You can spit on Space Mountain from here! An April '13 TR UPDATED 10/19 p. 28

[wdwgirl03]

First of all, Happy Saturday and Happy Star Wars day everyone! I do not consider myself a huge Star Wars junkie but I do like how everyone on my facebook has posts about it being Star Wars day. So...May the Fourth be with you. hehe

Second of all, it's time for another update!

WARNING: NEW FANTASYLAND UPDATE! This post will contain pictures/information about Under the Sea.

(sorry again, Marissa!)
















TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013 cont'd (part 4)


After our incredible lunch at Be Our Guest, it was time to use those fastpasses for Under the Sea! First we made a quick stop in Gaston's Tavern.

It is a bit smaller than I would have imagined (I'm not entirely sure why...) but once again it is so well-themed. Gotta love all of the antlers in the decorating! Awesome. Oh, and there was also Beauty and the Beast music playing in the background again. I swear, when we left the Magic Kingdom I had "Be Our Guest" stuck in my head! Unfortunately, since we just ate we weren't going to get any Lefou's Brew at the moment (but don't worry, I definitely got some later in the trip!).

I also forgot to post this picture outside the tavern...we actually took this one earlier in the morning when we first walked through New Fantasyland.

Then we walked over to Prince Eric's Castle! It looked even more gorgeous now that the sun was out and the fog had burned off. I just cannot get over that castle. I love every single thing about it!

Even the inside of the queue is so detailed. And then we got to the loading area, where there's a beautiful mural on the wall. AHHH!!!

So for my first ride I rode with Emma. I will be honest, after the Disneyland ride opened I had to watch the ride video. It looked so neat and I could not wait until it was open in Disney World. It was even better in person. At the very beginning they turn your clam backward (OK, I know there are a few people who complained about the ride vehicles being the same as they are in Nemo, but really, WHO CARES?!?!?!) and project bubbles/water to make it look like you are really going under the sea. Oh my god, IT WAS SO COOL. I knew right from that moment that it was going to be an amazing ride.

And I was right. I absolutely LOVED it!

My favorite part was probably the "Under the Sea" scene because of all the bright colors and of course the music.

Kiss the girl!

I tried not to get misty-eyed during the last scene because that part always seems to get me in the movie.

(Flounder was so cute, waving at Ariel and Eric)

So, much like Be Our Guest, I was blown away. I really think this may be my new favorite dark ride- it was that well done. Disney definitely made a great decision to add that in New Fantasyland (does anyone remember when The Little Mermaid came out on DVD a few years ago and how there was a special feature about a LM ride that was never made? I wonder if they got a lot of comments from people saying that they should make it. Because I remember after watching that I thought it would make a really cool ride).

By that time it was getting to be around noon, which meant the park was starting to get more crowded. So we slowly started making our way back toward Main Street.

A few random pictures from the walk back...

We stopped in the Emporium where I made my first souvenir purchase of the trip:

I posted this picture on my Instagram: "He has been chosen."

AHHH, I love this vinylmation so much! It is part of a 4-figure set that was first released in Japan for Toy Story Mania but then they brought them to the US parks. I have always loved the little aliens so of course I had to get one!

Then before we left we watched the parade!

It made me smile seeing the clock on the Pinocchio float. Dad and I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour last April, and one of the fun things that was pointed out to us was the time on the clock...3:00 (get it?).

Random note, but can I just say I am so excited that the Magic Kingdom is FINALLY getting a new parade next year? Celebrate a Dream Come True is cute, but seriously, it is about time they got a new parade. They used to get a new one every couple of years it seemed, and Disneyland has had a couple new parades recently too. Anyway...

Watching the parade was a great way to end our first morning but it was time for a short afternoon break!

UP NEXT: Relaxing on our balcony and a visit to our favorite resort!

 

[shalom]

I love your BOG pictures! I'm hoping by the next time we go (likely not until 2015) the crowds will be down enough we can slip in for an early lunch. No idea what the odds are on that, but it's about the only thing that makes me feel a bit better about it being so long 'til we go again.

And we went to Gaston's Tavern three or four times this past January, and never got into the main room. How dumb is that? Every time we sat down (sometimes we just grabbed a LaFou's Brew), I just automatically headed for the quieter area to the left.

 

[peachmermaid]

I love that vinylmation, so cute!! Great parade pics too. The aladdin one is priceless.

 

[bluechic03]

We had dinner at BOG this time, but I so want to try lunch on our next trip! Probably one day that we don't have the kids with us, I just cant imagine making them wait in line that long for lunch
I also really loved the LM ride and TOTALLY remember that from the DVD. I remember thinking that the special in the movie is very similar to the actual ride, except I think in the special they talk about suspending the ride vehicles so you are under the water using the same technology as Peter Pan. I think that would have been pretty awesome

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Well, I thought I subbed to this Sarah. No wonder I never got an update.

Made sure it's right this time!

 

[Nermel9]

Isn't New Fantasyland amazing? I'm so glad you finally got to see it! I love the Little Mermaid ride, I don't get what all of the criticism was about when it first opened, but whatever, I love it, you love it, that's all that matters! I remember when they were doing the previews in October, I didn't watch any videos, but I looked at a few pictures, but mostly, I was surprised when I first saw it!

I really have to see the parade before it gets replaced next year! I can't believe I've just NEVER seen it!

 

[jecskc]

We have a BOG ressie in September and I can't wait.

I love the mermaid ride and the bubbles that project on the back of the ride vehicle to make you feel like you are going under the water - genius !!

I am ready for a new night time parade, too.

I can't wait until the mine coaster is finished and the whole area comes together. So exciting !!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I love your BOG pictures! I'm hoping by the next time we go (likely not until 2015) the crowds will be down enough we can slip in for an early lunch. No idea what the odds are on that, but it's about the only thing that makes me feel a bit better about it being so long 'til we go again.

And we went to Gaston's Tavern three or four times this past January, and never got into the main room. How dumb is that? Every time we sat down (sometimes we just grabbed a LaFou's Brew), I just automatically headed for the quieter area to the left.

Thank you! Yeah, who knows how long it will be before the crowds die down. I'm guessing it'll still be a while, but maybe in a couple years it won't be so bad.

Aww, that's a bummer! It was a cute little restaurant. Hopefully next time you go you can check out the whole place.

I love that vinylmation, so cute!! Great parade pics too. The aladdin one is priceless.

Thanks, I love that little alien too!

We had dinner at BOG this time, but I so want to try lunch on our next trip! Probably one day that we don't have the kids with us, I just cant imagine making them wait in line that long for lunch
I also really loved the LM ride and TOTALLY remember that from the DVD. I remember thinking that the special in the movie is very similar to the actual ride, except I think in the special they talk about suspending the ride vehicles so you are under the water using the same technology as Peter Pan. I think that would have been pretty awesome

Yeah, after I posted that update I looked on youtube to see if anyone had that feature posted and it did show the vehicles being suspended. Regardless of how it turned out it is an awesome ride.

Well, I thought I subbed to this Sarah. No wonder I never got an update.

Made sure it's right this time!

Yay, glad you're subscribed!

Isn't New Fantasyland amazing? I'm so glad you finally got to see it! I love the Little Mermaid ride, I don't get what all of the criticism was about when it first opened, but whatever, I love it, you love it, that's all that matters! I remember when they were doing the previews in October, I didn't watch any videos, but I looked at a few pictures, but mostly, I was surprised when I first saw it!

I really have to see the parade before it gets replaced next year! I can't believe I've just NEVER seen it!

Yes it is! haha, sometimes I feel like some people have to find something to criticize about everything. I just don't get it.

Oh, I hope you get to see it before they replace it!

We have a BOG ressie in September and I can't wait.

I love the mermaid ride and the bubbles that project on the back of the ride vehicle to make you feel like you are going under the water - genius !!

I am ready for a new night time parade, too.

I can't wait until the mine coaster is finished and the whole area comes together. So exciting !!

Yay for your BOG reservation! When our 180 day window rolls around I might try to get one there. As of right now that's the only place I can think of where I want to eat. But I still have plenty of time to decide that stuff.

It really was such an awesome effect!

Yeah, I kind of agree with that about a nighttime parade. I thought it was cool when they brought the MSEP to the MK but I guess now I can see why people want Spectromagic to come back. But something completely different would be cool too!

The mine train is going to be great! Can't wait to see it.

 

[wisblue]

I think a lot of the people complaining about the new Fantasyland are adults who want new thrill rides that they can ride over and over. For people who are there with kids, and the kids themselves, making the area more physically appealing, with attractions and character meeting areas that they can enjoy without having to stand outside, will make their experience more enjoyable. There are also many more attractive spots to take pictures.

The area is nice now, but it should really be outstanding when the mine train is done so the construction walls are down to open up the area. The sight and sounds of the operation of the mine train itself will make that part of the area more exciting, even if the ride itself is more of an entry level coaster.

People who are looking for a lot of high end thrill rides can get what they want at Six Flags.

 

[Jennifer48]

How long did you wait in line for lunch at BOG? When we were there in January, I couldn't justify waiting in an hour long line just for lunch.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I think a lot of the people complaining about the new Fantasyland are adults who want new thrill rides that they can ride over and over. For people who are there with kids, and the kids themselves, making the area more physically appealing, with attractions and character meeting areas that they can enjoy without having to stand outside, will make their experience more enjoyable. There are also many more attractive spots to take pictures.

The area is nice now, but it should really be outstanding when the mine train is done so the construction walls are down to open up the area. The sight and sounds of the operation of the mine train itself will make that part of the area more exciting, even if the ride itself is more of an entry level coaster.

People who are looking for a lot of high end thrill rides can get what they want at Six Flags.

I agree. I can't wait for the whole area to be open!

How long did you wait in line for lunch at BOG? When we were there in January, I couldn't justify waiting in an hour long line just for lunch.

Hmm, that's a good question. I definitely don't think it was an hour. Maybe 35-45 minutes? We just figured the wait wasn't going to get any shorter later on and we really wanted to eat there so we just waited.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hello everyone! Before I get to the next couple of updates, I just wanted to share that yesterday we booked our flights for our December trip. YAY!!!! I seriously cannot wait to go back and FINALLY see the Christmas decorations again! I'm also looking forward to going back to Saratoga Springs. I kind of miss it!

Now back to the report...

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013 cont'd (part 5)


When we got back to Bay Lake Tower we took the elevator up to our floor. Now the only reason I'm including this random detail is because I forgot to mention one very interesting thing about those elevators. The elevators at Bay Lake Tower TALK. When you get on, they'll say, "going up" or "going down", and then it announces the floor number when you get to where you're going. I can't remember if it was the night before or that morning when we were leaving for the Magic Kingdom, but Emma said something about how it reminded her of Harry Potter when they are at the Ministry of Magic. And it kind of does sound like that! Seriously, after she said that every time we got on the elevator during the trip part of me was expecting it to say "Department of Mysteries." I can thank Emma for that...


But anyway, when we got off the elevator on our floor I took a random picture of the pool.

On each floor there are window banks that overlook the pool/Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom, so really no matter what type of room you get you have the opportunity to take some cool pictures. It's just a lot more fun when you can go out onto your balcony and watch over the Magic Kingdom-which is exactly what we did when we got back to our room. It was such a perfect afternoon!

I don't know how long we sat out there but Emma and I both took a ton of pictures. I don't think either of us could get over the view we had. Heck, looking back at all these pictures, I STILL cannot get over it. Is there anything better than looking out your window and seeing Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain?! I don't think so!

Since I had just gotten a new camera as a birthday present, it was the perfect opportunity to test out some of the cool settings.

Sure, I'll just watch some monorails go by!

I also quite enjoyed having a 20x zoom on my camera!

I think I was trying the selective coloring effect here but it didn't really work. Boo. But it is kind of cool how you can see the smoke from the fireworks from the castle show!

A little better attempt at selective coloring...

This is probably one of my absolute favorite pictures from this trip. I set my camera on the vivid setting. I LOVE how this turned out. SO PRETTY!!!!

I also took a couple more of our studio. Can I please go back?!

After our break it was time to head out for some more fun! We took the skyway over to the Contemporary so we could hop on the monorail.

I spotted the five-legged goat on the mural!

Our destination?

(to be continued in next post because I'm close to the image limit! Sorry for the excessive amount of pictures of our theme park view...hopefully nobody minds )

 

[wdwgirl03]

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013 cont'd (part 6)

Considering the Polynesian was just a short monorail ride away, we had to go visit. You probably know by now that the Polynesian has a special place in my heart because my family always stayed there when my sisters and I were younger. So it's always nostalgic going back there. It's also so nice walking into the beautiful lobby, with the tropical flowers and waterfall.

We went downstairs and took a quick peek in the gift shop (where they had some cool resort merchandise...I know there was a shotglass that I really wanted but didn't get because I didn't have to carry it around the rest of the afternoon. Oh well, maybe next time) before going to Captain Cook's. There was a very specific reason why we were going there. In all of our trips to Disney World, I had never once had a dole whip. Not one! I had been putting it on my list of things to do for a while but it never seemed to happen...I guess because I usually don't get a ton of snacks when we're there. But...that was all about to change because I was going to get my VERY FIRST DOLE WHIP!!!!!

At the Polynesian it is actually self-serve so I guess technically you can get as much or as little as you want (and judging by other people's pictures I guess I skimped out on mine. Whoops.). Emma decided to get one too.

I think Dad might have gotten some ice cream or something. With our treats in hand we went out onto the patio to enjoy the beautiful weather.

I actually really liked the dole whip! While I don't think I am going to be as fanatical about it as some people are, it was a nice sweet tropical treat. It was the perfect snack to enjoy at the Polynesian.

After our snack we just wandered around the grounds and found a swing on the beach.

It was so relaxing just sitting on the swing, watching all the activity around the resort: people sunbathing, kids playing in the pool, watching the boats on Seven Seas Lagoon... I miss staying at this resort so much! In all honesty I think it is my favorite Disney resort. I just love the theming and like I said the grounds a beautiful. You really do feel like you are in some sort of island paradise.

We wanted to head over to the Animal Kingdom for a little bit so we walked out front to get a bus from the resort to DAK.

Good-bye, Polynesian!

 

[katt789]

Glad you loved the LM ride, it’s so cute. I get that some people give it flack for various things, but I really liked it! The themeing in that entire area is just so amazing that I am really glad that there are people out there like you who really appreciate it for what it is!

Hahah!!! I’ve never noticed that about the clock on the pinnochio float! That’s totally awesome!!

I’m so excited for MK’s new parade!! It looks absolutely amazing!!!

How awesome that you guys have your next trip booked! It’s always so tough getting back from a trip and not knowing when you’ll be going back next! Eck! Also, Disney at Christmas is so beautiful!! Definitely don’t miss the Osbourne Lights, they blew my mind!!

Ahahahahaha nice about the ministry of magic elevators, that’s great! Aaaah those pictures are amazing, love the view, I would never want to leave my room! ACK that vivid picture is absolutely beautiful!!

The poly is so pretty! It’s definitely on my top five list of resorts, I loved staying there, even if it was a super short stay! Glad you finally tried a dole whip! I have to say, I like the float the best, and when it’s pineapple and vanilla swirl!

 

[PirateSnowmen]

Loved all of your New Fantasyland updates! I, unfortunately, haven't been to WDW since January 2011, which was right before Toontown closed, so I haven't seen it yet I brought a friend with me on my last trip and she's planning on visiting me this fall sometime during my CP and she has NO clue about New Fantasyland. I can't wait to show her what all has changed and to finally see it for myself!

Also love your Poly updates! I stayed there once back in 2009 and I loved it! The next year we stayed at Beach Club and those two are tied for my favorite resort. I think my family prefers Beach Club because of its proximity to Epcot and DHS, so hopefully I can stay at the Poly again someday. You're making me really want to stay at BLT though!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[shalom]

Wow! Now I want a camera with a "vivid" setting.

I love the resorts and your resort pictures and the pictures of your view. I once saw a picture of a Dole whip where someone had used a chop stick to stabilize it -- it was probably a foot tall. But I wouldn't say you skimped on it. That's about as much as we usually take. Too many other good things to over-indulge in only one, I say.

 

[khertz]

Hello everyone! Before I get to the next couple of updates, I just wanted to share that yesterday we booked our flights for our December trip. YAY!!!! I seriously cannot wait to go back and FINALLY see the Christmas decorations again! I'm also looking forward to going back to Saratoga Springs. I kind of miss it!

Yay December trip!!! I love Christmas at Disney World!!

This picture is so cool! It looks like a miniature that you took a really close up photo of to make it look real. I don't know if it's the settings you used or what, but I love it!

This is probably one of my absolute favorite pictures from this trip. I set my camera on the vivid setting. I LOVE how this turned out. SO PRETTY!!!!

Stunning!


What a beautiful view.

How fun that you got your first Dole Whip! They are pretty good, but you probably made the best choice by not having to stand in a long line for one. Although the line for them in WDW is NOTHING compared to the lines for them in Disneyland!!

Loved the updates!

 

[marDgreen88]

Is it safe? Am I good? Okay, PHEW!

OMG THE TALKING ELEVATORS. I miss them so much! I can still hear, "ELEVENTH FLOOR, GOING DOWN," SO CLEARLY.

You got some great pictures! I don't think I could ever tire of looking at them. I mean, I have very similar pictures myself and I still don't think that. SO YEAH.

The Poly is so gorgeous! AHH, I've never had a dole whip, either! Even though you obviously have now, hahaha. I've been meaning to get one FOR SO LONG.

 

[peachmermaid]

What a view!! What a sight to see. Gorgeous!


Welcome to the dole whip club!