let you know!

You got my vote

Thank yooooouuuuu

 

[MyMuse]

So, when I left you last, I was ending my Keys to the Kingdom tour, taking a pic with our great CM Debbie and saying goodbye to my friend Mary and her mom.

It was now off to my ADR at the Castle for 2:05pm. It was 1:41pm by the time I walked up Main Street and walked around the Castle to enter.

I checked in & escorted to the side and on the line for the Cinderella picture. It was only a few minutes wait, so I took a few pics, got my number with the Photopass CMs and waited. More and more families came in with very excited children and started taking pics with Cinderella’s bench.

Cinderella came out and quite a few went right in front of me online assuming that I wasn’t in line for Cinderella. I can understand why, but really, grow up a bit. I shrugged and didn’t let it bother me, but the Photopass CMs actually put it to rights. Couple of those families did have the grace to look embarrassed.

In any which case, my photo with Cinderella was taken and she was indeed gracious to this adult. Here's two of them:

Afterwards, I sat down on the bench by the stairs, sent out the below tweet and was called upstairs fro my table. It was fairly loud, so the “Party of 1” certainly made me cringe a bit.

just took photo with cinderella & about to feast at her royal table!
2:07 PM Dec 7th

My table was in a great spot, at a window overlooking Fantasyland. I only had one chair though, so I guess they needed it for another table. There also was a bit of a gap around me, which did make me a little self-conscious but I got over it. The waiter came over almost immediately, was spectacularly nice and took my order of the salmon and rice pudding for dessert. He said it was an excellent choice and the best on the menu.

The appetizer came out quickly, which I didn’t even knew they had, but it was also good. I took some pics, stared out window, sent out some tweets (& returned some) and made friends with the kind family next to me, who took pics of me with the princesses.

on kttk tour went on jungle cruise, pirates & haunted mansion. most excellent tour.
2:20 PM Dec 7th

the family next to me at crt are lovely. they r taking my pic with the princesses.
2:53 PM Dec 7th

Snow White was the first princess and she’s german, so she’s my girl. And my goddaughter’s favorite. I was the 3rd table they came too, I was done in short order. I said hello, do you mind an adult, they were gracious and off they went. LOL

Then it was Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Belle in her apron, and then Jasmine.

and let me tell you, I was a gorilla next to these tiny girls! LOL!!!


During all this time, food and drink was brought out and I did not take any more food pics for some reason. My waiter was great. And since it was pre-paid, I did not have any bill. I finished and waited a bit more, but no other princesses came out. So, I assumed it was over, though, I was first finished and out as everyone else was eating. So, I hope no one else came out! I didn’t even think to ask. I gave the family who took pics of me 2 of my “CM thank yous” and they looked shocked. I love that!

con'd next post due to photo limits...

 

[MyMuse]

It was just about 3pm when I headed back down the stairs and stopped at the restroom and loved the signs on them. I took more pics going downstairs. I also took advantage of the closed hall to take clearer photos of the mosaics on the first floors.

Then I was off to enjoy the rest of the park!

 

[MyMuse]

1)
I received my new D23 magazine the other day. I'm hoping I'll receive the quarterly case I ordered while at Magic & Merriment soon.

You can see what is in the issue here:
http://d23.disney.go.com/inthisissue.html


2)
If you have been reading along, you know that I got a ticket for D23's 1st year anniversary party. So, I have indeedy, booked a trip for March 3-8th! I will be starting a PTR for that shortly.

Update: the link to my PTR is now in my sig!

This fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants trip has totally thrown me for a loop, and intially, I wasn't going to go through a travel agent but I gots myself a pretty neato one that I booked through.

AHHHHHH! I'm going back to DisneyWorld!!!

 

[ladybugmom]

LOVE the CRT update!! We ate at CRT for breakfast last May--isn't it gorgeous?! Glad you had a nice lunch and that you were able to get pics with all of the princesses!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Lovely castle pics! So glad you had a nice family nearby so you could get your pictures with the princess!

 

[SoloFriendly]

I love the most recent installment of your TR, MyMuse18! Great photos. You are not the first solo adult to have families cut in front of her in line for photos; it's an all-too-common story I have heard more than once. I'm glad to hear the families at least looked embarrassed. I've heard of some being rude about it. Overall, it sounds like it was a great experience, though. I love that you made friends with the family sitting next to you. That's my favorite part of traveling solo--meeting people.

 

[MyMuse]

LOVE the CRT update!! We ate at CRT for breakfast last May--isn't it gorgeous?! Glad you had a nice lunch and that you were able to get pics with all of the princesses!!

Oh, it is! I'm glad I went through with the ADR.

The one thing I was really anxious about was getting pics, so I'm so glad that the family next to me was great. And I loved that they were shocked when I gave them my "CM Thank You"!

Lovely castle pics! So glad you had a nice family nearby so you could get your pictures with the princess!

Yes, it was a relief. Dining solo is one thing, but dining solo at a character meal is a whole different level. I want to try Crystal Palace sometime too.

I love the most recent installment of your TR, MyMuse18! Great photos. You are not the first solo adult to have families cut in front of her in line for photos; it's an all-too-common story I have heard more than once. I'm glad to hear the families at least looked embarrassed. I've heard of some being rude about it. Overall, it sounds like it was a great experience, though. I love that you made friends with the family sitting next to you. That's my favorite part of traveling solo--meeting people.

Thanks Gray!

They were a little embarassed and I don't think it was intentional at all. They just didn't realize.

I am trying to meet more people, but social chit chat is not my forte. I will speak when spokemn to, but to start a conversation is still a bit difficult for me.

I hope to get a next update in today!

 

[jenseib]

Fun update. You had such an awesome seat!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I had to laugh about the princesses. I thought the same thing when I had my breakfast at Akerhaus. They were all the tiniest things, and I felt just huge next to them.

I can't wait to try CRT one of these days. Next trip for sure!

 

[MyMuse]

Fun update. You had such an awesome seat!

Thank you!

It was a nice seat, a bit tucked away but all good. It means I wasn't scrunched in.

I had to laugh about the princesses. I thought the same thing when I had my breakfast at Akerhaus. They were all the tiniest things, and I felt just huge next to them.

I can't wait to try CRT one of these days. Next trip for sure!

Yea, right? Holy buckets, they were teeny! I really felt that way with Jasmine with that flat belly of hers.

I'll never be that teeny, so I was only a little envious. LOL!

 

[MyMuse]

Sorry, everyone! I really did mean to write up another update yesterday.

However, I had the nasiest headache by the time I went home. I took an Advil PM when I got home (skipped the gym unfortunately) and was sound asleep somewhere after 7pm. I did not wake up until my alarms at 7am this morning.

The stuff works big time! I also took it during the weekend and I slept for 13.5hours! I may have to buy up their stock or become addicted. Whichever comes first.

I will try my darndest today.

 

[MyMuse]

Finally, onto park madness!

I started with my favorite Philharmagic – the smell of the apple pie, the 3D, just love it! I was able to get most if not all, the hidden mickeys in the wall mural in the queue line. So excited I was able to find them! They are sooooo teeny tiny.

And the posters are funny. I have more pics in earlier TRs.

and in the theater....

HM along the right vertical border of the stage, disguised as a French horn. Nifty. I almost didn't see it last time!

There is supposed to be a HM during PhilharMagic during the Aladdin & Jasmine scene, but I just didn’t pay enough attention. Really who can? LOL!

I stopped at the store just to take a look around and found some nice pics. It’s a fun store!

Did I find an HM?

From the ceiling! Cute!

After, I went over to Snow White’s Scary Adventures and fastpassed the Peter Pan ride. With Snow White, it was a little difficult to get pics of HMs in a dark ride, but there was one in the queue line.

philharmagic & snow whites rides are 20 min...great times!
4:02 PM Dec 7th

fastpassed peter pan ride when i should have fastpassed winnie the pooh ride.argh.
4:05 PM Dec 7th

The HM is on the boxer shorts, third pair from the right.

Also, the on the mural is supposed to be a HM on the chimney below the bird & 2 flowers, but I coldn't seem to find it.

During the ride, there is a HM on the top of the mirror that the Wicked Queen is looking into. I did see, just couldn't take a pic.

There are 2 others during the ride, that I didn't catch or able to take a pic of - green turtle has a HM on its shell and on the sign for the mine there is a side profile of mickey as a dawrf.

Next up was Winnie the Pooh ride. I don't think I've ever been. LOL!

I actually got this during the ride! Most impressed with myself.

I really didn't take pics of the HMs, simply because I could not catch them fast enough. There is an HM in the beginning part of the ride to the left og the "letus" sign. Another interesting tidbit, if you don't already know: there is also a pic of Mr Toad handing the deed to the house over to Owl as a tribute to its previous attraction, Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

posted time 40 min for pooh ride in mk; it was 25 min
4:34 PM Dec 7th

What do I ride next?

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice update! I love Philharmagic! I remember the first time we saw it, we were just blown away!

I like the Pooh pics too! That ride is so cute!

 

[MyMuse]

Next up is Tea Party! I have never ridden this ride. And yes, I got very strange glances & did feel my most uncomfortable, but I’ll never see these people again, right? The whole point was to do things I haven’t on this trip, so spinning cups here I come!

Aren't these cute?

I also stopped to pay respects to Randy Pausch.

I stopped and took pics at the Tomorrowland stage because it looked festive.

Next ride was TTA, a nice calm ride, though the narration has changed. I tried to take decent photos.

Interesting lamp from this high

After the TTA...

After Tomorrowland & Fantasyland adventures, I wanted to make sure I got my most favored new attraction in, the refurbed Hall of Presidents. I don’t remember ever seeing this show before either.

On the way there, I stopped to smell the roses. Someone else new for my list.

Continuing on....

 

[MyMuse]

Let me catch up on tweets…

now at tea cups...posted wait time is 15 mins...
4:38 PM Dec 7th

tea cups ride was over & done in 15 min! woot!
4:53 PM Dec 7th


time for a relaxin ride on the good ol TTA...no wait.
5:02 PM Dec 7th

After the Rose Garden, took a few pics of the stage show; I’m going to have to make sure to actually watch this through for next time.

I finally arrived at Hall of Presidents! There was a few minutes wait, so I went around taking pics.

During the KTTK tour, was told this carpet is the property of the secret service not Disney since it is an actual relica from the Oval Office. I also sent out a 'where am i?' tweet using the carpet.

Inside the theater

Obama

Mr Lincoln

Videos!




I got to it my Hall of Presidents!

According to my notes, it is now 6pm!

 

[jenseib]

fun updates. I have never been to Hall of Presidents. I actually have no desire and I'm sure Claire wouldn't like it either. LOL! I think DH went in and saw part of it in 2008 while Claire and I were watching the afternoon parade.

 

[MyMuse]

At this point, it was time for Spectromagic! Another first! Maybe I should re-title this as “TR of Firsts”

I was planning on being closer to Hall of Presidents, but lines were already forming, so I ended up in front of Sleepy Hollow. I got myself next to a lamppost, so I wouldn’t have to worry about people jostling me or parents trying to shove their kids up.

Of course, this wasn’t ideal, since people actually wanted to get into Sleepy Hollow as Spectro time got nearer. Spectro had a start time of 7pm, but it was 7:15pm or so, by the time it got to my area.

waiting for spectromagic parade....
6:56 PM Dec 7th

Videos!







Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Loved it!!

After Spectro, I went to use my Peter Pan FP from earlier in the day. No problem using it, I did feel better after using expired FPs after it was confirmed by the KTTK tour that morning. Geesh! Was it that morning!?

Peter Pan is the coolest ride; I really enjoyed it! It turns out, there was an Imagineer was behind me on the ride, but I was walking too fast to stop and re-read his nametag. LOL!

spectromagic was freakin awesome! went to peter pan to use FP. cool ride.
7:50 PM Dec 7th

I did take pics but they all come out pretty terrible.

The day hasn't ended yet!

 

[MyMuse]

After I exited Peter Pan, I was heading to Tomorrowland, there was a announcement that Wishes would be starting 10 minutes. I thought to continue on to Noodle Station where the dessert party was located but stopped since I had a perfect view of the Castle. I was able to see Tink, sort of, flying from the Castle.

castle lights!
7:58 PM Dec 7th

Tink flys from Castle



As it turns out, the fireworks were behind the trees. So, I walked more into Fantasyland and stayed by the Tea Party cups for the ending and found that most of the fireworks actually blast off from the roofs of Fantasyland! It was a little weird!

Afterwards, I walked back towards Tomorrowland and stopped at Cosmic Ray’s for a chicken sandwich and a carrot cake at 8:27pm for $12.76. I finished the sandwhich (I had my water) and kept carrot cake for later.

there was an imagineer on peter pan ride behind me! i should have said something but was walking too fast. lol
8:42 PM Dec 7th

I went on and stopped for another PP on the walkway before the hub next to Rose Garden. Apparently, I got one there earlier in the day when I was taking pics in the Rose Garden before heading over to Hall of President. So, now I take another one in the dark. I seem to have found another pattern – both light and dark PP pics in the same place! LOL!

Isn't this cute with the Castle poking thru the background?

Day

Night

I continued on to Main Street, taking pics along the way and noticed there was no string garland above Main Street. I think it came down for the parade taping.

I entered Expo Hallto add my Cinderella pic to my Photopass card. There was not a long wait and it was done. I was very happy that went well.

I was about 9:30pm when I exited Expo Hall and looking for my car keys. I sat down in the rocking chairs to hunt trough my bag. I decided to sit down for a bit since the rocking chair was relaxing. Then I decided I could eat my carrot cake on the porch rocking away. Some other people were sleeping next to me. I stayed there for about 30 minutes, relaxing, swinging, observing and eating my cake. Hmm, I think I can have cake and eat it too.

I just realized MK does not have the strung garland down Main Street.
9:27 PM Dec 7th

surreal..sitting in rocking chair having carrot cake in front of expo hall in MK watching people go by....the life....
9:31 PM Dec 7th

ok, i guess i'm going to have to leave the expo hall porch now....LOL!
10:02 PM Dec 7th

Pics from the Big Chair

my chariot awaits

I finally left Magic Kingdom a little after 10pm, took the Resort Monorail back to TTC and found my car.It was 10:35pm before I finally left Magic Kingdom. I believe I entered at 7:55am – that’s 14.5 hours!

another marathon day in parks done; drove car in at 7:55am & driving car out at 10:35pm..14.5 hours?
10:35 PM Dec 7th

I got back to my condo in short order, organized for the next day, journaled and to bed at midnight. At this point, I’ve been up for over 17 hours!

Day 4 is over – what a wonderful day!!



Up Next: Nature by Design Segway Tour!

 

[KatGarcia]

Awesome updates! I love that you sat and relaxed at the end of the day and ate your cake! Great moment!