WDW trip for DL Vets including being Grand Marshal!

[zeitzeuge]

My partner has to go to a convention in Orlando every other year for work, and despite the fact that we're diehard Disneyland fans, it's still a Disney park and with the chance to save some money and spend a few days at Magic Kingdom it's a no brainer to go. We're not as keen on dealing with long bus rides everywhere and with only a couple days, we kept our trip strictly to Magic Kingdom, our favorite East Coast park.


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flick

We started our morning early as usual and since we're not familiar with the park as we are DL, we spent a lot of our time that first morning wandering around, getting acclimated. We did our normal routine by grabbing some coffee and headed Chapeau's to buy some ears. We wear a different set of ears every day.

We typically wear ears, pins/lanyard and a disney shirt when we go to the parks. Often we'll wear our Disneydork tshirts. I can't tell you how many times we were told one Halloween trip, that everyone LOVED our costumes! Um, we wear this to the park every day, any time of the year. LOL Yes, two grown men, acting like kids.

We got our first set of vintage styled Mouseketeer ears and immediately came out to snap a photo. While standing there, snapping away, an older gentleman CM came up and asked about my Disneydork tshirt. We proceeded to chat for quite a while, talking about our daily routines of buying ears, etc. We talked about our love of all things Disney and how we typically go to Disneyland, but were making our only 2nd trip to WDW. Then he said, "I would be honored to have you both as Grand Marshal's in today's 3pm parade!". We were dumbfounded. I guess two grown men dressing like 10 year olds and acting like kids, gets peoples attention. Before you know it, we had our instructions, exchanged numbers and had a permanent grin on our face the rest of the day until the parade.


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


I spend most of my time snapping tons of photo's, while my partner spends most of his time way ahead of me and having to turn around to find me to see where I am. Here are just some photo's taken throughout the morning until we had to head down to the parade gate to be GM's for the parade.

I love it when areas of the park are empty:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

A quick little show:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Only draw back is when the parks are full of scrims to cover up construction, but it's always a good sign that Disney is keeping the park looking fresh. Just makes for some poor photo opportunities.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

It was a very cloudy day with a 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms, for both saturday and sunday. We didn't let this dampen our spirits. We can still have fun in the park even when it rains. But it was possible it was going to cancel our chance to be GM's in the parade, so we kept watching the clouds closely. Luckily, the CM said that if it didn't work out today, we would be slated for it the next day again.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

We took a ride on the People Mover. One of the joys of going to WDW over DL. I just wish DL would somehow get theirs back. I miss this ride. I swear we rode it about 6 times in two days:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Disney crocs are ugly as sin, but they're like crack for feet.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

I swear out of the 600 photo's I took in two days that 200 of them were of the castle:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Always enjoy the Tiki Room. So glad to see it back closer to the original:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

No WDW trip is complete without checking out the bears:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

The cloudiness that day actually made it nice taking photo's and a 70 degree day in Florida is like an answer to prayer. lol

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Always a park favorite:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

With it cloudy and a chance of rain, few characters were out, but we did get the chance to see Donald and also Mickey and Minney on mainstreet.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Then the time arrived to be in the parade.

 

[zeitzeuge]

We headed to the parade gate back by Splash Mountain. Right on time, they brought us back stage and immediately told us no photos. Dang. We were handed certificates and ears, which we could have our names or whatever added at any of the stores, plus a free 8x10 of us in the parade. We felt honored, because the CM told us and the other couple who were GM's (there's always four?) that this was his last day and last parade, as he is retiring. He got so teary eyed talking about it and made it even that much more special to us to be chosen.

We sat in the car and then he allowed us to take pics. Many characters came up to say Hi to us.


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

An experience we'll never forget. Thirty minutes of waving at everyone, grinning from ear to ear.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Our happiness just continued throughout the day and were constantly recognized by people, asking us if we were the guys in the parade.

Since they let you out by the entrance of the gate, we had front row seats to the parade:


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

More castle shots of course:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Storm clouds were getting black and wind was picking up. We snapped a quick pic while on the train and got off at the mainstreet train station and decided to wait out the storm, which was about to hit at any moment.


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Eventually it did pour like crazy so we just sat there for about 30 minutes and waited it out. Luckily, despite the forecast to rain heavy all day, the storm was over quickly and that was it. It sprinkled lightly a couple times throughout the weekend, but not enough warranting wearing those silly looking poncho's. I mean, how do you wear your ears?


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Few more castle shots before some nighttime photos? Ok, I have plenty of those:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

 

[zeitzeuge]

Then it came time for our favorite parade, Mainstreet Electrical Parade. When are y'all sending it back to Disneyland?


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

I can't get enough of this parade:

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Although it wasn't viewed from the front, Magic, Memories and You, provided some great shots of the Castle:


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

We were able to move around and get sort of a decent place to stand for Wishes. Sorry, more Castle shots.


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

All the smoke from the fireworks created a lot of haze all over the park:


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

 

[zeitzeuge]

It was a really great couple of days and we were able to ride every attraction with the exception of TMRR which was down and Space Mountain which seemed to be temporarily down every time we tried to ride. That's a lot to accomplish in one day, but we did it. I'll close with just a few more favorite shots from the two days at MK.

Hope you enjoyed the report!


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

She said, "Oooo, a man sandwich" She cracked us up

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

A lady walked by and literally grabbed my camera to take our picture for us.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

While waiting by the restroom, looked up and saw a perfectly frame photo opportunity. Yes, again of the castle.

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr


Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

Hope you all enjoyed the trip/photo report

Walt Disney World 2012 by DallasDisneyDork, on Flickr

 

[TagsMissy]

**love** the photos!!! It's great seeing more and hearing how you got selected to be in the parade

What camera are you using?

Glad you two had a great time despite the rain and very short trip.

 

[zeitzeuge]

**love** the photos!!! It's great seeing more and hearing how you got selected to be in the parade

What camera are you using?

Glad you two had a great time despite the rain and very short trip.

Thank you! We use a simple Canon PowerShot Elph 300HS. Great point and shoot camera, especially for the low cost. We have a nicer camera that's closer to an SLR, but they're such a pain to lug around. lol

 

[TagsMissy]

Thank you! We use a simple Canon PowerShot Elph 300HS. Great point and shoot camera, especially for the low cost. We have a nicer camera that's closer to an SLR, but they're such a pain to lug around. lol

Hmm we lug the SLR.... and lenses... inevitably we have the wrong lens on us maybe the key is a simple cheaper camera LOL ((OK by 'we' I mean hubby.))

 

[zeitzeuge]

Hmm we lug the SLR.... and lenses... inevitably we have the wrong lens on us maybe the key is a simple cheaper camera LOL ((OK by 'we' I mean hubby.))

Yeah, if I bring the big camera it would be ME carrying everything around. If I had more than 2-3 days in the park, I would try to bring it some, but the pocket one is so much easier.

 

[vettegirl]

I really enjoyed your shots of the MK, just beautiful! I am a DL diehard as well

 

[zeitzeuge]

I really enjoyed your shots of the MK, just beautiful! I am a DL diehard as well

Thanks Vettegirl, I'm glad you enjoyed them.

 

[TagsMissy]

Yeah, if I bring the big camera it would be ME carrying everything around. If I had more than 2-3 days in the park, I would try to bring it some, but the pocket one is so much easier.

I think we'll research getting a new point and click for the next trip. Our Waterproof one while awesome for the pool, etc doesn't take the best photos; especially not at night.

 

[zeitzeuge]

I think we'll research getting a new point and click for the next trip. Our Waterproof one while awesome for the pool, etc doesn't take the best photos; especially not at night.

Take a look at the Canon PowerShot ELPH's. They really are fantastic, have tons of fun settings (minature, vintage, extra vivid, etc) and it's so easy to use, small and compact. We love it. I'm on my 3rd one. lol

 

[TagsMissy]

Take a look at the Canon PowerShot ELPH's. They really are fantastic, have tons of fun settings (minature, vintage, extra vivid, etc) and it's so easy to use, small and compact. We love it. I'm on my 3rd one. lol

Will check it out