Having left off with that ever-so-adorable picture of Madison and Evan walking hand in hand though Fantasyland, one has to wonder just where in the dickens they were heading, and why was there no adult supervision?
OK, first of all, back off on the parenting criticism. Granted, I have no idea what I'm doing, but Bambi makes up for it by keeping us all in check. Lord help her when Ryder comes and I have to figure out diapers all over again.
As far as where they were going - well, we were going to experience an entirely new ride - Snow White's Scary Adventure. Not only was it new to the kids, but it was new to us as well. Madison has always been a little skittish about several things, including the unknown, the dark, and villains. Snow White's Scary Adventure promised to be a healthy dose of all three. But, we explained to her, it was going to be torn down before we get back to Disney World again. So if she wanted to ride it, it was now or never. It took a little humming and hawwing, but she decided that she wanted to do it!
There was a little bit more convincing and encouragement needed in line, but once we were loaded in our vehicle, not only did she do fine - she actually liked it!
After exiting Snow White, it was time for Feats of Strength!
Evan huffed, and he puffed, and he yanked on that sword with all of his might! And it didn't move.
So Madison huffed, and she puffed, and she contorted her face, and she used both thumbs to pull as hard as she could.....and it didn't move.
Seeing this, I knew that no amount of physical exertion would get that sword to budge. As I pondered what to do, I heard the voice of my old high school physics teacher in my head.
Use the Force, Barry.
And the sword didn't move. Clearly, it's glued in there or something. I think I'll take out my frustrations on Alderaan.
Pretty Castle Picture!
We wandered down the back path along the side of the castle and stopped in the Christmas shop. What on earth would I need from the Christmas shop in October? You'll just have to keep reading - that will become clear in a few more updates. But this picture of the kids in the sleigh should hold you over until then.
Continuing down through Liberty Square and on into Frontierland, we encountered a little musical group just finishing up their set. Like any 7 year old, Madison is a sucker for a banjo and asked for a picture. And like any 33 year old, I can't say No to a Banjo.
And now we come to one of the saddest parts of this whole story. Our journey had brought us to the farthest corner of Frontierland. We stood at the foot of Big Thunder Mountain, and stared up at it's majestic glory. An open path in front of us, Fastpasses in our hands, and a baby in Bambi's belly. The kids wanted desperately to ride, but there was no way Bambi could. It said so on the sign and everything. I offered to stay back with her, but we couldn't let the kids go on alone. I even asked the Cast Member working the Fast Pass line about how the Baby Swap program worked. She told me that the baby actually has to be born before he or she qualifies for the program.
So I was forced - against my will - to leave Bambi behind and take the kids on the ride. I forced myself to put on a happy face - for the kids, of course - and we gleefully skipped up the path.
Now before anyone get's all Judgy on me here, it has already been well established, notarized in triplicate, and filed with the Racine County Circuit Court that when we return in August for a friend's wedding that I will be playing with Ryder in a nice shady spot while Bambi takes the kids on all of the fun rides. It's only fair.
A few shots from the top of the queue, looking back at Frontierland
We wandered our way through the queue and got placed in our lines for the train. And this is why I sacrificed my own well being to take this kids on the ride. Can you see the excitement?
(Don't worry, that's Grandma that Madison is riding with. Not some random stranger)
We met up with Bambi and Dean and started heading back to Fantasyland to use some Peter Pan Fastpasses I grabbed while everyone else was finishing up their lunch at Pecos Bill's. Dean's back was acting up a little, so he was going to sit and rest rather than making the walk to Fantasyland. I entertained myself with the camera on the way, so now I'll bore you with the results.
In no time at all, we were off to Neverland!
We hopped out of our ship and headed back to Frontierland to find Grandpa before he wandered away. Turns out we didn't really need to worry, because he found nice little place to park himself and people watch.
And now, the conclusion to the cliffhanger at the end of the last chapter. I had left asking you to read the back of Madison's t-shirt ("Dry is not an option") and to not believe a word of. Because Madison, Evan, Grandpa and myself took off for Splash Mountain. An attraction that, based purely on the name, is going to get you wet. Well, as you can see, Dry
IS an option you're Madison.
Yup, that's her. After insisting that she get to ride in the front row, ducking down under grandpa, keeping herself dry as a bone.
Up Next: The rest of the afternoon at Magic Kingdom, then we take off for the Port!
Y'all need to frame that one!
