We're Doing WHAT For My Birthday??? - Final Thoughts

[mnmrmustard]

Love the new stuff at HM

Great pics as usual

That is cool you got any pics to come out in HM. Didn't think that was possible

I am going to guess you eat at Liberty Tree Tavern for your bday lunch

Thank you and yes, it is always a challenge to get pics on dark rides. Just comes down to trying to stay still and taking a bunch of shots and hoping one or two will be clear enough to keep

That is a very good guess! ...but not the right one for lunch hehe.

Day 6 Part 5 – Cruising, Strolling, and Riding the Rails

Fantastic shot of the castle with no peeps!

I love the things that you can see from the train- great views of BTM, the Indian villages, and the Fantastyland expansion signs.

Thank you, it is hard one to get unless you run!

I could ride that train around and around and always see something new. Gotta do the train behind the scenes thing sometime.

OT - Portland Pirate Festival

That looks seriously fun!!! Love your pirate garb and your crew looked great!

So, was Bean hypnotized and if so, what happened??? Or does what happened at the Pirate fest, stay at the Pirate fest?

It was a blast, only complaint was that it was a wee bit hot. But hot and sunny beats rain, which they had the year before. I'm still working on my pirate outfit - upgrading it in bits and pieces. Yes, I had a fine crew!

Yes, she was hypnotized along with a crowd of others. At her special cue she got into a sword fight with an imaginary foe. Others broke into song and dance. It was a fun show

Day 6 Part 6 – Daisy, Sweetie, and My Fellow Americans

Great to have you two together again! What a super morning so far- some solo time doing what you love at your own pace then meeting up for more fun.

We haven't been to Hall of Presidents in over a decade, I'm ashamed to admit! Our bored kids have been along with us on all of the trips. But my youngest son is a history buff, and I think he is probably ready to check it out.

Did you happen to read about the Teddy bear in the case? I know the original is in the Smithsonian. I teach a short program about the first Teddy bear for elementary students as part of a history mini-camp.

Thanks for great pictures of the HM queue. We didn't take any time to explore it when we were there in July.

Day 5 Part 7 – Haunted Mansion and Magic at the Castle

More great pictures! I love the one with the eyes! So hard to get good shots in there. I have yet to capture the hitchiking ghosts with my point and shoot.

That bride is seriously spooky!

Lunch guess- Crystal Palace?

It is hard to get the wee ones into Hall of Presidents when Splash, HM, and BTM are all within sight. Hope your history buff enjoys it next time.

No, unfortunately did not have time to look into any of the items in great detail. We had come in close enough to showtime that I just had time to snap a few pics before they started gathering us up. Plus I was drawn to the trivia question he was asking So what is the history of the bear?

You're welcome on getting those queue pictures, I love how interactive they've made it! And I was so happy to get a half-decent pic of the Hitchhiking Ghosts and the Bride was a real bonus.

Another great guess on the lunch destination! But alas, not where my taste buds wanted me to go. Despite the heat I wanted me some pasta!!!

 

[Trentmom]

My 2nd guess

Tony's ?

 

[mnmrmustard]

My 2nd guess

Tony's ?

GOOD GUESS!!!! And here is the continuing fun!

 

[mnmrmustard]

The show was ending so we got ahead of the crowds and headed back down Main Street USA towards my lunch choice of Tony’s Town Square – me love-a the pasta!.

Along the way we came across the Dapper Dans and their well-dressed accompaniment.

They had a very cute audience

And they were groovin’

Large Panorama of the Singers

In that same neighborhood there was another PhotoPass photographer set up. I love having shots with those Disney balloons in the background ;-D

We strolled into Tony’s a bit before our reservation and enjoyed the air conditioning. Roxy had a pit stop while I sat and watched Lady and the Tramp on the TV. Soon enough we were called in to our table. Our server was very nice and if she wasn’t aware it was my special day my hat gave her a strong hint – lol

We sat down together with the menu and she snapped a couple of pics of us

Then I sat across from Roxy and we ordered. I ordered the classic spaghetti and meatballs and Roxy ordered the lasagna. It was a good meal and when they had cleared away the lunch plates our server brought me a card signed by the staff and a piece of birthday cake – w00t!

After dessert we wandered out the door and saw Snow White holding court. The line was again closed (missed her at EPCOT too) but I snapped a cute pic of her interacting with a little girl.

I love these hitching posts

We walked back up Main Street towards the hub. Off to the side they had this great topiary of Mickey and Minnie

We finally rounded towards Tomorrowland. I think I see Nessie!

Large Shot of Nessie and the Terrace

It was 1:30pm and in the mid-to-high 90s so we made a beeline for the laugh floor. We were both looking forward to it since neither of us had ever been to it.

We came back in to blessed air conditioning and a big Welcome to Monstropolis!

Big Welcome Sign

Mike’s dressing room

Roxy with the stars of the show

We moved forward and the intro started

When scared kids powered the land

Monstropolis

Mike showing the new way

Give us the funny!

Mike tells us how the laugh floor works

We had a great time on the laugh floor, very entertaining show with some good guests chosen to work with the monsters. Once it finished we moved on to the high adrenalin rush of…











…the PEOPLE MOVER!!!!

FEEL THE RUSH! WHOOHOO!!!!!

Next up we take in the views from the PM and IIIIII LOVE A PAAARRRRAAAAADDDDEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!


Click Here for the Next Chapter: Day 6 Part 9 – Rockin’ the People Mover and Parade Time!

 

[Trentmom]

Looks like a great bday dinner

I I love Tony's....

I like the Disney Balloons too. My bil is actually one of the balloon sellers at Disney. We have a ton of balloon photos

 

[cherbear]

Love the Haunted Mansion pics!! I didn't realize there were THAT many changes!!! I absolutely cannot wait to go back now!!!
So are the ghosts not in the mirror IN the car with you anymore? Did the other antics replace that or is the ghost atop the car an addition to the other effect? I would think that kids wouldn't be quite as freaked out by the new effect but if the mirror one is gone I will surely miss it!

ooh ooh Mike, I was hoping you might have stolen a few shots IN the Laugh Floor. LOL just kidding...I know there's no photographing allowed and you are not a rule-breaker.

But what I was hoping to hear is that you were a part of the show. You would be the ideal "that guy!" or the one who gets up and dances! Dangit! (or is that the same guy? can't remember. ) I hope y'all made it back there again. So glad you got to experience this show....I'm such a ham that I've gone back over and over just trying to be spotlighted, but it's never happened. My Mike ended up on screen before the show with a little quip written and that was pretty funny. But no speaking roles, and nothing at all DURING the actual show. But one day we will!! I would love to be the "2 headed human" someday soon.

You got some awesome pics on this special day of yours! Love the kissy pic at Tony's....however, I expected to see a strand of pasta between your lips! Re-do, Re-do!!

What a yummy-looking piece of cake!

 

[jordanyosh]

peep

 

[mnmrmustard]

Apologies for dropping off the map again. The beginning of term has been a very busy one and I've been chairing hiring committees to get my staff levels back up where they should be.

Good news is things are calming down at work and we're doing final interviews for the last position this afternoon - w00t!

Looks like a great bday dinner

I I love Tony's....

I like the Disney Balloons too. My bil is actually one of the balloon sellers at Disney. We have a ton of balloon photos

It was a great one! But it was only my B-Day Lunch!!!! I still have another special destination for dinner

Oh I'm sure you have a BUNCH of balloon photos then. How cool

Love the Haunted Mansion pics!! I didn't realize there were THAT many changes!!! I absolutely cannot wait to go back now!!!
So are the ghosts not in the mirror IN the car with you anymore? Did the other antics replace that or is the ghost atop the car an addition to the other effect? I would think that kids wouldn't be quite as freaked out by the new effect but if the mirror one is gone I will surely miss it!

Yes, the outside walk through once you get past the carriage is completely different now. I like it a lot. As far as the ghosts, there are some in the car still. I think there are 3 or 4 ghost options, we just happened to get the one who rode on top.

ooh ooh Mike, I was hoping you might have stolen a few shots IN the Laugh Floor. LOL just kidding...I know there's no photographing allowed and you are not a rule-breaker.

No, my camera is a bit too noticeable to get away with covert pics in there. I like to push the boundaries sometimes but didn't want to have a repeat of the camera incident I had on the Jurrassic Park ride at Universal.

But what I was hoping to hear is that you were a part of the show. You would be the ideal "that guy!" or the one who gets up and dances! Dangit! (or is that the same guy? can't remember. ) I hope y'all made it back there again. So glad you got to experience this show....I'm such a ham that I've gone back over and over just trying to be spotlighted, but it's never happened. My Mike ended up on screen before the show with a little quip written and that was pretty funny. But no speaking roles, and nothing at all DURING the actual show. But one day we will!! I would love to be the "2 headed human" someday soon.

You got some awesome pics on this special day of yours! Love the kissy pic at Tony's....however, I expected to see a strand of pasta between your lips! Re-do, Re-do!!

What a yummy-looking piece of cake!

It would have been cool to be part of the show, but having been chosen for Indy at DHS was plenty for me on this trip I'm sure if we both keep going back one of us will finally get picked

Yes, I did miss the opportunity of the pasta pic between Roxy and I. I even had spaghetti and didn't think about it And yes, the cake was very good.

peep

Hey Jordan!!! Good to see you back on board bud, hope things are going well back east.

 

[jordanyosh]

TTA....one of my fave rides.....

with limited internet access, it's hard to keep up, but I'll do my best.

 

[mnmrmustard]

I was hamming it up on the People Mover, can you tell?

We glided out and started taking in Tomorrowland

Large Version of That One

Zooming in

Hark, the Castle!

The red space ship

Feel the g-forces at work!!!!

Inside Buzz Blasters

Out the other side and looking towards the ‘hub’

Large Version of Castle and Hub

We rambled back into the station and headed back to ground level. We checked out a couple of the gift shops and picked up a Mickey-themed suitcase to bring all of our memorabilia back in. We had them send it to the front for pick-up when we left.

It was getting close to parade time so we worked our way to the hub and found a spot in the accessible area. I ended up being the accessible area police along with another guest with his wife in a scooter. It is amazing how many people just try and walk right in to those reserved areas and stand right in front of those in wheelchairs/scooters.

Soon enough the band came marching by

And then came the Grand Marshals

Followed by the banner – time for some Dreams to Come True!!!!

Donald was looking very festive!

Here comes Lilo and Stitch

Woody and Jesse

Some colorful dancers came by

Hiiiiii Mickeyyyyyy!!!! …And Minnie of course ;-]

Hide your kids, its Honest John!

Followed by Gideon of course

More dancers

Pinocchio rolls into view

Hi-Ho, it’s Dopey!

The Prince and Snow White. She’s my all-time favorite princess so he better watch it …especially with that seig-heil wave he has going there.

She tried to explain his actions while he does a d’oh!

Next up …you got it, more parade antics!


Click Here for the Next Chapter: Day 6 Part 10 – The Dreamy Parade Continues!

 

[Trentmom]

yay!!

Another update

Love TTA

good job being the Parade police

Loving the parade pics

 

[mnmrmustard]

TTA....one of my fave rides.....

with limited internet access, it's hard to keep up, but I'll do my best.

Limited internet is no fun for sure. I hope my pic-heavy posts aren't straining the connection too much

yay!!

Another update

Love TTA

good job being the Parade police

Loving the parade pics

Yes indeed, and I'm about to do another one!

TTA rocks, hope they bring it back and DLR. Thank you on the parade police comment, gotta keep the masses at bay

More parade pics on the way!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Following Snow White’s crew we had characters from Aladdin. First cam Jafar

Genie and Abu

Jafar was really striding through there as Genie said ‘hi’ to the kids

Jafar was not amused

They made way and along came yet more dancers

This was an eclectic float …Dumbo, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins

One question, where is Jasmine??? Aladdin didn’t seem to know. Burt was ready to point the way though ;-D

He was a great Burt …really interacted with the crowd

Now here came my favorite Villain – HOOK!!! …yes, Tweedle Dee and Dum were there too - lol

Smee came along in tow, pointing out wee ones for him.

And then of course chastised Smee for interrupting him

And then he was off!

I would have liked to have had an interaction with my favorite character but he was out there for the kids which is the way it should be. I was trying to get over myself when he turned around and gave me a salute and wave – w00t! I only caught the wave on camera but it was cool nonetheless.

…and after that there were …you guessed it, more dancers!

Coming up we wrap up the Dreams parade!


Click Here for the Next Chapter: Day 6 Part 11 – The Parade of Dreams Finale!

 

[Trentmom]

Got to love the Villains

 

[cherbear]

nice parade pics Mike!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Got to love the Villains

Indeed!

nice parade pics Mike!

Thank you Cheri!

 

[mnmrmustard]

When we left off I had just had a cool moment with Captain Hook and was really getting into the fun of the parade.

The next float to come into view was Alice in Wonderland plus Peter Pan and Wendy.

They were all doing a little dance when they rolled by.

It was very cool that they all took the time to interact with both sides of the parade route

The Mad Hatter spotted me and my B-Day button and did a birthday dance for me :-D

Behind them were the regal ladies, Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters.

As I’ve said before I love these gals, they have given my family some of the best character interactions both at WDW and DLR.

Anastasia and Drizella were in fine form

Fine dancers all

I love the way the stepsisters ham it up!

Next of course was the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella and her beau

I got a wave from the Godmother :-]

And then from Cinderella herself

Can’t get enough of those dancers, they are an animated bunch!

And now “the big show” with the gilded Kingdom of Dreams float containing Ariel/Eric, Beauty/Beast, & Tiana/Naveen

I was happy as we had Ariel and Beast on our side

Hi Ariel!

Got a wave from Beast and Beauty saw my button – Whoohoo!

This was the best shot I could get of Tiana and Naveen, too many towers in the way

That was the end of a very magical parade. As soon as it was past the realization that we were slow-cooking in the heat set back in and we decided we needed to find somewhere cool to escape it. Any guesses where we went from the hub? Consider that we’ve already done Hall of Presidents ;-D I also have my magical Birthday Dinner booked – guesses are welcome on that too!


Next up we seek shelter from the heat, have a Splash, weigh anchor, and find our way to a bountiful birthday dinner feast!


Click Here for the Next Chapter: Day 6 Part 12 – Bears, Briars, and a Bountiful Feast

 

[jordanyosh]

Great parade pix. The step sisters seemed to be in rare form. You are right they are always pretty funny. I bet it's fun to play them, but as a CM are you insulted when they tell you you're going to be a step sister and not Cinderella.....

 

[mnmrmustard]

Great parade pix. The step sisters seemed to be in rare form. You are right they are always pretty funny. I bet it's fun to play them, but as a CM are you insulted when they tell you you're going to be a step sister and not Cinderella.....

Thank you, and yes those step sisters were having a great time with the crowd while Tremaine remained aloof as you would expect. If I was to play a character I would prefer it be a more jaded one

Oh, I'm sure the ladies who are told they are to be Anastasia and Drizella aren't happy to hear their looks aren't up to "princess" caliber

 

[jordanyosh]

Thank you, and yes those step sisters were having a great time with the crowd while Tremaine remained aloof as you would expect. If I was to play a character I would prefer it be a more jaded one

Oh, I'm sure the ladies who are told they are to be Anastasia and Drizella aren't happy to hear their looks aren't up to "princess" caliber

I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to have to deliver that news...