TR: Thingamabobs, Zebra & Giraffes, Oh My! Completed 3/25/15 - Page 14 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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It looks like you guys had a blast on July 4th! You are much braver than I am with those holiday crowds! And as always, Em is absolutely adorable in her pictures.
Once again, you show us how to have a great time even on the busiest of Holiday times. What a nice way to celebrate the 4th!
Thanks! We feel like we have become veterans at the holiday visits in Disney We really honestly go into it with a go with the flow attitude!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheAyers
It looks like you guys had a blast on July 4th! You are much braver than I am with those holiday crowds! And as always, Em is absolutely adorable in her pictures.
Thanks! I guess Em is a keeper .........thank you!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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Sounds like an awesome night! How nice that the group at the Tune-in Lounge offered to help you out!
The Fourth of July Fireworks looked great! Did everyone stay seated on the blankets? I almost can't believe it, but it certainly would make it easier for everyone to see!!
I can't remember if I told you that I LOVE the silver sparkly Mickey ears! Every time we go, I try on a pair of ears, but never buy them because I'm afraid that after 5 minutes I'll have a headache! And that would be a waste of $$.
I had no idea people would sit on the ground for the fireworks either. So glad I read this, I would have never thought to bring towels or blankets with us this summer! So, everyone really stays seated the whole time?? And they let you sit and stake out a spot right on the street early before the show? The CMs don't make you move? Sorry, I know, so many questions! Just trying to pick the brain of a 4th of July veteran
I guess DHS is the place to be on the 4th of July! Loved the fireworks!
Thanks! We have been to all 3 that offer fireworks on the 4th, and this is the best for us
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
Sounds like an awesome night! How nice that the group at the Tune-in Lounge offered to help you out!
The Fourth of July Fireworks looked great! Did everyone stay seated on the blankets? I almost can't believe it, but it certainly would make it easier for everyone to see!!
I can't remember if I told you that I LOVE the silver sparkly Mickey ears! Every time we go, I try on a pair of ears, but never buy them because I'm afraid that after 5 minutes I'll have a headache! And that would be a waste of $$.
Thanks! It was great to find nice people! Unfortunately, once the fireworks started, everyone stood - but everyone pretty much remained in their space.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Wonderful finish to your 4th of July! The fireworks at DHS look awesome.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Looks like the Fourth at DHS is the place to be!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Sounds like you had a great night celebrating the 4th at DHS!! Great pictures of the fireworks and Fantasmic!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JKnott17
What a great, great night!!
I had no idea people would sit on the ground for the fireworks either. So glad I read this, I would have never thought to bring towels or blankets with us this summer! So, everyone really stays seated the whole time?? And they let you sit and stake out a spot right on the street early before the show? The CMs don't make you move? Sorry, I know, so many questions! Just trying to pick the brain of a 4th of July veteran
Thanks! Out of the 3 parks that offer fireworks on the 4th, we prefer this one. Unfortunately once the fireworks started, everyone stood, but pretty much remained in their spots. They do "tape off" areas for walkways and such as they do in MK, but as long as you were in a designated area, the CM's were fine with blankets and such. It certainly made sitting there for that length of time easier
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Today we were up early, as we had an early breakfast ADR. I was feeling kind of bummed though as tonight was supposed to be our “adult night” with Paul and Lisa, but due to his medical issues they headed home. BUT we were able to make adjustments to this day, and Emily was going to be able to meet up with her friend (“graygables” daughter) later this morning!!! So we were excited to see Bree & Gray!
We quickly got showered and dressed and called for a taxi to bring us over to the Grand Floridian. We………well “I” felt that it was worth the $20 cab fare to get us there in a reasonable manner, rather than dealing with buses and switching and monorails and such!
We checked into 1900 Park Fare for our breakfast right on time, and were quickly getting our Photopass photo in front of the mural – then almost immediately we were led in to our table – this time in the main dining area!
Before we could even visit the buffet, Pooh was visiting us!
Then we had a bit of time before any other characters were due in our area, so we filled up our plates! Some, more than others! Emily LOVES this breakfast!!!
Then we were visited by Tigger, Mary Poppins, Alice and then the Mad Hatter!
Alice thought she was quite funny “photobombing’ my photo with the Mad Hatter!
Apparently Scott had noted we were celebrating Emily’s birthday as they brought out a cupcake for her! What kid doesn’t love being allowed to eat a cupcake for breakfast?
After breakfast we walked upstairs to catch the next monorail over to Magic Kingdom! We were excited to get this day started!
We entered MK and stopped on Main Street for some Photopass Photos……….yes, I am getting my money’s worth!!
And of course, my castle........
And another Photopass photographer!
We headed up towards Fantasyland, and Scott did his usual “attempting” to lift the sword! And still, no luck!
Entering the New Fantasyland....
Then we had a Fastpass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Bree was not able to get this for the same time as us, but she was okay with that and would meet us at the exit!
Shortly after departing the SDMT we found Bree, hugs were exchanged all around! She was able to snag the same fastpass that we had booked next – Meeting Ariel!
The girls were chatting up a storm while we waited our turn to visit Ariel – they were making their plans for the day – as we were “letting go” a bit – and allowing them to visit the park by themselves . Scott & I were remaining in the park, but allowing them some “girl time” to do their own thing. But we wanted to spend a little time with Bree as well before we let them loose.
Meeting Ariel:
We had originally had our 3rd fastpass for Enchanted Tales with Belle, but seeing as how we saw it the other night, we were able to change it to Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid for all 4 of us to ride together. Well, the girls in one clam shell, and Scott & I in another.
When we exited the ride, we were getting thirsty and I wanted to visit the new kiosk across from Ariel’s Grotto, as they were supposed to have “healthier” options. I found a sparkling Cranberry water, and the girls got a plain regular water. Emily really wanted a LeFou’s Brew, so we headed over there.
Once she got her beverage, we noticed that Gaston was due to come out very soon, so we hopped in line. While in line, we noticed this cute little doorway off to the side!
Gaston came out – and boy was he is REAR FORM!!! He as HYSTERICAL!!! He was “flirting” with Emily so bad, I had to remind him that she was not quite yet 15 – and he quickly settled down – it was all in good fun! And then he was a riot, taking selfies with Emily with her phone!!!
One of the MANY selfies that was on Em's phone!
It was now time to let the girls go off on their own – they had strict instructions to check in with me every hour or so, and we had a meeting time and place set! They were getting about 3 hours on their own – enough to start with in my opinion!
So Scott and I were alone……….so what did we do? We headed over to Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel……………and guess who hopped on right NEXT to Scott??? Drizella!!! With Anastacia and Lady Tremaine following behind!
We had a blast riding with them – and of course sent Emily photos rubbing it in the fun she was missing out on! Although I am sure they were having their own fun!
Scott and I then decided we wanted some ice cream – so we headed over to Storybook Treats and shared a swirl cup of ice cream and sat in the shade people watching.
And it was actually pretty funny as we were sitting there, I was checking facebook on my phone and saw that someone had posted a few photos of the “Frozen” parade that was happening over at DHS, and then was a photo of Kristoff that I sent to Emily and she called me IMMEDIATELY wanting to know where he was – she didn’t bother to look at the background of the photo and thought he was in the MK!!! Got her attention!
After finishing our ice cream treat, we headed over for a ride with the Pirates! Sorry, no photos this time – just sat back and enjoyed the ride with Scott!
Then we decided we were ready for some actual lunch ~ so we headed across the way to Tortuga Tavern. We had a burrito and an order of nachos with 2 waters to share. It was yummy. I wish that this CS would stay open all the time, but it is rarely open when we are there, so we take advantage when it is open!
After lunch, we hopped onto the Magic Carpets for a ride!
Then onto the Jungle Cruise! I always enjoy the corny jokes on this ride ~ and today was no exception!
It was now time for us to meet back up with the girls, as we all wanted to watch the parade together. Emily had sent me a text that they were in the Confectionary grabbing a few snacks, and she even asked if I would like a cold diet coke! We met up with them right in front of the train station (we knew that we wanted to get right out after the parade, and the weather was looking iffy). I was surprised that the area was not too crazy crowded.
I LOVE this new parade!!! The floats are amazing – and no photos do it any justice!
I will let the photos fill you in on the parade……..
After the parade, we were able to get right out – and it was starting to rain. We were hoping for a different scenario at AKL but nope it was pouring there too!
Up Next: A relaxing afternoon and evening!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Wonderful photos all around the park! That's incredible that you got to ride the carousel with the Tremaines. Gaston is, I think, the most entertaining of all the face characters to meet. SO funny! When I posed with him, he said, "Smile like you're making me a sandwich." !! LOL! Emily's expressions while she's listening to him are priceless.
I love that parade, too - especially the dragon!
You placed yourself well for the escape from the park!
I LOVE the pictures of Gaston with Emily - she looks like she was holding her own with him.
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Oh wow, what a fun experience on the carousel with the Ugly Sisters and Lady Tremaine! You certainly did get your money's worth with the Photopass this trip and I love all the photos you got of the parade - I cannot wait to see it on Saturday!
My goal on our trip was to also get my money's worth with the MM. I'd stop at every PP photographer I saw. By the end, my kids were kind of tired but I made them stop and pose anyways.
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We really honestly go into it with a go with the flow attitude! 
.........thank you!
. Scott & I were remaining in the park, but allowing them some “girl time” to do their own thing. But we wanted to spend a little time with Bree as well before we let them loose.
He was “flirting” 
with Emily so bad, I had to remind him that she was not quite yet 15 – 
Although I am sure they were having their own fun! 
We were hoping for a different scenario at AKL but nope it was pouring there too! 
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