Trip Report The Widlest Trip Report in the Wilderness (OR: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Band)

As 2012 wrapped up, I made a choice. I was going back to Disney World sometime in 2013. I had of course been saying this since 2010 when I had last been there. Then I decided that I was going to use my Tax Return money to fund the trip, so as soon as I had an idea of how much I'd get back, I put down the 200 dollar deposit. I was on my way! It was going to be a solo trip, but one where I'd meet up with some family who were staying at the same time.

Cut to December 1st, I am furiously packing my bags and attempting to get some sleep, which alas was not going to really happen. I had booked a 10:30am flight, set to arrive by around 1:30, so on December 2nd, I woke up at around 5 am to start to get ready so I could leave to give Boston's MBTA enough time to get me to the airport. I made sure the bright yellow tag that Disney had sent me was firmly attached, and I ran out the door.


Magic Express by darthy13, on Flickr

Day One

I arrived to the airport at around 7:45am, and to my surprise was checked in, luggage taken, and through security (without having to take off my shoes even) before 8. Once I was through, I headed to my gate area to see what I could find for breakfast. The Boston Beer Works bar was serving breakfast at the time, so I sat down to grab something more substantial than Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds, and to also kill time until my plan was getting ready to board. Eventually we boarded and departed towards Florida. I hate flying so that first few mins. is pretty nerve racking for me, but I was on JetBlue and they had TV and sugary crap to shove at me, so it made things go much better.

We landed earlier than anticipated, so I bolted to get to Magical Express, figuring I could savor some more time in the parks.


first in line by darthy13, on Flickr

I was first in line for the bus, and for a while, the only one in line. Once a bus was assigned, they sent me onto it, and for about 15 minutes, I was the only one on the bus! Then a bunch of people arrived, and we were off for the World!

About 20 minutes later...


Coming Home by darthy13, on Flickr

I've never really arrived through these before. The first trip I went I don't remember them being there (it was back in 1993) and then in 2010, we drove through them, but it's just not the same if you aren't staying on property.

Speaking of staying on property, I was just around the corner from where I'd call home, and moments later, we arrived at Art of Animation.


Arriving by darthy13, on Flickr

I got off the bus and took in the warm Florida air, the blue skies that were decidedly absent when I was in Boston. It was amazing. Here I was, back in a place I truly love, by myself for the first time. It was excellent. I walked into the lobby and was greeted with colors and sketches and all sorts of Disney goodness.


Colors by darthy13, on Flickr


Concepts by darthy13, on Flickr

I was told that my room wasn't ready (I had very specific requests, mainly that I be as close to the buses and food court as I could from my section, and that I be on the first floor.) but that I could leave my carry-on with Luggage Services and they would take care of it. Did that, pocked my Key to the World card, took some essentials out of my carry on, and off I went, getting in line for my first park.

I'll give you a hint.


the first stop by darthy13, on Flickr

 

[darthspielberg]

Now, before I left, I had a pretty particular plan of which parks I was doing when and where, even if I didn't have my plan of action in the park mapped out perfectly. However, within seconds this changed. I texted my aunt, who was staying at the Contemporary, and asked where they were at the moment and what they were up to. I was going to follow up that if they wanted to meet me in Magic Kingdom, that's where I would be. Instead I got a text saying "In Hollywood Studios, see if you can get a Toy Story fastpass."

Now, at this point it was around 3:20pm, so the idea of getting a Toy Story fastpass was laughable, but I figured, why the heck not. I cancelled my Magic Kingdom plans and then went into Hollywood Studios, and not only did I manage to snag one, it was right within their FP times as well. I booked it and the rest of my choices, and hopped on the next bus to the studios. And I was the only one. I had the whole bus to myself. Art of Animation isn't very far from Hollywood Studios so we were there in no time flat, and I was soon walking up to that Pan Pacific style gate, taking in the sights and sounds of old Hollywood.


Hollywood Christmas by darthy13, on Flickr


Sunset Boulevard by darthy13, on Flickr

First stop was to check in to the Hollywood Tower Hotel. On my last trip I declared it my favorite ride, and it hasn't changed much in the years since. It's still a blast. I love the atmosphere, and the preshow and queue are one of the best in all of theme parks, let alone Disney World. I even saw lightning in the shaft this time, an effect I've never seen before.

Here is me, in the back row, pumping my fist in the air for two reasons: One, it was my first ride in Disney World. Two, I was holding on for dear life with the other arm.


Untitled by darthy13, on Flickr

After I got off, I sent a text to my aunt to see where she was going. She was just getting out of the Little Mermaid show, and asked me to meet her in front of the Great Movie Ride. Upon arrival, I see that Great Movie Ride has a 60 min. wait, which is longer than anything else in the park except Toy Story. As I stand surprised, a cast member says "No, that's not accurate. The sign is stuck. It's about a 15 min. wait" Once my aunt, her partner, their son David had come over, we got in line and I don't even think we waited more than six mins. before we on a tram. I was hoping for the Cowboy scene, but I always get the gangster.


Chinese by darthy13, on Flickr


Untitled by darthy13, on Flickr


Untitled by darthy13, on Flickr

After getting out of that ride, my FastPass was up on Star Tours. I arranged to meet up with my aunt again, because they had arranged a time to ride Star Tours using the new DAS system for their son David, and invited me as part of their party, but first it was off to whatever planet the new Star Tours would take me to. I had seen videos, but I was unprepared for just how cool the new Star Tours is. the multiple ride options, the updated queue videos and robots. Just a fun ride all around, and leagues better than what it replaced.


Human Cyborg Relations by darthy13, on Flickr


Overgrown Glop of Grease by darthy13, on Flickr

Got off and booked it over to Pixar Place just in time to catch my aunt and crew for their DAS Toy Story time. I love the care that Disney has taken in certain rides to acommodate people with wheel chairs. Seeing the Wheelchair vehicle that they have for Toy Story is so cool. I rode with my cousin, who is more interested in watching the characters than he is in playing the games, but we got some good scores going in our side of the car, I must say.

After the ride, we had time to kill for our FastPass bookings for the ride, so we decided that we would go check out the Osborne Lights. I had never seen them before, and it was a nice way to get into the holiday time at the parks. We headed over quickly to area and made our way through the throngs of people, enjoying the sights, the sounds, and the snow.


Lights! by darthy13, on Flickr

We slowly worked our way through the crowds and back to Pixar Place for our FastPass time, and we were on again soon, and I was starting to learn how to play the game properly. This would be important for later in the trip.

It was getting late for my Aunt and company, so they decided to head back to their resort. I went and rode Star Tours one more time, and contemplated another go on Tower of Terror before realizing I still hadn't been to my hotel room, and it had been ready for hours by this point. So I decided to call it a night at the Studios and head back to Art of Animation.

 

[GeekDad]

Sweet another trip report to get me through these next few days till I'm down there!

I love the new star tours! I only made it on once my last trip but I'm hoping to go it a few times this go around even if I have to skip whatever the rest of my group is going on. My wife likes it but the motion simulation gets to get too much so she probably won't go on it again

 

[RMichael21]

So excited to read more of your Trip Report!!!!! This is going to be great!

P.S. I'm from New England as well!

 

[darthspielberg]

(thanks for the replies! I hope it's it's worth the excitement!)

So after a short bus ride back to the resort, I went to retrieve my carry-on bag, but it turns out that as soon as my room was ready, they moved both my luggage and my carry-on to it for me. How lovely! I then popped into Landscapes of Flavor, the resorts outstanding food court, to grab some dinner, as I hadn't eaten since my airport breakfast almost 12 hours prior.

I had the Pastrami Cheeseburger, which was insane. Very good, and loaded with flavor, not to mention huge.


Pastrami Monster by darthy13, on Flickr

i grabbed my resort mug (which I wouldn't really use, but it's a souvenir I didn't have to pay for out of pocket, so that's nice) and headed off to find my room. As I mentioned earlier, I wanted as close to the main building as they could get me on the ground floor. I have bad ankles and knees for someone my age, and they like to lock up and swell, and I figured there wouldn't be a better opportunity for that to happen than walking around four theme parks for a week, so better to play it safe. As I was looking for my room, i realized I was likely getting a parking lot view, which I wouldn't have considered a bad thing as I am not really at Disney for the hotel room, but i turned a corner and realized I was smack dab in the middle of the Little Mermaid pool section, with a pool view. Well, not so much a view of the pool as a view of the theming of the pool area. Big giant fishes sat right in front of my window. I was thrilled.

My luggage awaited me in the room, which meant shoes that are better for my feet were waiting as well, and the pain killers I had neglected to take with me into the parks from my carry-on. I took a shower, got dressed and decided it was time to head back into the parks. Extra Magic Hours was at Magic Kingdom this night, and it was going to be open until 1am.

Again, I had an entire Disney Transportation bus to myself, and in about 20 mins, i had arrived at one of my favorite places anywhere in the world, Magic Kingdom. I have never done Extra Magic Hours before, as the only other time i stayed at a Disney resort, they were not a thing. Now that they are, I was prepared to take full advantage of them on my first night in Disney.

I arrived as the second showing of the Main Street Electrical Parade was getting started, so I watched that for a bit. When I was a kid I had fond memories of the parade, but I recently discovered I had never actually seen it outside of television or the internet, since the memories I had were actually of SpectroMagic. Funny thing, memory.


Elliot by darthy13, on Flickr

I made my way up the crowds on the side of Main Street and cut into Tomorrowland, then over to Fantasyland. My first Magic Kingdom attraction? Mickey's Philharmagic! Got in with a minimal wait and was soon seated smack in the middle of the theater for what I think is the best 3D show in the parks. After it was over, I headed to my all time favorite ride at any park anywhere, the Haunted Mansion. I had never seen the new queue, which I love the concept of, so I walked through and had a blast with the items you can play with. Then it was into the stretching room, where my camera's flash accidentally went off and the cast member went "YOULL KILL US ALL."

That was something I really enjoyed about the Extra Magic Hours. As the crowds dispersed and the rides wait times dropped significantly, the Cast Members were having a bit of fun to keep things interesting. This lead to a funny incident on Pirates a bit later.


At his request by darthy13, on Flickr

I then moseyed on over to Frontierland. I thought about riding Splash but at this point, the weather was a bit colder than I wanted to be if I were to get soaking wet, and it seemed that everyone else was of the same mind, as log after log fell from the top of the hill with no guests. Kind of spooky, actually.

I did hop on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I had ridden it for the first time on my last trip (I was too small on my first visit, and on my second was terrified of coaster rides) so this trip I had to make up for lost time. In the end, I rode Big Thunder more than any other ride this trip, and it was a blast every time.


Spooky Mountain by darthy13, on Flickr

I wandered over to Adventureland, one of my favorite lands in all of Disneyparkdom, and literally walked right onto Pirates. The cast member offered to let me ride in my own boat and everything. It was great to see all the familiar pirate faces again (even if this would be the only time I'd get on the ride for some reason) As I got off, the Cast Member telling people to watch their step was doing a version of the Haunted Mansion exit spiel. "I will raise the bar and a ghost will follow you home." and such. He and the other cast member at the exit were laughing about it and having a grand old time, and you know what, it made me smile.

At this point, it was getting closer to close, so I decided to make my way back to the resort, but not before stopping to use my first snack credit on a waffle bowl sundae on Main Street. Delicious, especially with Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.

Soon I was on a bus (although a packed bus despite the thin crowds) and back to the resort. I will say that one slight inconvenience at MK is the fact that my resort has the bus stop that is the furthest from the gate. Lots of walking.

Once back home, I crashed into bed. I had been up for over 20 hours straight. Time to get a little bit of sleep before another long day ahead. That's day one in a nutshell.


Ice Castle by darthy13, on Flickr

 

[Minnie_girl]

Great TR...love the pics!

 

[Minthorne]

Great TR so far! Hello fellow Disney fan from Massachusetts!

 

[SarahBella82]

I'm enjoying your report. Thanks for sharing!

 

[darthspielberg]

Day Two - Kingdom of Magic, Trying the Grey Stuff, and a Christmas Party

Waking up to a ankle that refuses to bend in any direction is something I am used to. It flares up every six months or so, and sometimes it's bad enough to keep me off my feet for a few days. Waking up to it on my first full day at Disney is just not cool in any sense. I woke up early, intending to see the rope drop show at Magic Kingdom, but getting on my feet without collapsing in pain became priority. Took a while, but after taking a shower, going to the ice machine a good ways away from my room, and then just making sure i kept pressure on it, i was ready to go by 9:30. I headed to the bus stop, going from a slight limp to a full on walk, which was nice. It feels good to shed the pain.

I arrived at Magic Kingdom and walked up Main Street. first thing I should catch is the Limited Time Magic version of the Holiday Trolley show. It was a lovely way to start celebrating Christmas in Disney. After gazing upon the castle for a while, I moved to Liberty Square.


Castle Tilt by darthy13, on Flickr

First stop? Haunted Mansion, of course! I know that there are many here who dislike the new queue, saying it ruins the story or mood, but I really like it. it's full of fun details that I just ate up.


These busts don't sing by darthy13, on Flickr

After visiting my friends in the Mansion, I strolled through the new Tangled bathroom area, which is just wonderfully themed. It's also a nice area to take a break. I'd use it a few times in the coming week. I then wandered over into New Fantasyland for the first time. I made a point not to go there during Extra Magic Hours because I wanted to take it all in during the day. There was a HUGE line for Be Our Guest, and many people thought it was a ride. That amuses me to no end. I however made my way to Gaston's Tavern so I could try me a Pork Shank and some LeFou's Brew


Untitled by darthy13, on Flickr

This was HUGE. Like, more food than I anticipated. I don't think I even finished it. I was just looking for a snack but instead got lunch out of the deal. This would actually kind of throw off my dining plan a bit, since I opted to buy this out of pocket and skip lunch today. whoops. That'll come up again later. As for the brew, I loved it. At first I thought i wouldn't but mannnn was it good. I am sure it's no butterbeer, but I'll take it. Once the foam mixed into the whole drink, the flavors were fabulous.

I then met up with my Aunt again outside of Peter Pan. Turns out they had booked a ride on Winnie the Pooh with their DAS card, and then were headed to Buzz Lightyear with fastpasses. I changed my Buzz Lightyear fastpass to match their time, and we rode Pooh (which is cute for a simple dark ride. I like their attempts to change things up, such as bouncing with Tigger) then took a leisurely stroll over to Buzz Lightyear. I had never ridden Buzz before, and was quite impressed with how fun it is. I even got the best score of my group, because I managed to hit a target that boosted my score up by a 100,000 points. Sure it's not 999,999 but damn it felt good (especially since I was riding with a master at Toy Story Mania who was sure she was going to win.


Untitled by darthy13, on Flickr

Prior to meeting up with them I had grabbed a paper fastpass to check out Little Mermaid, and the window was slowly shrinking, so I bid them goodbye for the moment and headed off to go ride the latest Disney dark ride. I liked it, and it's show building is just astoundingly beautiful, but it feels short. It cuts out a large chunk of the movie, reducing the coolest moment in the film to a tiny little cutout in the final scene. Could have been a lot more.

 

[darthspielberg]

After Mermaid, I rested my ankles for a bit, then moved back towards Frontierland because I had a fastpass for both Big Thunder and Splash Mountain. I got on Big Thunder no problem, riding it for the second time on the trip (it's quite a simple coaster, but I really like it, and I like how there are no really high drops, which is one of the more nerve-racking aspects of any coaster for me) and then disembarked my train and realized that the breeze I experienced on the ride was simply from the speed. It was HOT. A far cry from what my friends in Boston were dealing with at the time. I was thrilled to use my Splash fastpass soon, and spent some time in front of a geyser that sprayed high enough to send a refreshing mist onto you if you stood in the right spot.

Walking over to Splash Mountain I see a huge crowd of people pouring out of of the entrance towards me. That's now how lines are supposed to work, I thought to myself. Turns out the ride broke down and they had to evacuate it, and also had to exit the queue because repair time was unkown. I thought about asking the Fastpass attendant what I should do with my FastPass+ reservation, but all the cast members in the area were swamped and clearly frazzled with what was going on, so I decided to just move along.

I grabbed a drink at a cart and headed to see the birdies who sing at the Tiki Room. The last two times I saw the show it was the awful Under New Management show, so it was nice to see a version closer to what I witnessed on my very first trip. I sat in there quietly taking in the air conditioning and singing tiki totem poles. I love me some tiki stuff. I then went over to try a Disney classic I had never tasted before: The Citrus Swirl


The Swirl by darthy13, on Flickr

After eating it, my first thought was "DOLE WHIP SHMOLE WHIP" because good lord, this was amazing, and I've always been a little underwhelmed by it's pineapple cousin. I kept meaning to get back for another, but things always got in the way to my dismay.

Here is where the most interesting and fun new attraction of my visit would come into play. I wandered over to the little hut where they are "recruiting" for Pirates Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas. I haven't been super impressed with Disney interactive games (I like Sorcerers after trying it a bit, but I really don't care for the Kim Possible/Phineas and Ferb model in Epcot) so I was hoping this would be different, and in a way, it was everything I could have wanted. I am a big fan of the Pirates movies (well, not the fourth one, but that's a different story) and I was sold when I set off a canon sitting atop the Castillo Del Moro, smoke and all. Hook line and sinker. I finished a map in no time, and considered getting another to start, but the time was quickly approaching to meet my aunt for a dinner reservation in the newest castle in town. It was time to Be Their Guest.


A sign by darthy13, on Flickr

 

[darthspielberg]

After meeting up with my aunt, her partner, their son, we ended up waiting for a bit as two friends of theirs who were also joining us were running behind because they had hopped on a ride. When they arrived we got our pager and waited on the bridge. Our reservation was right at the start of the evening, so fortunately we didn't wait very long.


Entering the Castle by darthy13, on Flickr

They let my cousin carry the candelabra to the table, which was great, he was loving it. Soon we were seated in the Rose Gallery. Now I know this isn't used for Dinner all the time, but you know, I am glad we were there. It's not the movie ambience that people are looking for but it was a lot quieter than the ballroom, and better lit than the west wing. All in all, it was a wonderful place to dine.

I got the Pork chop, which came with a side of what was basically macaroni and cheese, but what heavenly Macaroni and Cheese it was! Worth the entire price of the dish just for that side, and the chop was wonderul. Nice, not dry, well cooked, and a delicious red-wine sauce to pour on it. It was excellent all around. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals as much as I did.


Dinner by darthy13, on Flickr

For dessert, I got, well, you guessed it, The Grey Stuff. It came ontop of this wonderful cookie/brownie like "tart" as they called it. Really as good as the hype would lead you to believe, so it's nice to see it on the menu now. They also brought out three plates with dollops of the Grey Stuff since there were three people "celebrating" at the time (myself for my pending graduation, my cousin celebrating his birthday, and their friends celebrating an anniversary, i believe)


The Grey Stuff by darthy13, on Flickr

During dinner, the topic of what people could now experience at Town Square Theater was brought up. My aunt didn't know anything about it, but her friends and I did. So we all decided to go to meet Mickey. Let me say up front that I love the themeing in the theater and the waiting areas where you go before you meet him. Like the picture I'll post below, just a lovely touch that means a lot to a Disney fan like me.


What a Scrooge by darthy13, on Flickr

We went in to the theater and there he was, Mickey Mouse, just having full on conversations with folks. looks like that Bronchitis healed up pretty darn well. My aunt was on the verge of tears when she realized that he was speaking to people. when it was their turn, my cousin David ran right up to Mickey and hugged him. Most adorable moment of the trip by far.


Mickey and David by darthy13, on Flickr

Now, here comes the first thing that truly got me in a bad mood on the trip. I love Disney Cast Members. I sing their praises noon and night, but I had an encounter that threatened to turn my entire night sour. When my turn came up, they rushed me through. Mickey didn't speak to me except to tell me to say cheese, which was somewhat disappointing, and when I went to get my MagicBand tapped to get the photo for later, the PhotoPass woman went "I already gave it to her." pointing to my aunt. I was visiting with them, but everything about us was separate, we weren't on the same reservation, or anything. we weren't even linked in MyDisneyExperience. So there was no way those photos would get to me. I clarified this, and the woman looked mortified, not because she had attempted to squeeze me in to make things go faster, but because for a moment she thought I didn't even know my aunt and their part. when it became clear that I did in fact know them, the look changed to one of disinterest. She tapped my band and said, and I quote "Whatever"

This was not the only time I saw people who do the PhotoPass photography be a bit rude to people, but it was the only time it happened to me. I know they had a long line, and it was only going to get longer when people showed up for the Christmas Party, but rushing me through left a very bad taste in my mouth. By the end of the night, though, this would be remedied quite well. More on that later.


Mickey and Me by darthy13, on Flickr

It was here I parted ways with my aunt and company and ran to find a place I could trade my print at home ticket for a wristband for the Christmas Party. I was told by folks here and cast members on the day of that I wouldn't have to leave the park, but that is exactly what happened. This combined with the incident with Mickey's photographer and the sudden realization that I was going to be by myself for the Christmas Party, truly solo, meant my night was off to a bumpy start.

 

[GeekDad]

I just got back on Saturday from my trip and I as well had a bad experience with a photo pass photographer. Mine was at Tusker House after getting our picture with Donald I tried to explain that I had the new memory maker and get the picture added but the lady just told me they take care of it inside before I could finish what I was trying to say. Of course inside they just try to sell you the picture so I had to have them retake the picture when we left. However most photographers were great esspecially Carlos who we ended up getting about 4 or 5 different times.

As for the Xmas party bands we went to the rose garden to get ours. It did seem that most CMs weren't sure where exactly to go but they were very nice in trying to find out for me.

 

[darthspielberg]

I just got back on Saturday from my trip and I as well had a bad experience with a photo pass photographer. Mine was at Tusker House after getting our picture with Donald I tried to explain that I had the new memory maker and get the picture added but the lady just told me they take care of it inside before I could finish what I was trying to say. Of course inside they just try to sell you the picture so I had to have them retake the picture when we left. However most photographers were great esspecially Carlos who we ended up getting about 4 or 5 different times.

As for the Xmas party bands we went to the rose garden to get ours. It did seem that most CMs weren't sure where exactly to go but they were very nice in trying to find out for me.

The cast members who did help me were very friendly and trying their best to get me into the party. I fortuantly didn't have to wait in the entrance line because I had already been in the park, but i had to go out past the train station to find a cast member who knew what to do with my situation. I imagine if I had been in a slightly better mood I'd have not been so bothered by it.

 

[darthspielberg]

Where was I? Oh right. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

So to recap, had a disheartening encounter with the main Mouse, then was told to exit the park and re-enter to get into the Christmas party. The night was off to a start of disappointing proportions.

Then a cast member saw me standing, looking for anyone to talk to so I didn't have to actually exit, and she came over and asked if I was here for the party. I told her I had been in the park with my family, who were leaving, but I had a ticket to the party. She asked if I had the print out, which I did, and she went and tracked down a manager who could scan it for me and give me my wristband. It was a little thing, but it went a long way to making things better.

Once back on the other side of the train, I headed towards the firehouse. I don't know why, but i was determined to get the collectors edition card for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. After waiting in line behind someone who thought he could get the card without a party ticket (he waited in the park just to get it apparently) they kindly gave me a starter pack and the collectors card then showed me how to use them.

I was then off to the Emporium. I knew I wanted to buy a hat. I wasn't sure what hat, but it had to be something fun. I got something extra christmasy since it seemed fitting and I knew I'd look like a doofus wearing the Oswalt ears. I got a santa hat with Mickey and it was a perfect fit. I wore it all night, and got a lot of smiles from it. This might have been because I am a big fellow that looks like young Santa from that claymation movie.


Tourist in a Hat by darthy13, on Flickr

After this I grabbed some drinks and headed off to find a spot for the parade and fireworks. I ended up missing the parade, but found a decent spot for the fireworks, and just claimed it. This felt like wasting time, but I was happy I did, because Wishes for the Holidays was great. Once the finale boomed, I was poised to just jump right over to Adventureland, and got on Jungle Cruise aka The Jingle Cruise. It was a literal walk on.

The skipper was a real treat and the show was a hoot. I love puns, so this ride is one of my favorites. going on it at night was something I had never done, so it was a treat to experience it that way. Afterwords, I got a cup of Hot Cocoa and cookies, which were actually way better than I expect, and it was actually kind of a cool night so that made things better. I played a bit of the Sorcerer's game while I was there (since it wanted me to start at Tortuga Tavern) then went to leave when I saw a line to meet someone who doesn't get out much for meet and greets.

CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW.

I was the last in for the current meet and greet, and therefore, he joked around with me a bit more than some of the others. He asked me what I was celebrating and when I said "graduating college" he asked me what that meant and more importantly if it meant people give me lots of booze. when I relpied that would be a possiblity, he declared he loved "Grad-e-ating college!" and we took some photos before he told me to beware Barbossa lurking around the shadows.


That's CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow by darthy13, on Flickr

Already my night was leagues above what it had started out like, so I decided to go and do something I had planned on doing since the moment I booked a trip. Getting a good Splash Mountain photo. On my previous trip I had looked like I was fearing for my life, and I was gripping onto the hand rails. This time it was hands up or no deal.

After a dry cycle spin on Big Thunder, It was getting closer to close, and I figured I'd quit while I was ahead.

I got a photo on Main Street, but it didn't come out that hot, so I didn't buy it, and then headed for the exit, when I noticed that Mickey's meet and greet was still open and had a 5 min. wait. Could redemption be in store? I wasn't with anyone this time, and I could very clearly state "Part of 1" so I decided to do it. i am so very glad I did.

My turn arrives and I give my phone to the attendant, and then walk over. Mickey hugs me immediately, which was a bit jarring, but when Mickey wants a hug, you don't refuse. He then began to regale me with his visit over to New Orleans Square and how he had visited the old creepy house there and a ghost had said it would follow him home! He asked me if I had experienced something like that. Now, here's the thing. Haunted Mansion is my all time favorite ride. Hands down. Having Mickey go on about to me was so cool. It washed away any anxieties I had had during the day, and I even stopped thinking about how this technical marvel worked. I just talked with Mickey Mouse. When I said I had been to the Mansion, he asked me if the ghost had followed me to the theater, and he began to search frantically, getting the kids in the group behind me to help. When he was assured that the ghost wasn't there, he asked for a photo, and insisted we pose like the Hitchhiking Ghosts and say "Spooky" instead of cheese.


Beware of Hitchhiking Mice by darthy13, on Flickr

It was the perfect way to wrap up the evening, and on that note, I headed to the bus stop, with a bit of a bounce in my step.

Tomorrow would bring Animal Kingdom, monorail gridlock, and much more!

 

[disneypearl]

I'm so glad you went back to see Mickey at the theater again! What a way to improve the first experience you had. The hitchhiking ghost picture with Mickey is awesome and orginal. I haven't been to the theater yet to talk with Mickey but sounds so fun!

 

[darthspielberg]

(Sorry I've been lax on getting this updated. I have been busy getting accepted into the Disney College Program)

Day Three - A Kingdom of Animals (aka Too Many Trips to Everest)
I had planned to wake up early and head to the EMH Morning Hours at Animal Kingdom on this day, but after the long day prior, getting up early was not my biggest concern. I took my time getting up and showered, and then grabbed an orange juice and a water bottle on the way through the main building and hit the bus. I was at the main gate a few moments after it opened to non-resort guests, so I was pretty on target.

Once my band had scanned and I was through the gate I headed for Asia. I had a mountain to scale.


Everest in the Distance by darthy13, on Flickr

I had a Fastpass booked for around opening, but I arrived early and found a 10 min. queue line waiting for me, and I can't resist that, so I popped into the line and soon was taking that infmaous train ride and disco dancing with a yeti. Despite it's lesser show elements as of recent, I still love the ride. It's one of the few things that always gives me a thrill whenever I ride it.

As I got off, I decided to tempt fate. I had not tried to use my key to the world card for Fastpasses at all during the trip because I found the amount of passes I was given through the magic band to be adequit in almost all situations, but I was a) curious if it would work and b)I love riding everest, so I grabbed a paper ticket and it worked. It felt a bit naughty, but when the time came to ride again, the thrills whisked the minimal guilt away. (of course, writing this, it's starting to come back. I had to get my shot in before they took it away, guys!)

The time had come for my Safari fastpass once I had ridden Everest twice. I went over and got in line and waited minimally and was escorted onto my very own private row of the safari car. The safari was great, especially now that they've taken away all of the weird attempts at story and just let the natural story of a great safari speak for itself. On the tour I was the only one on my ride vehicle that knew a pack of lions is called a pride. Way to be, fellow tourists.


Giraffe! by darthy13, on Flickr


Never Forgets by darthy13, on Flickr

Once the trip was over and we had returned to Harambe, I went to use the paper fastpass I had retrieved on Everest, and realized that I am not as young as I once was and that riding a coaster that does some of the things Everest does while going backwards was not good for my stomach. I opted not to ride again, even though the standby was fairly low, and the single rider like was so quick they weren't bothering with the wait time.

I ate lunch at the outdoor section of Yak and Yeti and that helped sooth the stomach and make me ready for the day again. Then I headed for Dinosaur, despite my mind going "Maybe not the best idea."

It didn't upset my stomach, but I was fearing my phone was going to fly out of my pocket as I was seated on the outside steat. The ride is loud, dark, and not really all that pleasant, and yet I enjoy the visceral thrill of being chased by the dinos, so I kind of like it just the same.


Aladar in the Distance by darthy13, on Flickr

After Dinosaur, I realized I was wiped. I had been on so many rides that morning (well, three, but one of them three times) and walking all around the park that I had just tuckered myself out. I ventured towards the front of the park and decided to swing into Tough to be a Bug since I had never seen it. I wasn't all that impressed, but I did like the close up look at the stuff on the Tree of Life.


WIld Christmas by darthy13, on Flickr

Once outside the park I waited for a long time for a bus, which I forgot was going to go to the water parks before going back to the hotel, but there we go. I took a mini nap on the bus, and then took an even longer mini nap in the hotel room when I got back. Once I was refreshed, I showered again and dressed up semi nice to head to Dinner at the Polynesian. If only I had thought to leave 20 mins. earlier.

To Be Continued.

 

[darthspielberg]

One of the things I wanted to do when I set out to make this report was do a video component. Took me while, but here we go, I got video trip reports.

Have a day one video -


and a day two one as well.

 

[FlaggNL]

great video's!!