8 Days Without the Kiddos – June 2014 Trip Report COMPLETED About This Page:

[hhawkins]

Thursday, June 12: PART 2 - Magic Kingdom

Candi and I have already been enjoying the park for over an hour by this point, and it is really starting to get crowded. One of the podcast that I listen to (WDW Prepschool) almost never recommends to do the park with EMH unless you plan to leave in mid-morning for another park. I was starting to see the reasoning in her suggestion. This was going to be a hopping day at the Magic Kingdom, but we were already committed.

By this time it was about 9:30, so we were killing time until our 10:00 am FP+ for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I was especially excited about it. I had heard great things about the que line, but looking at the line at this point I was happy to have a FP+. When we walked by, the line was out of the gate and wrapped all the way around the front of the ride all the way to the Teacups. WOW!

Candi had broken her sunglasses earlier in the morning getting out of the SM ride vehicle, and she decided she was going to have to bite the bullet and get a new pair we. So we used this time looking. She found a pair as a kiosk near the Brave character location outside Cosmic Ray’s. They were cute, with little Mickey shapes on them in tiny rhinestones. I think she had to pay about $25, but she was okay with that being one of her souvenirs.

We leisurely walked passed the MT line to the FP+ and checked in right as 10 am, scanned our Magic Band and followed the path to the ride. Wondering all the while about what we were missing with the interactive elements in the line, but passing it all by. In just a few minutes we were ushered onto the ride. I was a little concerned about the comfort of the seat and lap bar, as I had heard bad things. As you can see, we are not small people. However, neither of us were uncomfortable. While it may have been a little snug, we were cozy and basically comfortable.

Then we were off. I am accustomed to coasters where you will make an initial climb to the highest point. This some does not do that, it starts right out of the gate and boy is it fun. I like this type of coaster -- thrilling, but not scary. Anyone should be able to enjoy this ride. I do wish the actual time in the mine with the dwarfs was longer. It was just so fun and so much to look at. Then back out into the coaster part. The look inside the cottage with the dancing Snow and dwarfs was really a cute detail. Of course I had read enough reviews to know to look back at the cottage as you pass to see the witch at the door. I should had told my wife, she missed the witch. Then almost a quick as it began, we are right back in the starting gate wishing for another round. I left hoping we would get another chance this trip, but doubtful it would happen.

Our next FP+ was not due until 11:00 am for Enchanted Tales With Belle, so we had lots of time to explore. We had not actually made it to the New Fantasyland yet. So we started at the main entrance near the castle. This addition was amazing. If not for the crowds, you would feel as if you were transplanted to an imaginary place in your mind. We spotted Belle’s cottage where we would return in a little while, but for now we headed down the lane towards Gaston’s. We did a walk through of Gaston’s. We thought about getting a Brew, but pass on through. He was outside, and what a character he was. The line was too long to get an autograph, but he was fun to watch for a minute. Then we decided to spend a few minutes in the gift shop with all the Belle’s merchandise. I am surprised we did not get something for our little one, because there were lots of temptations, but we managed to leave wallet in my pocket.

Moving on, next we came to The Little Mermaid ride. Stand by was only 20 minutes, so in line we went. I do not really think we had to wait that long. The entrance and details in the line leave you wishing there was a line so you had time to look closer. We barely even slowed down until we were well inside the belly of the mountain. Most of the line inside was blocked off, and we were ushered straight to a shell. What a cute ride this is, but it reminds me of the show at the Studios -- very short and to the point. The basic story of both says, there is a mermaid who gets legs from a sea hag, then she gets married to the prince. Lots of details left out, but I guess that is just the nature of the game.

As we headed out we thought about a visit to her grotto, but the line was too long. We just kept heading down the lane. Now the circus was calling our name. It just looked so fun and inviting. It was close to 11 am, but we knew we did not have to be there right at that time. So we decided to try out Dumbo. The line was really moving. I do not think we stopped moving until we got to the playground. My kids will fall in love with this place. I doubt we will be able to ride Dumbo, because they will not want to leave. However, Candi and I were not there to climb and play, so when our buzzer went off we got in line. We asked to each have our own Dumbo so that we would not be squished in. That was the right move. What a fun ride and fun view of the park from that high up. I understand why this is such a classic. The addition of the water made it so beautiful.

With just about 15 minutes until our Belle FP+ window closed we decided to chance it and get on Barnstormer. There was almost no wait and we got right on. Here is where we made another mistake. We thought we would ride in the same car, but that was not going to happen. As a result, Candi had to wait back, and we were on separate rides, but boy was this another fun coaster.

When we got off we had to hoof it over to Enchanted Tales With Belle. As it was the FP+ line was empty. there were only a few others in that line with us, but we did not have to wait long before they let us inside and the tale began.

The cottage is amazing. I loved the detail in the inventions in the first room. Boy, they do pack you in there. but it was such fun to look around at all the gadgets. You really do not have time to explore, nor the room, but there is more than your eyes can take in. Then to hear the excitement and amazement of the kids in the room as the magic mirror becomes a door. That was such a neat effect. In the next room we meet the wardrobe and all get suited up for a part in the show. I got a part as a night, but I think I stole it from another man behind me. I thought he was talking to me so I stepped forward. Oh well, it was a lot of fun and so was the show.

I do have one regret. I assumed that the pictures the photographer took would be on my Magic Band like everything else. However, I later found out they were not, but rather on a card she was giving out. I missed it, and also missed out on the pictures. I wonder why they do not fix that?

By this time our tummies are letting us know it is time for lunch. There was some discussion about where to go, but I had a plan. I wanted to go to Cosmic Ray’s and I eventually won out. Now going there at noon may not have been the very best move, but that is when we were hungry. I ordered for us. Candi had the cheeseburger and I had a chicken sandwich. After a pass though the fixins bar, we started looking for a seat. I went there to be able to enjoy Ray, so we got in that line. There were cast members at the door looking for open tables and directing people where to sit. This helped out, and they found us a table for in the front. Ray was a hoot, I bet our kids would love him.

We had a great lunch. Again, it is the simple and least expensive meals that are striking a chord with us the most. Candi enjoyed every bit of her sandwich and my chicken was excellent. I could had eaten that again. We especially liked the toppings bar. We both love to have honey mustard or ranch with our fries, and both were there Plus the melted plastic cheese that is so yummy poured on anything was available for FREE. This meal has helped to settle things in our minds. Next year, we will do far fewer sit down and more counter service. For us the food is a bigger hit, and it does not hit as hard on the wallet. We left stuffed, as we both had water lunch was about $25.

We took our time at lunch, then headed toward Haunted Mansion. There was not a line, so right in we went. We did of course play with some of the interactive elements along the way. I am a big fan of HM, just a lot of fun.

When we came out it was raining, as it did EVERY afternoon of our trip so we ducked into Hall Of Presidents for a show, then over to Country Bears to avoid the rain. Bloth classic Disney.

Now it is just about time for the new Festival of Fantasy Parade, which I was very excited to see. I had intentionally planned to view it from Frontierland while underneath the awning outside Pecos Bills. But it was just a few minutes til showtime, and they had not started blocking off the road. I knew it was not a good sign. So I asked a cast member if it was canceled. He said they did sometimes cancel, not due to rain, but for lightening. Just about that time came the announcement -- NO parade. I was so disappointed. I had not planned to be back in the MK during parade time again, so we would either have to rearrange the schedule or miss it altogether.

It was still raining and we soon found that almost every ride that had any outside elements was not running. We discovered this when we tried to get on the Steam Boat. That is what the cast member told us it was down as were most outdoor rides, so most of the running rides were packed. This even meant that we would miss out Jungle Cruise FP+ a little later. Not a short shhower, it was a good 2-hour rain.

To salvage it, we decided to stop for a Citrus Swirl. We tried the beloved Dole Whip in 2010, and found that we were not big fans. However, we loved the orange and vanilla twisted treat. As we ate, we saw that The Tiki Room was about to start. We had not seen it before, and though we thought it was a cute show, we were just to tires. I think both of us nodded off a time or two during the show.

It was getting close to Ohana time, but as we were right beside Pirates, we decided to duck in and ride. I know we rode this in 2010, but I just did not remember it well. I did not remember the mermaids in the water at the start, I did not remember the drop, and I did not even remember the huge battle scene. Like riding for the first time.

Now it was time to get ready for the meal I was most excited about of the week. So far we had not had the greatest track record with sit down dining. California, 50’s Prime Time and also Le Chef De France had all been disappointments. Will O’hana change our opinions?

Stay Tuned: PART 3 - Ohana & More Magic Kingdom
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