YES, touring Cinderella’s Dream Suite was Amazing!+14 Other Magical Days* Dismeet & Wrap

[scottny]

Those pancakes look good.
Nice pics with Mickey.
Nice IASW pics. Now if I had 53 pics I would have posted at least 40. LOL.
Nice pics in the HM.
Nice pics from the riverboat.
All caught up.

 

[emmysmommy]

I liked the picture you posted of the Golden Ship in Peter Pan's Flight. I think I just commented in KatMark's report that I rarely see that picture. And boom- now I have seen it twice in like a week.

DISers on the same wave length. How coincidental that it was one of the few photos that turned out.

This is your brain.

This is your brain on drugs (or on Disney pavement)

Any questions?

I would like to think that my brain looks more like little hamsters running on a wheel powering my cerebral cortex.

Very tall photographer!

Funny but I don't remember why that is taken up so high since I don't remember being served by an Amazon.

Sorry that your onion soup at BOG was disappointing. I had a similar thing happen when I ordered clam chowder in Puerto Rico. The waitress warned me that the broth was tomato based, and being a true New England girl, I should have taken her warning. But I didn't. I thought I could handle it, but tomato just does not belong in chowder. And onion soup NEEDS a beef broth base.

I suppose warnings are given to be heeded. I can say that the times I didn't take a server's advice they could have said, "told you so." Sometimes we just can't help ourselves.

Where have I been? All the updates!! You have been busy.

That IS an egg by all appearances.

From what I have read on the boards, it would see lunch is better at BOG. Biggest difference I see is no Beast at lunch and the full service dinner and counter service lunch.

Glad to provide some updates!

Isn't it deceptive? I definitely had to take a closer look.. and send some samples out for analysis.

I want it all - I want Beast at lunch too. I'm sure I'll try lunch before returning for dinner.

I'll never get tired of seeing pictures of the Tangled restrooms, so thanks for posting yours. If they can do all that with a bathroom, they should certainly be able to make a fabulous Tangled attraction or meet & greet location, am I right??

Ugh, getting stuck in monsoons sucks, especially when you are trying to find cover! Ducking (ha!) into PhilharMagic is a great way to get out of the wet!

I laughed out loud at that pic of the "egg"! It certainly does look like one!!

Lovely dinner at BoG. It's really so beautiful in there.

Wouldn't that be great? Disney did such a great job with the restroom area that they should have no problem building a permanent Rapunzel AND Flynn.

I can't believe I fell so far behind on all my subscriptions! Real life has a nasty habit of interfering with my Dis time!

First of all, huge congrats to Emily on her engagement! She's going to be a beautiful bride!

I'm so glad to see you still here and getting caught up Carol.

Thank you for the sweet and kind words regarding Em.

I hate getting caught in those sudden Florida storms! They certainly come out of nowhere and will drench a person in no time flat. Frank and I got caught in one after dinner at Tutto Italia on one trip. It was raining so hard it looked like a solid sheet of water and with the wind, it was going sideways, lol. Of course that was the one time I forgot the ponchos so we were soaked to our socks as soon as we stepped out into it. We then proceeded to shiver in a bus with the a/c set to the "polar ice cap" setting. Ah, those Disney memories ...

Oh nooooo! At least the soaking happened after dinner. That would have been a sad state to be soaked during dinner. I hear ya about the a/c cranked up in the buses. You probably couldn't sit close enough to your DH to get some body heat.

Glad you got to check "watch Wishes from the Poly beach" off your must-do list. Even though you didn't stay for the finale, it still counts!

Our timing was perfect for that finale so I'm glad that we didn't wait for the next boat and watch the entire show from the beach.

I love MK at night! New Fantasyland is gorgeous and I never get tired of the Tangled area. Disney did a great job there (including the bathrooms )

MK turns into a true Fantasyland after dark. I love the look and feel of everything there.

Sorry your meal at BoG wasn't the best. Nancy and I had a wonderful experience there as the ambience, service and food was excellent. However, I think our experience was an exception to the rule as I've read more unfavourable reviews than favourable ones. At least you got a squeeze from the Beast!

For me, it's been the food choices. I've not been hungry enough to try an entrée so I keep getting the sides or entrees and maybe I haven't allowed BoG to shine with those items. I don't know.... I did try Em's chicken and I didn't like it so maybe I'm too picky. Ha ha!

That totally looks like a fried egg!

Looks can be deceiving! It fooled us for sure.

Loved the pics and DL DisMeet reports!

Ok, all caught up and ready for more ...

Thank you Carol! I'm getting ready to post another Dismeet update!

Loving the TR as usual!

That seriously does look like an egg to me too!

What did you order on your first trip to BOG? We love the steak that is offered there although the french fries are VERY salty.

You must be busy getting ready to go again. So excited I'm sure!!

Hi Bridget! Ha ha! It sure was a foamy egg now that I'm looking at it more closely.

I ordered a salad the first time - very boring. I also had a bite of Em's seafood pastry thing. Then last time I had a bite of Em's chicken provincial which I didn't like. BUT... those cupcakes are amazing! The steak I would try and maybe even the pork. Glad you liked your entrée. There's hope!

I should be busier getting ready but I don't even have much time to prepare and pack yet.

You can never have too many pictures of the Tangled bathroom area.

Sorry about the rain; I was hoping it would end after we left for you girls.

That certainly looks like an egg to me on the sidewalk.

Beautiful photos inside the Beast's castle.

Oh, I agree Kathy!

Your former TR sure nailed it with the title. I suppose the 3pm rain is to be expected.

Eggs and frozen lemonade on sidewalks - it is hard to tell them apart. Although I would hope a real egg wouldn't be foamy. That would be a scary egg.

Thanks, my camera did all the work!

Glad ya'll managed to stay dry in the monsoon!! And had a nice break back at the resort!!
oh man that lemonade REALLY does look like an egg! Bahah

So sad BOG was less than stellar for you! I have had some not so great experiences there but will always return lol

Hi Katt or shall I say Disney's newest international CM?

Hey, we work hard to stay dry like that. Even if we have to see Philharmonic back-to-back to stay out of the rain.

Didn't it though? Fooled us!

I will return to BoG just not in the next trip or two - for dinner. I may try lunch soon. I know you've had lunch several times as well.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hey there Brenda! Sorry its been so long but alas I am caught up....took me long enough geez. I find it funny that you have never seen the part of space mountain on the peoplemover. Our first trip we had the blackout tunnel version and thought it was and odd part of the ride, but then on trip number two it was working and so we were like, ah okay that makes more sense lol. Like you said sometimes its working sometimes not. I think I remember the ride stopping on us one time while we were in the blackout tunnel and it was none too fun. With the number of trips that you have been on it is kind of weird that it never works for you.....hmmmm maybe it is a conspiracy....

Hey there Jenn! No worries, this is lingering and now well into its 8th month so I'm going to be at this TR longer than it takes to give birth!

I didn't know the black out tunnel was anything more than that. I'm sure Disney sees me coming and makes sure I get the alternate reality version. Darn!

Pooh Merge....lol that is funny. What does that even mean?! I have to know!

One can only imagine!!

I will be so jealous if you guys get to ride the mine train when it first opens. The earliest that we will be back to WDW will not be until next year and I think I might burst at the seams before then!

I'm hoping we'll have a chance to ride when it opens early May. I do have a limit as far as how long I'd wait to ride so it may wait until our summer trip although I would bet it will be just as crowded then but hopefully will have FP+.

Ahhh I cannot get enough of the Ariel ride at MK! Seriously I could take a million pictures and never get tired of looking at them....this themeing is perfection IMO. And an Ariel meet and greet right after.....throw in Voyage of the Little Mermaid at HS and you would have had a Rob Little Mermaid trifecta!

Ha ha! Yes, a Mermaid trifecta! That's awesome! Rob wouldn't be able to contain himself with so much Ariel!

Topping the night off with a little ETWB sounds great to me. I wish that we had been able to do this on our last trip, but it will definitely be a top priority on our next one for sure. A game of I spy in the cottage sounds like so much fun! Having the portal already open..... what's up with that?

Having the door already open felt like nothing magical ushered us into the enchanted objects room. I would love to see the door open again so I may have to return next trip.

Waking up to the view you had of the bay in the morning sounds like heaven. And breakfast at Kona? Goodness this is sooooo on my bucket list and I want to try those darn pancakes so bad I could scream! They look so very very good....now your trip report is making me hungry....lol.

A sunrise over the bay and Kona breakfast - yep, a pretty decent way to start our day!

Great pictures of you two with Mickey and also the castle! Your story of the little girl that did not want to stop kissing Mickey is precious....I love Disney so much, such wonderful things happen here! I will miss legacy fastpass so much. Everytime I see a pic posted on a TR of someone holding one I get so sad.....

That little girl was loving on Mickey and didn't want to leave. It was adorable. I felt bad that the grandmother felt she needed to apologize. I could only speak for myself but I didn't mind at all since it was a Disney memory being built before our eyes.

So cool to talk with people who are in the DCP! You are right they always have so much Disney energy....love it! I really wish that I had known about this program when I graduated from high school especially since I was a theater major....ah well.

You would have fit right in with Entertainment at Disney with your major! Between that and a love for Disney you could have been one of those CM that we pose with since they stand out as something very special!

Brenda you can never post too many pictures of the Tangled Bathrooms lol. I am in love with this area. Seriously if I could find a way to build this in my backyard (which is open woods) I would live out there. Seriously I could totally see myself just reading a book, catching up on the DIS....you get it right? GAH, it's okay to dream right? Your BOG pictures make me miss it sooo much!!

I can totally picture your very own Tangled wooded glen. Ahhhhh yes... what a life that would be. Then all you need is a tower and a set of paints!

Alright so now I am caught up so you can write some more lol! Can't wait

Wow! I'm impressed! Thanks for getting caught up and taking the time to comment on everything. I learned something new about you with the theater major!

Those pancakes look good.
Nice pics with Mickey.
Nice IASW pics. Now if I had 53 pics I would have posted at least 40. LOL.
Nice pics in the HM.
Nice pics from the riverboat.
All caught up.

Hi Scott!

Thank you. Mickey seemed to enjoy our visit as well. I don't think he was talking at that point yet. I know for our December trip he was.

Ah but the other 39 photos on IaSW would have been the same kid over and over with just a different hair piece. Have you noticed they all look pretty much alike?

I see a theme here. I think you liked some of my photos.

 

[emmysmommy]

DISmeet Intermission time...
​

I was able to meet another DISboard legend last weekend at Disneyland - Cynthia (Eandesmom)!! I was very excited that she made some time to visit with us on her arrival night last Saturday.

We met for a hug and a photo before parting ways briefly and then met back up at Catal's Uva Bar in DTD.

Here's a couple photos that I posted on FB.

Cynthia was engaging and so sweet. I loved spending time talking with her and I know why Ann and Mary Ellen and so many other DISers are huge Cynthia fans. (And she's just as gorgeous as her photos!)

Thank you Cynthia for taking the time out of your travel day and time with your family to meet up!

Continue to Next Update for TR

​

 

[teekathepony]

That's so exciting! I'm glad you guys had some time for a Dismeet, it sounds like fun!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Tracy161]

Sounds like a great Dis meet! I'm SO jealous you live so close to Disneyland!!!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks so much for sharing the awesome pictures of your meet with Cynthia.

I shall now dub you the official ambassadress of DISers visiting Disneyland and I couldn't be happier about that!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Brenda I swear I am not joking when I say that I'm really starting to think people are planing trips to Cali just to meet you...

... Oh and we may as well check out Disneyland while we're there.

 

[smile4stamps]

A DIsMeet?! What the heck is that?? Haha!! We get a 10 day DISMeet lol. Now pack girl!! Can't wait to see you and Michael again.

 

[Tracy161]

Brenda I swear I am not joking when I say that I'm really starting to think people are planing trips to Cali just to meet you...

... Oh and we may as well check out Disneyland while we're there.

Yep... I'm gonna second this!!!

 

[KatMark]

I am so glad you got to meet Cynthia. I got to meet her several months ago when she was in Chicago for a business meeting and she is such a sweetheart and a delight to just sit and talk with.

Great photos.

 

[Leshaface]

Lol way to spot that 'fried egg' on the street! I would have thought the same thing.

BTW, love your dress that you wear to BoG!

What a fun DIS meet with Cynthia! Glad you guys were able to meet up a couple times and chat. Always lots of fun to meet people in 'real life'

 

[thornton0511]

Hey there Jenn! No worries, this is lingering and now well into its 8th month so I'm going to be at this TR longer than it takes to give birth!
Bahahaha this really made me laugh out loud!
I didn't know the black out tunnel was anything more than that. I'm sure Disney sees me coming and makes sure I get the alternate reality version. Darn!

lol that would be so mean! I was totally playing this in my head though and its pretty funny I have to say....."hurry here she comes, shhh shhh keep it down, turn off those effects quick" lol

One can only imagine!!



I'm hoping we'll have a chance to ride when it opens early May. I do have a limit as far as how long I'd wait to ride so it may wait until our summer trip although I would bet it will be just as crowded then but hopefully will have FP+.


Ha ha! Yes, a Mermaid trifecta! That's awesome! Rob wouldn't be able to contain himself with so much Ariel!

no kidding lol

Having the door already open felt like nothing magical ushered us into the enchanted objects room. I would love to see the door open again so I may have to return next trip.

I would have stepped back and asked them to start all over and open the portal.....not really

A sunrise over the bay and Kona breakfast - yep, a pretty decent way to start our day!

I should say so

That little girl was loving on Mickey and didn't want to leave. It was adorable. I felt bad that the grandmother felt she needed to apologize. I could only speak for myself but I didn't mind at all since it was a Disney memory being built before our eyes.



You would have fit right in with Entertainment at Disney with your major! Between that and a love for Disney you could have been one of those CM that we pose with since they stand out as something very special!


awww thank you. I have to say that was many many moons ago and that ship has sailed lol. But I do see a lot of these personality traits in my kids so since I am now Disney educated maybe they will be interested in this

I can totally picture your very own Tangled wooded glen. Ahhhhh yes... what a life that would be. Then all you need is a tower and a set of paints!

Yes and when I build it you can come to Texas for a visit and hang out in my Tangled backyard lol

Wow! I'm impressed! Thanks for getting caught up and taking the time to comment on everything. I learned something new about you with the theater major!

I feel so bad when I fall behind on TR's. A lot of the time I am guilty of reading but not responding and that is not nice

 

[emmysmommy]

That's so exciting! I'm glad you guys had some time for a Dismeet, it sounds like fun!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks Wendy! It was awesome. I wish I had kept my Sept visit so there would have been a chance to cross you off my Dismeet list sooner rather than later.

Sounds like a great Dis meet! I'm SO jealous you live so close to Disneyland!!!

Thanks Tracy! There's pros and cons to living so close to DL.
Pro=visiting DL often.
Con=visiting DL often = Disney poor!

Thanks so much for sharing the awesome pictures of your meet with Cynthia.

I shall now dub you the official ambassadress of DISers visiting Disneyland and I couldn't be happier about that!

Thanks Dee! I'm happy to fill that role in July!

Brenda I swear I am not joking when I say that I'm really starting to think people are planing trips to Cali just to meet you...

... Oh and we may as well check out Disneyland while we're there.

Oh Rob, you silly guy! Such an exaggeration.

A DIsMeet?! What the heck is that?? Haha!! We get a 10 day DISMeet lol. Now pack girl!! Can't wait to see you and Michael again.

Our DISmeet will be longer than our 6 days in December!

There's still 4 days until we leave, I have plenty of time to pack. We'll see you soon.

Yep... I'm gonna second this!!!

I am so glad you got to meet Cynthia. I got to meet her several months ago when she was in Chicago for a business meeting and she is such a sweetheart and a delight to just sit and talk with.

Great photos.

I remember your DISmeet and how you guys had a great photo together at the restaurant. She was so sweet. I wish we had more time together.

Lol way to spot that 'fried egg' on the street! I would have thought the same thing.

BTW, love your dress that you wear to BoG!

What a fun DIS meet with Cynthia! Glad you guys were able to meet up a couple times and chat. Always lots of fun to meet people in 'real life'

The custodial CM probably got a good snicker out of our thinking it was an egg. He swept it up and just laughed.

Thanks! Shop at Ross for Less and you too can own this lovely creation!

It was awesome to meet Cynthia! I agree, outside the Boards it's a great experience to make acquaintances.

To all your responses!

 

[emmysmommy]

Monday August 26, 2013: Day 11, Part 5​

Let’s wrap up day 11 so I can squeeze in day 12’s activities with several updates before I leave on Monday for our next WDW trip.

Following dinner we were set to leave the park for the day but wait! Not so fast. I obliged myself to complete a survey regarding entertainment that we had observed that day in the park. I know what you all are thinking…. Last time I did this at AK there was a complete downpour that soaked us and the survey was just a series of lame questions. For this opportunity I weighed our chances of being soaked against the extremely valuable information that I was sharing with Disney! You know I love to give my opinion so I ventured into the Chamber of Commerce building and completed the short survey. We stepped outside to dry skies so I suppose we are not survey cursed!

Here's how Em occupied her time in typical teenage fashion...or maybe she was checking the weather to ensure we wouldn't be caught in a downpour.

We're safe... the sky was a beautiful pink turning to crimson.

There was another Must Do that I wanted to cross of our list…. Take the ferry over to the TTC. Yes folks, after all of our WDW visits, I can now say that I have taken the ferryboat across Seven Seas Lagoon. And I have a few photos to prove it.

We were finally ON the ferryboat!

Another item successfully crossed off the list!

From the TTC we took the resort monorail back to CR. Yes, it was out of the way but I figured I needed to seize the opportunity when it existed.

Back at the resort we stopped in the Fantasia Market. All the DVC resorts have a small market with various fresh, frozen, boxed, and canned food items. We didn't see anything that struck our fancy so we ventured over to the Contempo Café where we picked up some cereal and milk for breakfast the next morning. Having an early start the next day with a tour, we decided to pick up something to eat now instead of having to schlep ourselves across the walkway in the morning.

This was something fun and entertaining. Each day there was a Trivia Board at the Contemporary Resort that had questions for various Disney movies. It was fun to see how well we knew our Disney trivia.

View from the sky bridge from the CR to BLT

Oliver and Company was the movie being shown on the lawn that night.

Our night ended with a viewing of the Electric Water Pageant that we watched from the balcony of our room.

That’s a wrap for Day 11.

Continued Next Post
​

 

[emmysmommy]

Tuesday August 27, 2013: Day 12, Part 1​

Warning: Most of the updates for day 12 are photo light… Hang in there and you’ll see a few gems inserted!

We started our day with cornflakes and sugar pops on the balcony. Perhaps not the best alternative to a sitting down and enjoying breakfast but I can’t have it all. And why were we up so early passing up a hot breakfast (looking at you Mickey waffles) and heading out so early??

We had booked the Keys to the Kingdom tour at MK this day which was pretty darn exciting for us since we’d wanted to do this for some time but just never worked it into our schedule. That and we had to wait until Em turned 16 a few years ago so it was long overdue by now.

Heading out!

Our 8:30am tour required an 8:15am check in. MK was open was at 9am this day so we used the event/dining entrance.

Here’s a link to the tour information for this 5 hour walking tour. There was a 15% AP discount for the tour. I just noticed that the price for the tour increased $5 since last August.
Why yes, we’ll take one of those!

We made our way to the Chamber of Commerce building where we checked in. They had name tags already sitting out for us to select ours. I could have been anyone that day but I chose to be Brenda. Funny how that works. We were also given audio packs so that we could tune into our tour guide and hear what she was saying in the midst of the crowds. Our final preliminary task was to choose our lunch from Columbia Harbour House. Em and I both chose the hummus and broccoli slaw sandwich with chips. Note that Em was not required to show ID for proof of her age.

I’ve read different “rules” from various reviews of this tour. For our version we were told that cameras needed to be put away in our bags. Other guides may allow guest photos on-stage; however, that freedom wasn’t extended to us. It does seem a little silly when anyone else on on-stage is taking photos. I completely understand prohibiting photos back-stage. Nonetheless, I’m a compliant kinda gal so I was ready to put my camera away. I only had my small bag so they gave me a shopping bag that I used. Em didn’t want to carry around her heavy Canon 40D all day so they allowed her to check it with a CM who gave her a claim ticket for the camera.

They offered cold bottles of water, which we partook, and told us to meet back outside at 8:25am for the tour to begin.

Ahhh cold waters

We took advantage of the nearly empty park to pose for a few photos…

That’s some powerful morning sunshine!

We hung around nearby until we saw Barb – the Cast Member that is the Star of Main Street! We went over to say hi and take a few photos. This amazing lady is 100% sold out for her job and it shows. I’ve mentioned this before but for anyone not familiar with the connection…. Barb was our driver for our vehicle in the parade in 2010 so she’s one of those people that helped make some amazing memories that trip. It’s always a treat to see her and her huge smile!

I wanted to take a quick potty break before the tour. I did NOT, I repeat I did NOT make the same mistake as DisneyKid4Life (Rob) before his KTTK tour here. I generally recognize the difference between the image of a lady and the image of a gentleman. Just sayin’!

L-A-D-I-E-S – spelled the same way in Canada from what I understand!

G-E-N-T-L-E-M-E-N – yes, that’s the one!

(I must thank Rob for being such a great sport about this faux pas that just so conveniently fits into my TR! I’ll stop now.)

Back to the tour….At the appointed time we gathered as a group for the tour to begin – all 14 of us.

Many KTTK tours have been shared here on the TR Boards (Kathy - KatMark, Katt, Rob - DisneyKid4Life to name a few recently) so my version will sounds rather de je vu! For those that do not want to have any of the magic spoiled by details of this tour, please exit the TR now. I didn’t take notes during the tour but I have a pretty snappy memory so believe me, I could include more but for the sake of time and to not make this an entire book, I’ll try to redact and stick with some of the interesting fact. For some of the really cool factoids, I’ll use white font so that you will have to highlight to reveal the text. Yeah, my best effort to protect Disney’s magic!

And all with no photos! The ones that I am inserting were either taken during breaks, during a ride or after the tour when we back tracked to take photos of some of the interesting discussion points.

Rae was our incredible tour guide. She had the perfect mix of humor, wit, sarcasm, and Disney knowledge. Having worked for the Walt Disney Company for 18 years, she is one of the few guides that are trained for all tours including the steam engine tour. She carried a riding crop with a picture of Mickey attached which she explained was due to her short stature and the need to raise it aloft so that the tour group doesn’t lose her in a crowd. At least they don’t make us all hold onto a rope and follow-the-leader.

For comparison, we’ve done the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour at Disneyland which has similar history and trivia; however, Disneyland does not take you behind the stage (except for Walt’s apartment) but it does have a number of historical sound clips to enhance the tour experience. For the MK tour, the earpieces were simply for the fact that the guides are mic’d.

Before the tour officially began we had to raise our right hands in a solemn oath that went something like this. “I, insert name here, do solemnly swear to be a dutiful guest who will not take photos, use recording equipment, or do anything that will get Rae fired.” Since I had just sworn you know I’m going to keep that promise; therefore any photos that I’m including were either during a break, on a ride (which was permitted) or when I traced the steps of the tour after it had concluded.

Continued Next Post….
​

 

[emmysmommy]

Tuesday August 27, 2013: Day 12, Part 2​

So on with the tour…

Trivia, History, and other interesting facts​

Many people have heard that the MK replicates a stage production…

Curtain = entrance with the railroad and buildings so you can’t see behind it
Previews = Posters for the various lands in the tunnels under the train tracks
Credits = Names on the windows lining Main Street
Main Event = Cinderella’s Castle

We settled into the cul de sac of Main Street between the shops and took a seat for our first “lecture.” We learned about the 4 keys that are taught to every CM in their “Traditions” class. As an incentive to participate, Rae was handing out “prizes”… however they had to fit in her pocket so we were told not to raise our expectations for anything fabulous. They were still highly coveted Mickey stickers.

The 4 Keys are:
1. Safety
2. Courtesy
3. Show
4. Efficiency

We were given examples of each… I earned my Mickey sticker by answering a question about one of the keys.

My first white font example - actually I'm choosing lemon chiffon since it makes it look like I didn't completely forget to type something here. If you want to see the text simply highlight it and you can read along. Some of the windows on Main Street represent efficiency where they open and close simultaneously for the sound system that is projected for the parades and shows. We watched it happen before our very eyes and were amazed. I’d never noticed that before.
Most people have heard about the names on the windows lining Main Street being a tribute to key imagineers and business partners. One thing that would be obvious but not oft mentioned for CMs occupying the offices lining the 2nd floor of Main Street, it is a complete no-no to move the curtains and to peer outside. Some of the windows are for storage rooms but the City Hall area is all Entertainment offices. Speaking of windows, since this post is photo light I need to include a few photos:

This window sign M.T. Lott (Empty lot – get it?) was the fictitious name of one of the corporations behind the secret land deals that Walt structured to secure 47 square miles of land in central Florida in the mid 60’s.

Interesting factoid…. Revealed only for those that want to know….

A journalist for the Orlando Sentinel was on Walt’s trail and suspected he was behind the massive land purchases. On a press junket to California for some Disney milestone in 1965 she confronted him and asked if he was behind the mysterious purchase of land in central Florida. Walt responded rather defensively why would he want land there when there was no tourist industry, the per capita income was so low, there was no major transportation system, and other pertinent facts that a man not familiar with the area or having done his homework would be able to cite. (In reality, there was a keen interest in the space program as Kennedy Space Center was hopping and tourism for Cape Canaveral was picking up.) Emily Bavar, the journalist, went with her hunch and published her story declaring, “He’s the One!” (Walt) Overnight the price of land jumped from $145 per acre to $20,000 per acre. Yikes! Interestingly, if anyone had done further research, they would have found that Lillian Disney’s real name was behind one fictitious company.

The most honored window which faces the castle: Walt’s window.

We had an awesome 15 minute history lesson for the nearly 40 year span of time from 1928 to 1965 in Walt’s life. Walt One Man’s Dream at DHS covers this time period very well. Interesting Walt trivia, he declared bankruptcy 3 times before he was 30. I don’t think he’d qualify for a Disney Visa card with that credit history!

During our first break I took this photo of our tour guide Rae.

PotC – our first tour ride​

Our first tour attraction was PotC. We went through the FP line to board. Interesting fact, when the checkerboard was moved for a refurb they didn’t know how to put the chess pieces back into the stalemate – notice the players are skeletons due to the stalemate. Once it was figured out, they illustrated the position of the chess pieces on the bottom of the board for future reference.

Another interesting hidden factoid....
Rae pointed out that PotC actually has the railroad go over the top of the ride where the drop is located. You can see a tunnel in the spot where this occurs for the railroad.

Backstage:​

We went back-stage behind Splash Mountain. There’s a yellow line in the pavement which signifies the start of being “on stage.” Behind that big wood fence where the railroad passes by is the wonderful world of characters, parade floats, and magical recycling. They take their recycling seriously folks.

We proceeded beyond the gates and sighted our first headless character almost immediately. Whoa! That’s some sight. I’m glad they have a minimum age limit for the tour since kids may freak if they see Br’er Bear without a head.

While backstage we toured the parade float building which housed the MSEP floats and in a separate building the Christmas parade floats. They were bringing out the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It floats. In a feat of perfect timing, this particular day they were in rehearsal for the Halloween parade with the dancing and the music.

The tour then went back on-stage and we went through Frontierland headed to lunch at CHH. We were taken upstairs to a roped off area where our lunch was already sat out with name tents on the tables. Attached to the name cards were our KTTK tour pins.

My CHH dining review is found here.

Following lunch we did our second attraction, the Haunted Mansion. We were escorted in through the “VIP” entrance where we were able to see some of the spectacular theming that is behind the scenes. I sure wish I had been a rebel and squeezed off a covert photo or two but being the ever obedient gal that I am, it was left in my bag. Pixie dust points earned I’m sure.

We were provided the history of the ride which has an interesting progression of the humorous and the spooky playing out side-by-side. We were told some “secrets” of the attraction which involved the ball room scenes.

Following the ride we met up outside where we then headed over to the Crystal Palace area. After a short bio break it was time for the UTILIDORS!! Yes folks, my favorite and long awaited part of the tour was about to begin. I am a nosey person by nature so seeing the behind the scenes workings of MK was an ultimate snoop-fest.

Continued Next Post….

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[emmysmommy]

Tuesday August 27, 2013: Day 12, Part 3​

Everyone knows that “underground” in the Utilidors is really the ground floor of the park. Main Street is the “second” level of the park. With the park being built on swamp land they didn’t have an option of digging down for a below ground working areas. As with Disneyland, Walt wanted all maintenance and other behind the scenes activities to be out of the guest’s sight.

Get ready for that white font…..The utilidoors goes around the perimeter of the park and then the “T” which goes from the hub (you can see the dip in the hallway under the castle) heading North to the far side of the park. There were CMs going to and fro and it was so interesting to see life underneath Main Street. ​

We saw the pin trading window (refreshing pins for lanyards/boards), costuming, maintenance, and various other departments in those hallways. There was a display case with photos of the Dream Suite with a key card for Lady Tremaine. That was definitely interesting to us. I refrained from shouting out, “Miss Rae, Miss Rae, we know first-hand what the Dream Suite looks like.” No one likes a know-it-all so we just admired the display along with everyone else.

Coming back up the stairs from the utilidoors we were now behind Main Street and the Tomorrowland Terrace area. I immediately saw where Tink lands from her night-time spectacular! I must have had an “aha!” look on my face because Rae was getting ready to point it out and saw my excitement and asked if I wanted to share what I discovered? You won’t believe that at that moment I clammed up and had a bashful moment. I deferred to our capable tour guide’s spiel.

We exited the back-stage area by the Chapeau where Rae shared more history and interesting facts about how the Chapeau ties so perfectly to the Lady and the Tramp theming.

Our tour finally wrapped back at the Chamber of Commerce. We were sincerely thanked and the last parting story that Rae told had an emotional and sentimental touch. A family visiting WDW for the first time with their two young children… the dad covered the eyes of his kids when they were on Main Street before they saw the castle. When he removed his hands they beheld the castle and the little boy said Cinderella lives here. Rae said that those magical moments don’t necessarily happen every day to her as a CM but it does happen each and every day for guests. Of course in the telling of the story I shed a tear too!

This was a full 5 hour tour including lunch. Although I had 6 pages of typed notes this is all the intel that I’m sharing! Ha ha ha! I know too much anyway.

After turning in our headsets we chatted with Rae briefly and thanked her for such a great tour.

Next door to City Hall where we put in positive shout out for Rae on the CM comment cards.

Now that I had my camera in hand we walked back through much of the tour route and took photos since we hadn’t been able to earlier.

I never noticed this sign… so perfect for the theming of Liberty Square across from the Sleepy Hollow snack place.

We had a 4pm ADR for tea at the Grand Floridian so we decided to leave so we could rest and freshen up before our reservation.

Here’s some photos of the Grand Floridian when we arrived for our afternoon tea.

To read my mother/daughter tea dining review, please see here.

Here’s a little hint in case anyone is wondering... yes, adults can order PB&J.

Following tea we went back to our resort via the monorail and chilled for a couple hours. Around 9pm we decided to head to DTD for some excitement. We hadn’t eaten dinner since we’d had a late tea. Our original plan had been to eat at Wolfgang Puck Express.

The bus to DTD came quickly – SHOCKER! Once at DTD we started at the Marketplace and strolled through that area. We posed with the Pooh and his pals in the faux 100 Acre prop.

And then Mr. Potato Head wanted to switch heads!

Em liked her head the way it was

We then headed to Tren-D for some retail therapy. Actually, we didn’t need any therapy, we were not ill in any way, we just wanted new dresses. Em and I both found dresses we liked and with an AP discount it takes “like” to a whole new level.

Choices

That’s the one!

We then went to World of Disney to look for shirts for my DH. Success! I’m just as picky shopping for other people as myself if that makes sense.

It was after 11pm by the time we were finished shopping and by then both EoS and WPE were closed so there was no chance we were going to pick up a late dinner at DTD. Darn! First meal missed in WDW for us EVER! Not a tragedy to be sure but I was really craving something from WPE!

Watch out for random volcanoes

The lines at the bus stop for CR/BLT was loooooong. We waited about 25 minutes for a bus back. MORE BUSES DISNEY! Once again, that’s my mantra.
We called it a night by 1am.

That’s a wrap for day 12!

Continued Next Post
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[natebenma]

Monday August 26, 2013: Day 11, Part 5​

We're safe... the sky was a beautiful pink turning to crimson.

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GORGEOUS!!!

What a nice end to the night. Taking the ferry to the TTC and then the monorail sounds like a fun, albeit round-about way back to your room.

Smart move on breakfast, and I love the pictures of the EWP.

 

[natebenma]

OK, first a shoutout for the way you blocked out the text with the "behind the scenes" stuff from the KTTW tour. A trip report with special effects- SUPER COOL!!!

I, of course, read it all and appreciate everything that you shared with us.

The tour sounds wonderful and is something that I will have to do someday, either with the kids in tow or just Mark and me. The boys aren't quite old enough yet (Nate will be 16 in July, Ben is almost 13) but I think Ben would really love to do this when he is old enough.

We had the same "no camera" ban when we went backstage at Haunted Mansion during the 8th grade class trip. All of the students looked at me and said "Don't you dare take pictures" Moi??? But like you, I was a good rule follower.

I love that the tour has lunch at Columbia Harbor House. Isn't that upstairs eating area a hidden gem? I was surprised at how big it is and I don't think a lot of people know it is there.

I ordered the hummus sandwich by mistake once- I meant to get the tuna, but I was clever and thought I would order by name "The Lighthouse, please"- which turned out to be the hummus and not the "Anchors, Aweigh" tuna.

Another wonderful day, with your tea party and trip to DTD, but I'm sorry you didn't have a chance to eat anything!