The Third Time’s the Charm! Fourth (Third) Annual Mom and Me Trip--Updated twice on 10/21--now COMPLETE - Page 23 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
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There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
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If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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I just have to say that Mable's Sweet Tips are GOLD, BABY!!
You had a terrific day and I love all that you got done in patented Sharon Style -- the balcony-sitting, the doofing on Goofy, the walk-up-to-the-boat trick, the fine time management of TSSM/RnR/TOT, the Cyd Charisse bull impression, the giggling at the munchkin, the know-it-not in GMR...
If I can't travel *WITH* you, at least I can travel with you vicariously!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
And I cracked up I tell ya at the picture of that big strapping guy grabbing hold of anything or anyone to save him from ToT! Wait . . . that will probably be me if I ever get the nerve to ride it again!
And don't worry about screaming on TOT. Since you're not a big strapping guy, it won't be as funny.
Heeeeee!
Jill, I *cannot* wait to ride TOT with you -- we'll make it surviveable... or at least "mockable."
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Jill, I *cannot* wait to ride TOT with you -- we'll make it surviveable... or at least "mockable."
I'm not going to be like the yellow shirted guy looking for something to grab a hold to at the last minute - - I WILL be holding on to someone or something from the get go! So the short straw sits beside JillJan!
I just have to say that Mable's Sweet Tips are GOLD, BABY!!
Words to live by.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DyanKJ130
Oh no!! You're catching on to me! I better come up with some new stuff!
Nah, you can just consider it "classic."
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Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace
Ooooh, can I come, too? Bob & I can "support" you, too! The more, the merrier....
Don't worry, there's no way you're getting out of MF without riding TOT with us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
I need all the "support" I can get! Can I at least have a liquor drink beforehand? (I'm dead serious here.)
Jill
We'll be happy to provide you with some "liquid courage."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
I'm not going to be like the yellow shirted guy looking for something to grab a hold to at the last minute - - I WILL be holding on to someone or something from the get go! So the short straw sits beside JillJan!
Jill
I recommend Eileen. Random strangers are always grabbing on to her, so you'd be a huge improvement. Also, she tends to get a bit grabby herself sometimes, so y'all can grab each other.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Mable’s Sweet Tip: Number one rule of trick-or-treating – Never take the apple slices.
So we got ready for the party and headed out. When we got to the bus stop, we saw a woman wearing a Halloween t-shirt. I joked that I knew where she was going and we struck up a conversation. She was meeting some friends for dinner at LTT before the party. She was a bit worried because she’d been waiting 20 minutes for a bus. I told her we’d been very lucky with transportation so far, so maybe we’d bring the bus. The next bus to pull up a minute later? You guessed it. The Magic Kingdom.
Once we arrived, DM asked me to pose for a picture.
It wasn’t quite 4:00, so we had to use our APs to enter. Not a big deal, really, but we’d have to get our wristbands later. Once we entered the park, I got some photos of the park all decked out.
The park was pretty empty, and lots of people were leaving, so we were sure the party wouldn’t be too crowded. Mom wanted to buy a Halloween t-shirt, so we checked in the stores on Main Street but didn’t find anything she liked.
When we got to the hub, I noticed some cool new statues, so I had to get some pictures.
We had over an hour before our dinner at LTT, so we decided to ride something nearby. I suggested the HM, which has become our traditional kick-off of MNSSHP. We talked about how this is one of the things I remember most vividly from my first trip (I was 4 and scared, and my DF was making me more scared by doing his evil laugh in the doom buggy behind us). Luckily, I wasn’t scarred for life!
When we came out I noticed that it was almost time for the Hall of Presidents. I wanted to see it one last time before the refurb (rumor has it that the entire show will change when the new President is installed).
We had just enough time before dinner to do some shopping. DM didn’t find anything, but I ended up getting the Minnie Witch hat, which I thought went well with my t-shirt. We walked over to LTT and checked in.
I forgot that Amy (tinkz) and her family had an ADR at almost the same time as us. I didn’t even think to look for her. We were paged about 5 minutes after checking in and were seated on a new side of the restaurant (when you’ve been as many times as I have, these little things matter ).
After we were seated, we were visited by Chip. Because I hadn’t seen them at breakfast, I told Chip I came just to see him, which resulted in this…
We next got a visit from Minnie, who just loved my hat! (Actually, all the characters did.)
And then, Goofy. I can’t remember what happened, which probably means I was a complete dork.
Next to visit us was Dale. And no, I didn’t tell him I came just to see him.
And finally, Pluto. I admired his Halloween collar before posing for a pic.
We really enjoyed our meal here. The character interaction was great, and the food was too. We had a family sitting next to us with a little girl who was about a year old. When the characters would come by, she would look at them and then scream and then stop and look like she couldn’t decide whether she should be afraid. She’d look at the rest of her family to see what their reactions were, but then start screaming anyway! She was probably thinking “I can’t believe they don’t realize there is a GIANT MOUSE standing right next to me!! What’s wrong with them? Well, they’re all smiling, so it must be OK… AAAAAH! A giant mouse!!”
We were so stuffed after the meal that DM told me she wouldn’t even be eating any of her candy that night. I predicted she’d be eating candy by 9:30. Was I right? Well, read on to find out!
We headed down to the rose garden to pick up our wristbands (and the all-important treat bags). I had a really odd interaction with a CM here. There were 3 CMs just standing around since they weren’t busy. One of them asked us where we were staying and I said the Boardwalk. A different one asked “Where on the Boardwalk?” At first, I thought he was joking. When I realized he was waiting for an answer, I said “The Boardwalk.” (and added to myself “dumb butt” ) You know what he asked me next? “Which one?” Oooooooookay. Finally I said “The Boardwalk Inn.” Luckily, that seemed to satisfy him. The CM standing with him said “I didn’t know there was more than one.” I said “Oh, there’s the Boardwalk Inn and the Boardwalk Villas.” But we both knew. He was a dumb butt.
We headed into Tomorrowland where DM declared she wanted to ride Buzz (which she never really loved before, but I guess after TSM, she has a newfound love for shooting games ). We walked right on. I’m no expert, but at least I can get a six figure score most of the time.
DM didn’t do as well. She jokingly put her hand over her score when I went to take the picture. Her score really wasn’t that awful. I’ve done worse.
After Buzz, we headed over to SM. Well, DM headed for a bench and I headed for SM. I also walked right on to that. I had a choice of the right or left side and chose the left. I was with a fun group of kids and it was a great ride. When I got off, I decided to get right back on. The same group of kids were in line ahead of me again (well half of them decided not to reride). They elected to take the left side again while I decided to try the right and decide which one I liked better. I should’ve stayed with the teenagers. The right side was much bumpier.
After that, I found DM on a bench. She asked me if I’d ridden twice since she’d seen a family go in after me and come out before me. I asked her what she wanted to do and she said she saw that the treat stations had opened so we should do that (I guess that’s why she was so anxious for me to get out – but really, it was like 7:05, folks).
We went over to the treat station in front of the COP and DM got her candy.
Sharon: “I got some M&M’s.” Mable: “I got candy corn.” Charlie Brown: “I got a rock.” (Like the Lollipop Guild, this is one of my things and sets me to giggling if I think about it too much!) Just ask Eileen.
DM didn’t eat any of her candy. At least not yet! We hit the TTA next and had an entire car to ourselves. I think I may have seen tinkz and her family when we passed the Speedway.
I was ready to move on from Tomorrowland, so I decided we’d take the park in a counterclockwise route. When we got to Adventureland, DM insisted on going into the character area. We’d already decided that we wouldn’t spend too much time meeting characters, so I suspect she remembered there were characters and candy in there! But I was thrilled to see that it was a meet and greet with Jane Porter and Terk.
I hadn’t met Jane before and told her so. I think I actually told her I’d taken 30 trips to Disney and had never met her. She said that’s because she lives in Africa! She asked me if I saw who she lived with and then said “That’s why I stay in Africa.” It was really fun.
After DM got her candy, we saw Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. I’d never taken pictures with both of them before, so we got on line. But then the CM cut off the line so they could move to a different spot and we decided to skip it.
We walked right on Pirates. We had the front row so there was some whining about us probably getting wet. DM told me to suck it up. After that, we did a bit more trick-or-treating, then headed over to Frontierland.
DM and I went through the treat station by the TSI rafts, and then I went to ride BTMRR. DM said she was going through the treat line one more time. BTMRR was also a walk on. I grabbed the back row and some enthusiastic kids got in front of me. They sang through most of the ride, which I didn’t really enjoy. I could’ve stayed on for a second ride, but the singing kids stayed on, so I left.
I found Mom and she wanted to go through the treat station by TSI again. So we did. Once we got through, DM said “He only gave me one piece of candy!” I said “That’s because he recognized you. You just went through the line 3 times!”
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
I always hear that you should do the second parade at the parties, but I always find the second party more crowded (at least on the nights I go). So we decided to find a spot. The parade was due to start in 5 minutes, and we got a choice spot in Frontierland, right at the rope.
I was even able to finally get a good shot of the Headless Horseman.
DM was back by the fence and a large group was looking for a spot, so I turned around to tell DM to move up for her spot and I busted her! She was eating candy! Way before I predicted, too.
We really enjoyed the parade. I love this parade and took a cajillion pictures.
When I first looked at this picture, I thought Peter Pan was Clay Aiken
I didn’t get too good of a shot of Captain Barbossa (he’s my favorite character, second only to ) and as soon as I snapped the picture of Captain Jack, he turned away. But I wasn’t disappointed for long, because the Haunted Mansion section was next, and I love that part!
And then, my absolute favorite…
If you’re reading this and scratching your head and of course you are let me explain. I love the music from this parade. I have the CD and listen to it all the time. And this is my favorite part of it. It’s Clara Cluck singing (or more accurately, clucking) Ghost Riders in the Sky. I often wonder (just like the Lollipop Guild) what was going on here. This is how I imagine it happened:
Imagineer 1: You know, we don’t use Clara Cluck very often. We should use her in something. Imagineer 2: I know! We’ll put her in the Halloween parade! And she can sing Ghost Riders in the Sky! No, wait! She’ll cluckGhost Riders in the Sky! It’ll be awesome! Imagineer 1: … DUUUUUUUDE!! That rocks!!!!
I also wonder what those two were doing immediately before that conversation. But I’m glad they had it, because I love me some clucked Ghost Riders in the Sky and I found myself clucking right along! “Bawk bawk baaaaaawk, bawk bawk baaaaaawk, bawk bawk-bawk bawk bawk baw-aawk.”
Anyway, while I was in my own world the parade continued.
When the parade ended, I asked DM if she wanted to do any rides? She wanted to get more candy (probably because her supply was running low ) We took the path down by the riverboat and got some candy and met this guy…
He was really creepy! I was scared! After I took the picture I got really scared and rushed out of there! We strolled over to Fantasyland, collecting candy when we could and then went on Peter Pan (5 minute wait) and then it’s a small world (no wait). We got some candy, and then did more shopping. DM still couldn’t find a t-shirt. She saw one she liked, but they didn’t have her size anywhere. Next, we headed to the hub to catch Happy Hallowishes, my favorite special version of Wishes.
When the fireworks were over, Mom decided she was ready to head back to the BWI. I’m sure she got some candy first, but there wasn’t any evidence of it because she ate it. I walked around for a while, just enjoying the park.
I popped into Cosmic Ray’s for Stitch’s Dance Party (I love him in his Elvis costume!).
I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do, so I hit the TTA. I was thirsty, so I got an FB.
I did a little more trick-or-treating, then ended up near the hub again. The parade was passing again, so I watched from a bench on the bridge to Adventureland for a bit. Then I decided to try to get a better photo of Captain Jack, so I walked over to the parade route and stood behind some strollers. I got my photo! (Still not the greatest, but at least he's facing me.)
And another photo of the Hitchhiking Ghosts, which I thought were (They were on the MNSSHP t-shirt, which I bought).
And yes, I clucked along to Ghost Riders in the Sky again.
I thought about what else I wanted to do, and decided all that was really on my list was the Villains Mix & Mingle, which I’d never seen before. So I found a bench and waited for the next show.
Then I headed out, but not before one last look at the castle, lit in Halloween colors.
A bus was waiting when I got to the bus stop. A nice man insisted I take his seat. At first I was happy to stand, but then I realized I’d be the 5th stop so I was glad to sit down! Back at the room, I put my candy in the safe and turned in, but not before I set a wakeup call for the next morning.
Up Next: Why Am I So Afraid of the Yeti?
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!