Trip Report And At Last I See the (rivers of) Light: A Much Too Short Trip Report *COMPLETED*

Hello Humans!

For those just joining, my name is Nicole. (Sorry if you were expecting Buddy Boil!) :p

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I am just a wee bit toooooo obsessed with Disney World and all things Disney, but is there ever really too much of a good thing? I’m just one of “those people”. The kind that doesn’t understand the need to travel anywhere else on this planet besides Disney, the kind that has more Disney clothes than work attire, the kind that stalks cast members instagram profiles… but we’ll gloss over those more intimate details. :p

I just returned from an extremely short trip to the World. And although short, I still feel the pain. It’s like when someone loses a limb, such as an arm or a leg, and they say they can still feel it. That is exactly how I feel about the removal of my Mickey ears. I have phantom limb pain from taking off my Mickey ear headbands. The ears are off, and the pain real. You mean to tell me I can't wear my rose gold ears to go grocery shopping? What kind of world do we live in?

After throwing a temper tantrum on the ground to my fiancé, complaining he doesn’t love me because he’s dragging me to Hawaii for our honeymoon, I decided the more mature, adult way to deal with post Disney depression is to share my story with you fine people. So let’s begin.

Who: Myself and my Bestie (we went in 2013 and 2014 previously)

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Where: All Star Music (We nicknamed this trip the budget trip. No park hoppers, no dining reservations, no dining plan, carryon luggage only so we wouldn’t come home with a bazillion souvenirs. A budget in Disney… that didn’t work so well. You mean that green Mickey lighting up was racking up my credit card? WHO KNEW?! :)

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When: Friday, January 19th to Tuesday January 23rd

Why: Why not? The best way to escape wedding planning is Disney planning! :p

Jan 19th
Our flight wasn’t until 7 PM out of Newark, New Jersey. I currently live right outside of Philadelphia with Joe, go Eagles :p but it was easier for me to get to Newark than my friend to get to Philly. And me flying alone is never a good idea. I once found myself in an airport closest. Yeah, no idea. I decided to work a half day instead of using a vacation day, because I’m trying to bank all my days for my honeymoon and secretly another Disney trip come fall. Don’t tell anyone. It can be our little secret. Hardy har har! ;);)

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Did not sleep a wink the night before, not sure if it was the excitement, the nerves about my carryon being TSA compliant, or the fact that I was fighting off laryngitis. Ursula, take my legs but give me back my voice!!!!! Some people were too ecstatic I was speechless, cough JOE cough. I could not rub in his face that I WAS GOING TO DISNEY WORLD.

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Wore my little mermaid leggings to work because I am a child. I work for an orthodontic team and having all my patients ask me about going to Disney World just amped up my excitement level. My age category is definitely 8-12 because that is who I most relate too. HA!

Clocked out early and made my long trek to North Jersey. Got back in record time, must have been those pixie dust fumes in my gas tank. :p My friend’s brother was our designated Uber and I’m sure he kicked himself for offering to drive us two crazy loons.

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Strapped on my magic band and admired the beauty of all that is Mickey’s outline. I love the new shape, didn’t think I would! It actually looks like a watch, IT’S MICKEY TIME.

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On the ride there, we received a text message that our room was ready! Don’t judge me that I never deleted my 2016 room notification message.

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My friend and I had been joking all week that we’d be put in country. NOT THE COUNTRY BOOT! And lo and behold, there we were. She called up Disney to see if they could switch us to jazz, we’d been practicing our jazz hands for months! The cast member laughed, and apologized that the resort was fully booked; we could maybe switch our room later on during the trip. TOO BAD OUR TRIP WAS SO SHORT. :(

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Nothing screams Disney World more than a pair of country boots! Am I right?! :p

We got through security quickly and made our way to the gate. Upon arrival, our flight is delayed. From 7 PM to 8:30 PM. WHAT! Lose an hour and a half of Disney time!? I cannot deal.

The terminal was packed. There was not a seat to be found. We circled round and round, myself rolling my carryon like I’d had one too many drinks. It’s hard steering a suitcase! We were antsy and then it hit us. One little spark of inspiration. LET’S SEE IF THE EARLIER FLIGHT HAS ANY SEATS AVAILABLE.

Turns out, it did! And for a mere fee of $75.00 each, we could arrive in Disney at 8:30 PM. We went back and forth… if we got there early we could eat in the food court, we’d have more Disney time, we could get to sleep earlier and be less cranky for parking opening. Budget trip my behind.

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We were soon on the plane, vowing to not tell a soul we paid $75 to arrive in Disney an hour and a half earlier. Whoops!

The flight attendants asked if we could be the heroes of the flight, and of course we obliged.

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Throw the plane door out the window and save all the innocent lives on board? Ain’t no thing for Princess Nicole. Watch out Mr. Incredible. I’m coming for your costume.

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Heroes need their nourishment, so cheers to the first food pictures of the trip!

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Touched down in Orlando much earlier than expected… money comes and goes but Disney memories are forever. That’s what I keep telling myself at least!

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The Magical Express area was dead, and we hoped we didn’t just miss the bus. Turns out the bus was waiting right outside for our arrival. What great service! I don’t know if I credit this to the fact that I’m now a hero? Hopped aboard that big beautiful red beauty of transportation and prepared myself for my ride back home. The butterflies were fluttering about in my stomach, I could not stop giggling, and I felt it deep down to my core that I was back in my happy place. You know that warm fuzzy feeling of being on property? That moment where you know your trip to come is filled with endless possibilities? Don't ever take waiting in the Magical Express line for granted!


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Would our room be the very last room in the very back of our resort? Did they separate us from the general public on purpose because we are certifiably insane? Would my jazz hands feel betrayed about nothing getting their moment to shine?
:)
 
We had some time before our next fastpass, and my friend was starting to feel the slight pangs of hunger, so we decided to take a rest right outside The Friar’s Nook.

She ranted and raved about this mac and cheese! I love the diversity of all the Disney menus… I am a frequent visitor to The Disney Food Blog, and save notes in my phone of all the things I want to try! This trip I had too much to try and too little time!



My dad recently had to have a pacemaker put in so I get way to emotional when I think of him walking me down the aisle!





Princess Ariel needs King Triton! Sorry for going off topic but please... Hug your loved ones Disney friends.
:p


Love all the pics! You two look like you are having a blast!!! I am the same with keeping notes in my phone of eating spots. Even my 14 y/o daughter has joined in the planning (for food anyway) this upcoming trip. She wants to snack around the world in Epcot.

You made me a little emotional about your dad too! The hubs and I have been married 20 years this April and I vividly remember my daddy walking me down the aisle, sobbing (him not me). Thankfully he's still here but his health is declining too. Always a good reminder to hug on your loved ones.
 

clarabellej

Well-Known Member
It was soon time for our first fastpass, Big Thunder Mountain Mountain Railroad, the wildest ride in the wilderness! I made sure to fastpass this speedy runaway train as it was closed for refubishment on my last visit! :(

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We were asked again where we’d gotten our rose gold ears and said unfortunately they were from Christmastime, not this trip. I always felt bad when people would hear our response, come on Disney mass produce these beauties!

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Big Thunder was even wilder than I remembered! I had to remove my precious ears because I was afraid they would blow away and be just as valuable as the gold in this here mining town! Now I can relate to the Gold Rush! ROSE GOLD RUSH.

I remember reading a strange article about a Doctor who recommended Big Thunder as a great way to pass kidney stones! WHAT THE? It was even a tested theory! Turns out, 70% of the time, the kidney stone is passed! Rattling back in forth in that mine cart, I can see how this is proves to be true! IT'S THE WILDEST RIDE IN THE WILLLLLL DERRRRRRR NESSSSSSSS! :p

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There was a super friendly photopass photographer as we exited, and we never pass up the opportunity for more pictures! I’m embarrassed to say how many total photos I have from such a short visit.

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She even made us pose where the geyser was going off! Wilderness Lodge memories! I sent Joe home the following photo. What did you do in Disney today? POSE WITH A GEYSER. How you like that, Joe?!

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After our wild ride through the wilderness on the run from guests envying our gold, we decided for something much tamer.

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Time for the happiest cruise that ever sailed! It is a small world after all! And a small Disney World after all when you have so many Disney friends! :)

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My friend loves the gondola man. Do you guys remember who my favorite is?? ;)

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Here’s a hint! He’s in this picture:

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Our boats backed up a little towards the end, but our names were still chosen on the screens! I was super thrilled! The little things! The magic of Disney! Go ahead and track my location and my spending habits! Go ahead and invade all of my privacy! STALK ME!!!
It’s worth it for these magical moments! My days of arguing with those who were against Magicbands are over. I try and stay off the News and Rumors side of this from besides creeping from afar. It's scary over there! :p

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After belting out “It’s a Small World After All” for 10 minutes, I needed a drink! I have become a soda snob and prefer fountain soda if available. I know, I’m insane, but it just tastes so much better! We headed to the closest quick serve, Pinocchio Village Haus so I could quench my thirst.

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A guest in front of me ordered the breadsticks, so I could not resist! Garlic breadsticks with a side of marinara sauce… it was heavenly. My nose won’t grow an inch when I tell you these were better than Olive Garden’s breadsticks. I may or may not have devoured them in 2 seconds.

Since there was no wait, our next attraction was Prince Charming Regal Carrousel! Of course we were riding white horses, because we are heroes after all! I wanted the Native American horse but some little child snatched him up before I could get the chance!

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Sometimes on the Carrousel I like to close my eyes and picture Magic Kingdom when it first opened in 1971. I am jealous of everyone who got to experience Disney from the very beginning! I am a tad embarrassed to admit this, but sometimes I get myself so worked up because I don’t want to die and not be able to see all the new additions that come to Disney World. I think this borders on mentally unstable, so this can be our little secret! HA!

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For two minutes, you are transported back to the days of your childhood. Happily bopping up and down, waving to guests gathered round, taking in the sights and smells of Magic Kingdom. Round and round in this land of fantasy, no one is ever too old for a magical carrousel ride!
I was there the year it opened!! I was 11 years old!!!!!
 

BigDave

Active Member
We had some time before our next fastpass, and my friend was starting to feel the slight pangs of hunger, so we decided to take a rest right outside The Friar’s Nook.

My friend ordered macaroni and cheese topped with chicken and panko bread crumbs.

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She ranted and raved about this mac and cheese! I love the diversity of all the Disney menus… I am a frequent visitor to The Disney Food Blog, and save notes in my phone of all the things I want to try! This trip I had too much to try and too little time!

Our next fastpass window opened and it was time for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train! The wait times for this attraction have not gone down at all! I am happy they shelved Sleeping Beauty’s area in New Fantasyland and decided to build the mine train. Don’t tell my friend, she’ll kill me! :p

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HEIGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HOOOOOOOOOOOO

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I crack up at the picture because clearly we are not trying to lose those precious ears! Our mine cart was filled with fun people and we all worked together to rock back and forth! I love this ride and only wish it was a tad bit longer! At one point in the ride we rocked so far to the side, and I guess with the pressure I could not get myself back up. I was seriously leaning out of the cart. My friend was cracking up so much because she looked over and there I was stuck.

We exited the mine and I wanted another snack! Clearly, I can't go more than an hour without snacking. Wedding dress please stretch :p We were close to Gaston’s Tavern so I decided on a LeFou’s Brew!

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I felt bad because while I waited in line, a couple was trying to order something alcoholic. I guess Tavern does signify alcohol so it as upsetting to see their confusion! I tried to tell them to get the LeFou’s Brew, as it is very tasty, but they ended up leaving empty handed. :( Also, a super nice woman got my straw for me, and she had the coolest monorail ears on her head! I wish I snapped a picture!

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Sat outside the tavern and relaxed. My friend facetimed her mom who is just as much as a Disney freak as we are, and scanned the views so she could feel like she was here. It was warming up a bit, but my brilliant idea to drink a frozen drink had me reaching for my jacket!

Went to pay a visit to my castle and my Dad. My dad has gotten quite popular! There was a line of maybe 4 people waiting to take pictures with him! Oh dad, don’t get a big head now.

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Sent the pictures to my Dad back home, told him he better start working on his abs for my wedding day. He constantly tells me he is going to dress up as King Triton to walk me down the aisle, and honestly, I wouldn’t be upset about it! Ha!

My dad recently had to have a pacemaker put in so I get way to emotional when I think of him walking me down the aisle!

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Princess Ariel needs King Triton! Sorry for going off topic but please... Hug your loved ones Disney friends

Yes, just had to say goodbye to my father after a long battle. He was 86 and looked great to the end. Taught us how to camp at Ft Wilderness and I still miss that train and old trams. Enjoy today and tomorrow!

It was nearing parade time, so off we trekked towards Main Street.

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We got a pretty good spot for not setting up stakes an hour early! Unfortunately, we were across from a Brazilian tour group (who knew they were there in January!?) They kept running into the roped off road and dancing while the rest of the group would clap and cheer them on. I will admit, it was pretty entertaining and it was nice to see them all having a visibly good time! Sometimes with the tour groups, I feel sympathy for them, who willingly wants to travel in such a large mass of people? I just can never understand why they don’t break off into smaller groups, but to each their own!

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My man! If Joe ever acts up, I’m leaving him for the Beast! And I know I'll have to battle @Longers but I'll try to distract her with ice cream LOL

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I tried to restrain myself from snapping a million horrible quality photos, but I just couldn’t resist ARIEL!

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It was like I was gazing into a mirror. I mean, I am Princess Ariel after all! :p
 

need2go2wdw

Active Member
I’m so happy to be reading your report!! I love your reports, I feel somewhat stalkerish myself, checking the boards for when you got started! I *may or may not* have even checked the wait times during the days you were there thinking about what you may be riding...but like I said, *may or may not” have :p, so don’t think I’m a psycho!

And it’s so funny because I so totally agree with so much you’ve said about being a Disney fanatic! I too have more Disney clothes than any other clothes, cannot understand the desire to travel anywhere but Disney, and also have that crazy insane thought *cough cough* occasionally *cough cough* that when I die, I won’t see any more Disney additions!!!

I’m so glad I am not alone....:D

I love my kindred spirited Disney folk! ;)
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Just now reading this. It's been a heck of a week so far!! Glad I have time to relax and read your report! So far so good! Those pictures of your breakfast at Cinderella Castle sure made me hungry. Quick question, how was ALL-STAR Music? Might be looking to stay there on our next trip. Can't wait to read the rest!

Glad your hectic week is giving you some time to read! I feel your pain, as Work has been crazy on my end! Trying to get this report up to cure my Disney depression! I liked All Star Music! Weren’t were there very long so we didn’t get to use the pools, but the food court was awesome! And the buses were always running on time! I was afraid the moderate resorts had spoiled me, but we were only in the room to shower and sleep so it served its purpose! Plus we had a fridge, which I didn’t think we’d have! I’d recommend!

Love this Trip Report!!!! We go in 40 days. We stay at Pop & feel like we are home too! My family thinks I am a nut as well. I think this will be my 15th visit.

Welcome to the nuthouse! The more the merrier! LOL!
I remember on my third trip, I would never understand the people who didn’t know how many times they’ve been there! Now that I’m passed 5, I’m forgetting myself! I love the world, it’s our true home! I hope your countdown goes quickly!! :)

Talk about regrets....I applied and was accepted, and ended up not going for family reasons! It still haunts me to this day! :cry::cry:
Ugh that’s the worst!! Guess we just have to retire there to make up for it ;)
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I want to do it SO BAD!! Unfortunately with my major it doesn't make sense/work :cry::cry:

The only solution is to move to Disney after I graduate ;)

Do you need a room mate? LOL.. I will share my ears!!!

I'm late but I'm here! And loving your report so far! I've been trying to get a friend to go with me for years and no one wants to come with me :cry: Good thing I have a fiance who doesn't mind going :geek:

Can't wait to read more of your adventures!

Glad you’re here! I seriously have been trying to convince everyone I know to go back with me ASAP. You’re lucky you have a fiancé that’s a fan! Joe likes Disney, “but why can’t we travel somewhere else nicole” is usually his response. My solution is two vacations a year, one somewhere he picks, one to Disney. LOL

This made me think about my daddy :) I love him so much, and I tear up just thinking he won't be there one day

So sorry if I made you sad! I get all choked up thinking about my own Dad! When everything happened with his surgery, I told Joe if he’s not walking me then I wanna go to town hall. I would be a hysterical mess. Glad we have good papas!

I was there the year it opened!! I was 11 years old!!!!!

I am soooooooo jealous!!!! I want to dive into your memory! ;)

I’m so happy to be reading your report!! I love your reports, I feel somewhat stalkerish myself, checking the boards for when you got started! I *may or may not* have even checked the wait times during the days you were there thinking about what you may be riding...but like I said, *may or may not” have :p, so don’t think I’m a psycho!

And it’s so funny because I so totally agree with so much you’ve said about being a Disney fanatic! I too have more Disney clothes than any other clothes, cannot understand the desire to travel anywhere but Disney, and also have that crazy insane thought *cough cough* occasionally *cough cough* that when I die, I won’t see any more Disney additions!!!

I’m so glad I am not alone....:D

I love my kindred spirited Disney folk! ;)

I think we are long lost soul mates! LOL us kindred spirited Disney folk have to stick together! Glad you are tagging along for my report, my time went by wayyyyy to quickly but I had such a blast! And I’ve come to find the term stalker as a term of endearment! Muhahah! I still have my Disney app, checking the wait times daily! We are special people and must be best friends :)

Love all the pics! You two look like you are having a blast!!! I am the same with keeping notes in my phone of eating spots. Even my 14 y/o daughter has joined in the planning (for food anyway) this upcoming trip. She wants to snack around the world in Epcot.

You made me a little emotional about your dad too! The hubs and I have been married 20 years this April and I vividly remember my daddy walking me down the aisle, sobbing (him not me). Thankfully he's still here but his health is declining too. Always a good reminder to hug on your loved ones.

Ahhh so happy you have those precious memories with your dad! My dad tells me all the time he’s going to cry on the way down! Guess he’s not alone! And congrats on 20 years!! That calls for celebration!!! ;)

And I truly did have A BLAST I hope it shines through! I’ll add more snacks in this report, so get your notepad ready! ;)
 

kaitertot5249

Well-Known Member
Glad you’re here! I seriously have been trying to convince everyone I know to go back with me ASAP. You’re lucky you have a fiancé that’s a fan! Joe likes Disney, “but why can’t we travel somewhere else nicole” is usually his response. My solution is two vacations a year, one somewhere he picks, one to Disney. LOL
Cody doesn't mind going but he also is a big advocate for exploring other destinations so I'm not sure I'll get away with many more Disney trips once we're married. I like your solution though, I'll give it a shot!!
 

LeighM

Well-Known Member
My husband always tells me he wants us to travel other places. So next year, I've scheduled a Disney cruise LOL. In 2020, I'll try to plan for Universal, and in 2021 we're going back to WDW for their 50th. I'm trying to figure out which time of the year I want to go in 2021. Christmas season is high on my bucket list but I'm also looking into May. You know you're an addict when you have a trip in a month, a trip next year, but still stressing over a trip in 2021 :facepalm: Raul humors me for now...
 

need2go2wdw

Active Member
I think we are long lost soul mates! LOL us kindred spirited Disney folk have to stick together! Glad you are tagging along for my report, my time went by wayyyyy to quickly but I had such a blast! And I’ve come to find the term stalker as a term of endearment! Muhahah! I still have my Disney app, checking the wait times daily! We are special people and must be best friends :)

I completely agree!!! :)

My trip is coming in just 9 short weeks and that too will be a short trip like yours. Arrive on Friday and leave on Tuesday. We will be spending 5 days in the Florida keys first, then I get my Disney time on the way home!
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Cody doesn't mind going but he also is a big advocate for exploring other destinations so I'm not sure I'll get away with many more Disney trips once we're married. I like your solution though, I'll give it a shot!!

Yes, together we can out-scheme them! MUHAHAHA :)

My husband always tells me he wants us to travel other places. So next year, I've scheduled a Disney cruise LOL. In 2020, I'll try to plan for Universal, and in 2021 we're going back to WDW for their 50th. I'm trying to figure out which time of the year I want to go in 2021. Christmas season is high on my bucket list but I'm also looking into May. You know you're an addict when you have a trip in a month, a trip next year, but still stressing over a trip in 2021 :facepalm: Raul humors me for now...

LOL.. you're my idol! And I must get Joe on the Disney cruiseline, then we can get the best of both worlds! I definitely will be going in 2021 for the 50th.. who's going with me is the question! Disney at Christmas is beautiful! I want to go back to the Christmas Party but I must go to the Halloween Party first!! :)

I completely agree!!! :)

My trip is coming in just 9 short weeks and that too will be a short trip like yours. Arrive on Friday and leave on Tuesday. We will be spending 5 days in the Florida keys first, then I get my Disney time on the way home!

Enjoy your trip!!!! Even though it was short, we got a lot accomplished! I have never been to the keys! Have sooooooo much fun I am jealous, :p

My vote is airline magic!!!😀 I would just “let it go”!!
LOL! Totally am! My friend doesn't have a charge on her statement either... I don't know how delayed it could be?? :p
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
The Festival of Fantasy parade is just TOO GOOD. Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, yeah I don't know her.

FOF brings me to tears. It starts with just a few teardrops slowly gathering at the corners of my eyes, and then it's full on ugly crying.
It’s breathtaking. It feels like the first time viewing it every time I watch. I am just so enamored by the floats, and the costumes, and the attention to the most intimate details.

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I did not witness any fire breathing this time! Not like my picture taking ability would be able to capture the moment anyway! LOL

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How cute is Donald! For some reason, just looking at this picture makes me want to cry tears of happiness.

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The big cheese himself clapping away!

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At this point of the parade, I had mascara dripping down my face. Why does Disney make me so emotional! I blame the pixie dust being filtered through the air. That’s pixie dust in my eye, I am not crying! :)

As the parade winded down, we marched over to Tomorrowland. It was time for our third fastpass!

I just love the futuristic palm trees. AGAIN, DETAILS PEOPLE. STOP AND STARE AT THE DETAILS.

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And there she be in all her glory, the most classic of classic Disney attractions, the next mountain of the trip…SPACE MOUNTAIN.

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I was ready for my space flight through the starlit galaxy! I go back and forth all the time with what my favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom is. Space and Splash… I can never decide!

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As you can tell by my face, I love this ride! The girl in the front of our rocket also had rose ears so we bonded before takeoff!

Being an astronaut really works up an appetite. Snack time, yet again you ask? Why calories don’t count in Disney World. Everyone knows that! :p

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I sadly took a photo of Mickey’s tortuous demise.

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Sorry pal!

The next ride of day was the Peoplemover, it was time to rest these legs! The Peoplemover had the longest line I’d ever seen in my history of visiting Magic Kingdom, but thankfully it moved quickly! We waited maybe a total of 10 minutes?

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It felt amazing to whiz through Tomorrowland while seated. Maybe the Peoplemover is my favorite ride in all of Magic Kingdom. Shhhhh, I don’t want to be lame!

We felt rejuvenated and headed towards Monsters Laugh Floor next. I couldn’t resist stopping at THE INFAMOUS PURPLE WALL.

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Am I cool now? Don’t answer that.
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Our Laugh Floor Show was exceptionally funny. I have never once experienced a bad show! My sides always hurt from laughing so hard! A man fell asleep and was called out by Marty Wazowski. He told us we were all in the midst of a celebrity sighting, Sleeping Beauty’s brother was here watching with us! The man woke up as the camera zoomed in on him, it was hysterical!

Before entering the comedy show, we were able to snag a Pirates fastpass for immediately after. It was finally back up and running! Hooray!

Stopped for more Photopass along the way!

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My foot placement is just proof that I am ready for my career as a princess. Ha!

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I knew there was a camera in Pirates but I had no clue where it was placed. Our boat looks so enthused. :p

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I was seriously blinded by the flash of this camera; I think I went temporarily blind. Beware of the flash on the rough seas!

My favorite thing about Pirates is the fire smell. Do they make a candle that smells like this? I remember reading somewhere there are Disney candles that smell like certain resorts, but what about the rides? I NEED A PIRATES CANDLE. :inlove:

We were starting to feel a bit worn-out, so we agreed a full circle tour around the Magic Kingdom was just what we needed. Hopped abroad the train!

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What we thought would be a nice relaxing tour ended up being the complete opposite! As we neared Fantasyland station, the conductor said due to unforeseen circumstances everyone would have to get off! Did the steam train run out of steam? I feel you dear locomotive!

We decided we needed energy, so we off in search of food we went! Decided on Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café because we were headed in that direction to prepare for the Happily Ever After firework show.

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I had the falafel burger and my friend had a cheeseburger. We were each given a massive serving of fries. I was on the fence on if I would like this, and I did! I absolutely loved it!

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My phone had been on airplane mode all day, because my iPhone 6 has basically turned into a landline. It cannot function for more than an hour before needing to be plugged in and charged. I didn’t want it to die while I took my millions of pictures, so airplane mode saved my battery! I know I know, time for an upgrade Nicole… but I kind of liked being off the grid for a bit!

I needed to check my messages because a very important meet-up was happening!

I was texting back and forth with @DocDisney and @sheriffwoody trying to find a place to meet up to watch Happily Ever After. They arranged a WDWmagic meetup dinner with @blgauger and were just about to be walking into Magic Kingdom. I picked the most random thing I could think of, head to the Native American!

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And we’re off!

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Getting to Main Street when the fireworks are starting in 15 minutes is mission impossible. My friend and I were weaving through the crowds making headway, when we reached a roadblock. Security said we couldn’t head down Main Street and if we were exiting we needed to go out the bypass. I don’t want to exit, I want to get to the Native American! TO THE NATIVE!

I texted @DocDisney and feared I would miss the meetup. My friend saw a family moving towards the Plaza so we latched up to them. They had a wonderful peoplemover, a stroller! Personal space is tough to come by in Disney World! Hello, new family, let's do this.

"We’re just going shopping!" I said to the security man. "PLEASE LET ME SPEND MONEY!" He then told me this crowd was nothing and I should come back on New Year’s Eve! Guess he knew who he was messing with, and we were dead set on getting to that Native American, because he did not try to make us go towards the bypass.

And then as if fate had a hand in it, thank the Disney Gods!, the crowds parted like Moses at the Red Sea, and we were able to make our way to the Native!

And a pretty epic WDWmagic happened right in the streets of Main Street!

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I was so excited to meet the girls! We talked about our day thus far, how we really need a @wdwmagic trip, and whether or not I would love Happily Ever After. Disney friends truly are the best friends and I am so thankful to these forums for connecting me with other Disney addicts! I always refer to members of the forums as my Disney friends, and Joe and my friends now know I really do have them! My friends are not imaginary! You’ve got a friend in me! :p

But in all seriousness, a lot of people just don’t understand the Disney obsession (they are the ones missing out :p), so it’s nice to come to a place where everyone gets it!

A place "To share the light, and to share a story. An amazing story as old as time itself, but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them together as one."

:inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove:
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We didn’t have long to chat, because Happily Ever After was beginning! I felt I need a separate post to accurately explain my feelings.

Happily Ever After was incredibly stunning. The music, the projections, the pulling at your heartstrings, it was everything I could of ever dreamed of. The silence that had befallen on the park, everyone looking at the castle in awe, it was just so much to take in. I never feel like I can have an accurate opinion until I view things twice, so I made sure to rewatch again when I came home on YouTube. I watched it quite a few times :p

Now here’s where you may disagree with me, my dear, dear Disney friends. As much as I loved it, and I did love it!!!!, Happily Ever After was not my beloved Wishes.

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I think I may be alone in this sentiment, but I still missed Wishes. The fact that I will never view it again from the Magic Kingdom theme park breaks my heart in a million shattered pieces. I know all good things must come to an end, but it doesn't make the pain any easier!

With Happily Ever After, I did not connect with the narrator man’s voice like I once did with Jiminy Cricket. I just did not feel a connection with the man and woman singing as I once did with the children’s voices uttering “Star light, Star Bright, first star I see tonight.” I know in time, those nostalgic feelings will emerge, but the children's voices just made Wishes must more emotional for me.

Lastly, I did not feel the urge to rush home and download the music. Anddddd...I do not find myself tearing up listening to it now on YouTube. You throw Wishes on, and I’m a blubbering mess. Again, this may change with time, but I can't help and immediately listen to Wishes right after I finish Happily Ever After. It's like I'm cheating. And I can't do that to WISHES!

As I write this report, I am wearing my Wishes shirt. Gone, but not forgotten.

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Happily Ever after is visually beautiful. The projections are pristine; they’ve truly come such a long way since “The Magic, Memories, and You.” I remember those grainy guest photos blown up on the castle. Now it's as if the castle has taken on a whole new persona, with movements and magic coming from within.

I was trying to think of something I could compare my feelings to, and this is the best I can come up with.

Old Disney logo:

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New Disney logo:

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While the new Disney logo is appealing to the eye, it just lacks that nostalgia factor. Yes, the old one is dated, but it holds the best memories! Maybe I truly am a little old lady, but just because it’s shiny and new does not make it better! So what if Wishes used dated technology! Why couldn’t they just upgrade that? Wishes told a story whereas I felt Happily Ever After was just a bunch of popular movie clips thrown together to fill a time slot. The starting music for Wishes was a slow build up, where everyone gradually fell silent to watch. Happily Ever After has you staring at the castle and then BOOM, loud music blaring. The Wishes music made me bawl. I couldn’t even sing the lyrics without getting choked up. The innocent children’s voices just possessed so much more feeling and emotion than the adults who sing Happily Ever After.

Okay, maybe I am being unfairly harsh, and maybe Happily Ever After will grow on me after watching it again and again. And I admit it, I did tear up and get goosebumps when I watched in Magic Kingdom. (Please don't tell Wishes I betrayed them!) So maybe my YouTube views cannot count, and I must truly give the show a second chance at the park. The meaning behind the words was purely Disney, and the movies that were chosen to be showcased are some of my favorites. I absolutely loved the Moana part! It really is a beautiful nighttime spectacular. Maybe the pain from losing Wishes will slowly fade. They do say time heals all wounds.

I’m sure the day will come when I’ll be standing in the hub grass with my own little family and those tears that used to fall for Wishes will come flooding back watching Happily Ever After. The wound is still fresh for me, and as you can clearly see in my post, I don’t handle change very well.

I am thankful they kept small nods to Wishes. Tinkerbelle’s flight and the musical transition of “I Can Go the Distance” from Hercules is when I got the goosebumps. I know change is never easy. The only constant in this life we live is change. One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up, instead of what they have to gain.

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Remember, we must always believe in our wishes, for they are the magic in the world.
Now, let's all put our hearts together, and make a wish come true.

Star light, star bright,
first star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might,
have the wish, I wish tonight.
We'll make a wish, and do as dreamers do,
and all our wishes,
will come true

You see, its just like I told ya.
Wishes can come true, if you believe in them with all your heart.
And the best part is, you'll never run out of wishes.
They're shining deep down inside of you.
'Cause that my friends is where the magic lives

Ha-ha! See what a little wishing can do?!

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Each of us has a dream, a heart’s desire. It calls to us. And when we’re brave enough to listen and bold enough to pursue, that dream will lead us on a journey to discover who we’re meant to be. All we have to do is look inside our hearts and unlock the magic within. Grab hold of your dreams and make them come true for you are the key to unlocking your own magic. Look up and reach to the sky, we all have the courage to fly. Now go and let your dreams guide you. It’s just beginning, reach out and find your happily ever after.

Things change. Memories don’t.
 
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