Mickey vs Harry Potter! A March Break TR 02/14: better late than never!

[Alexsandra]

We were quickly seated and given menus. The waiter took our drink order and told us the chef would be out shortly to speak to us about our allergies. The boys each got a sword. They were a little too excited with their new toys and started to play-fight with the swords. Give two boys a sword and what do you think they will do with them!? I tried to talk them into calming down a bit but that was not working so I gave them each a phone so they could play a video game quietly. While all this was happening, a lady sitting next to us kept giving me dirty looks the whole time meaning "keep your kids under control lady". Ok, well, first of all, it is not like I was letting them run a muck, I was trying to calm them down and control the situation. Second of all, they were not being that bad. They were just playing and not that loudly might I add. Ya, boys do that, sorry lady! This is Disney World, there are bound to be kids who get excited. That is the kind of thing that really peeves me off.


The funny thing is that she looked just like the witch in Wizard of Oz but without the makeup which was quite fitting. Anyway, the boys were good after that but the witch lady kept looking at us badly the whole time through our meal. I have no idea what her problem was, but my husband and I turned it into something funny making a few secret "wicked witch jokes". I guess you can't have Castles and Princesses and not have an evil Witch join the party. We were lucky to have the whole experience!


Cool menu cover.


Our choices


The prince with his sword.


Videogame time!

The restaurant is really beautiful and the light coming through the stained glass windows is breathtaking.







The chef came out and we all chose what we wanted to eat. DS7 chose nut-free chicken nuggets with a salad as an appetizer while DS4 wanted the steak with fruit salad as an appetizer. My husband wanted the pork chop with shrimp and grits as an appetizer and I went with the chef's recommendation for a spinach salad as an appetizer and filet mignon with caramelized onions and a potato gratin as a main dish.


Fruit salad


Allergy free Salad


Bread


Spinach salad with goat cheese and strawberries


Shrimp and grits

As we waited for the main dish to be serve we had a visit from Snow White and Princess Aurora. My oldest was so taken with Aurora. I guess he really likes blonds because he started blushing the minute she spoke to him. After she left, he looked at us and said "wow, she is really pretty" and turned beet red. My husband and I cracked up. It was adorable.


Snow White and the two dwarves: Happy and Bashful!


DS7 is blushing!


Aurora and not one but two prince charming.

Then our main dishes arrived. They were amazing. I am so glad I went with the chef recommendation. It was one of the best meals I ever had at WDW. The meat was cooked to perfection and was melt-in-your-mouth good. The potato gratin was creamy and cheesy and oh-so-good. I am drooling right now thinking about it. My husband said his pork was very good too and the kids loved their meal so I guess we'll have to come back again next time.


DS7's chicken nuggets with mashed potatoes and corn


DS4's steak rice and green beans


My husbands Pork Chop


My filet minion with caramelized onions and potato gratin with creamed spinach...soooo good!

As we began eating, we had another visitor. Ariel came to see the boys again, although she looked different from this morning in her cave. I told the kids its because she changed and was wearing makeup this time. My oldest was like . Then Princess Jasmine showed up. She is my husband's favourite. I wonder why?




Ariel with the boys



We finished up our meals and were waiting for coffee and dessert. John took a lemon sorbet and I took the chef's dessert trio. Both kids had ice cream. The desserts were good but nothing special.






That is a good cup of JOE!


There is always room for Ice cream


The Lemon sorbet is pretty good!


The first was a pumpkin cheesecake, the middle one was a berry bread pudding and the one on the end was white chocolate mousse if I remember correctly.

We were supposed to get our picture with Cinderella at the end of the meal but they had a problem with the computers so we had to retake the shot before leaving the restaurant and we got a paper with a serial number and a phone number. They told us that we would receive the picture in the mail in a few weeks because their printers were offline and if we did not receive them to call the number on the paper. When we walked out, the rain had finally stopped so I gave the boys their swords back and let then play fight to their hearts content. No more "witch lady" breathing down our necks!









Next up, the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

 

[Alexsandra]

We walked to the "Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh". This is the kind of ride where the interactive features in the wait line are almost more entertaining than the ride itself. This cute little ride has special place in my heart as it used to be my youngest son's favourite rides when he was just a baby. We bought him to Disney when he was 8 months old and again when he was 16 months old. I remember his face lighting up as the vehicle spun and moved through the life sized storybook of Winnie the Pooh.




Pooh's house.




Even the adult can't help wanting to play along!


Little drummer boy!





It was already starting to get dark and my kids really wanted to ride in the spinning Teacups so that was our next stop. Now, my husband and I both have sensitive stomachs when it comes to rides but he more than I, so I volunteered for this one. I had to make my oldest son promise that he would not spin too fast or that I would surely be sick on him. It only worked at the beginning but by the end he was whirling around at full speed. OH HELP ME GOD!




I'm laughing at first but not for long


And the spinning begins!


Looks like everyone is having fun but me!

Ouf, thank goodness that's over with. We walk down TomorrowLand and catch the "Incredibles' Super Dance Party". The Dj was playing some fun dance music while the characters of "The Incredibles" danced and interacted with the kids.




Mrs Incredible getting her grove on!


Frozone's got it down!

That kept my kids attention for about 5 min until they dragged us to "Buzz Lightyear's Spin", again! This time I got some better shots of the attraction.









We rode twice because there was no one in line.




At least time I look like I am shooting at something. Most probably hit nothing though!

Then we decided to finally try out "Monsters Inc". In all the years we visited MK we never were curious enough about this attraction to try it out. I am so glad we did, the boys really found the show funny and the humour was perfect for their age group. It was a stand up show with the main characters from Monster Inc and there are even some pretty cool interactions with the audience.


The laugh-o-meter to capture our laughs.


The stage




Some of the Monster "stand up" comedians.

We we left got out of the ride it had begun to rain again so we decided to head back to the resort. I have to say that Main Street is really pretty in the rain with all the lights glistening on the wet pavement. Just before leaving the park, we decided to make a final stop at the Main Street Theatre to see Mickey. The end of the day is the best time to do so because there is absolutely no line up. WE walked straight in. What is really cool about this Mickey encounter is that here, Mickey actually talks. His eyes and mouth moves too and it is really well done. He asks the kids questions and has a little discussion with them. My kids were so unprepared to hear him speak that, at first, DS4 just kept staring at him like if he was an alien. It was so funny.




Little Boys love the rain!








We joined in for a picture too!

Well, that was the end of our MK day. We took the bus back to the resort and quickly went to bed as soon as we got into the room. We did the most meet and greets than we ever had in one day and surprisingly my kids loved very minute. Plus now I have some great pics to show for it! It was a rainy but fun day at MK and we were all looking forward to tomorrow.

Up Next, Day 2: Animal Kingdom.

 

[ariane37]

I'm jealous you ate in the castle When my boys were younger they had no problems eating with and meeting Princesses, so I did get to do some of that. We ate at Akershus twice and did lots of Princess M&G's. But we never made it to CRT, and now they're older and adamantly against dining with the Princesses Guess I'll have to wait for granddaughters! Cinderella did look grumpy though. I'm no Princess myself, but she didn't look that much like who she was supposed to be, either
Glad you did and enjoyed Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor! We did the same as you a couple years ago; after having no interest finally walked in and now the boys want to do it at least twice a trip, It's cute, funny, relaxing, and a good way to get out of rain or heat.

 

[Ann Marie McDonald]

Following - can't wait to see and read more. Your boys are precious!

 

[karatemomky]

following! Looks like you had a great day at MK. And your boys? gorgeous! I LOVE their hair!

 

[Alexsandra]

I'm jealous you ate in the castle When my boys were younger they had no problems eating with and meeting Princesses, so I did get to do some of that. We ate at Akershus twice and did lots of Princess M&G's. But we never made it to CRT, and now they're older and adamantly against dining with the Princesses Guess I'll have to wait for granddaughters! Cinderella did look grumpy though. I'm no Princess myself, but she didn't look that much like who she was supposed to be, either
Glad you did and enjoyed Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor! We did the same as you a couple years ago; after having no interest finally walked in and now the boys want to do it at least twice a trip, It's cute, funny, relaxing, and a good way to get out of rain or heat.

Oh no! I am not looking forward to my boys becoming older. It already is getting hard to get hugs and kisses from the older one. I will try to enjoy it as long as I can.
I know she did not look like Cinderella if you ask me but anyway, it did not ruin my fun because my boys did not care too much. I guess if I had a Cinderella loving princess with me she would have been disappointed. Too bad!

Following - can't wait to see and read more. Your boys are precious!

Thank you and welcome.

following! Looks like you had a great day at MK. And your boys? gorgeous! I LOVE their hair!

We had a great first day despite the rain. Thank you for the compliment about my boys. I sure find them cute, but I'm bias.

 

[Alexsandra]

Sorry for not posting in a while but I have been so busy at work, been working a lot of overtime. I am completely burnt. Anyway, don,t want to leave you all hanging too long so here I am.

Day 2: Animal Kingdom.

We decided to take our time this morning and let the kids sleep in a little longer. We had a 10:30 ADR at Animal Kingdom's Tusker House. AK must be one of our favourite parks. I love how you feel like you are in a completely different continent as soon as you step into the park! The wild vegetation and the exotic animals found at every corner are just breathtaking and the food selections found around the park are really good. The skies looked grey again so I was happy that I had grabbed the boys' jackets. I usually like visiting AK on a sunny day but at least it was not raining, yet! As we entered the park we spotted a beautiful parrot and I just had to stop the family to take a picture of this colourful exotic bird.


Beautiful, isn't he?

Oh, I just spotted another bird


I love the gorgeous Tree of Life located in the centre of the park. It make for some wonderful photo ops.






The carving in the Tree's trunk are so beautiful, it is hard not to be awed!


How many animals do you see? I spot 13.


The sculptors who created this masterpiece are amazing!


This is my "lemur face"

OK no more time to waste we got to get Tusker House for our ADR or we will be late! We checked in with the hostess and waited a few minutes when they told us that Donald was not available for pictures because of the possibility of rain, but that he would be inside doing the rounds during our meal. A duck who does not like water? Figures! Only Donald!
They still took a pic of us in the same corner as usual. As we did so it had started to drizzle so I guess they were right about the weather. I always ask the Photographer to take a pic with my camera. Thank goodness they always agree because there was no way I was going to pay money to get a shot without Donald, but it still was a great pic of the family. Don't you think?



First thing we ordered with our server was our favourite "jungle juice". Mmmm, that stuff is so addictive. We waited for the chef to come out to speak to him about our allergies. When he came he went through the buffet options that were safe for my son and myself and he even made allergy safe Mickey waffles for him.


Jungle juice, yum!


Allergy safe Mickey waffles, bacon, ham and fresh fruit, my favourite kind of breakfast!


Oh looks it's Daisy!


And Goofy!


And Mickey, we love the safari outfit!

It was time to dance with the characters so they give the kids some instrument and they danced around the restaurant with Mickey and the gang.





Oh look who just showed up, Donald! The duck who does not like to get wet!

The breakfast offerings at Tusker House are so yummy! We really enjoyed it! We will definitely be going back.

 

[Alexsandra]

We got out of Tusker House just on time to use our FP for Kilimanjaro Safaris. It had stopped raining but I was a little worried that we would not see as many animals as usual because I figured they would be hiding from the rain. Well that was not the case. We saw tons of cool animals and the boys were happy campers. They love seeing the animals and so do I. Disney does such a good job of making you feel like you stepped into the African savanna. The animals look like they are in liberty but there are really hidden perimeters and gates that are invisible to the spectator.


Going on a safari adventure with daddy!


A sleeping rino!


Hippos just chilling!


Some crocs hanging out!


Man, they give me the creeps!


The "African Savanna", well not really, but it is a pretty good replica if you ask me!


Breakfast, nice soft grass, yum!


Antelope?


Look who's hiding in the bush!


And then there were two!


I can hear the soundtrack for "The Lion King" right about now!


Those are some horns!


This is fun!


Beautiful animal. I love elephants.


Breakfast, Miam miam!


what a trunk!


A baobab tree (means an upside down tree), cool!


The flamingos look like they are enjoying breakfast as well.


Hey the rino is awake. Over here!


Nope, not interested!


Look, there is another! They are massive!


He is really close to the trucks. I fought they were aggressive! I guess not these rinos!?


Look what I just spotted! Can you see him? Forget the hidden Mickey's look for the hidden leopard!


A closer look incase you want to count the spots!


First time I ever spot the lions. They look so cosy. I envy then right now.


Everyone is sleepy today!

That was fun!

 

[Alexsandra]

After the Safari I checked the park schedule because in all the years I have visited AK, I had never seen the Flight of Wonder show and I really did not want to miss it. The next showing was in 20 min. so we decided to slowly make our way there but not before taking more great picture of the Tree of Life. I never get tired of looking for more hidden animals.


My favourite shot of the tree.


How many do you spot this time? I see 14 different creatures but I am sure I missed some.


Neat!

We got to Flights of Wonder about 15 min before the show started and got to see a kind of pre-show spectacle with one of the ornithologist (or bird specialist). It was really cool because he presented us to a real toucan bird. We found out that toucans large colourful beaks are actually very thin. Weighing less than it appears, it actually has tons of air pockets in it which makes it extremely light. Recent studies have found that they regulate body temperatures by adjusting blood flow to their beaks. And when they sleep they tuck their beaks into their feathers to keep warm. Pretty cool! They also use their beaks to pluck and peal fruit, their main source of food. Interesting bird, and pretty to look at too.





Beautiful beak!



The pre-show was really interesting and a great distraction while waiting to be let into the theatre. We finally were allowed to enter and were seated in a small open air theatre.

The show started with a playful little parroquet with a big personality. There was a fun interaction between the bird specialist and the parroquet. The bird specialist explained how this show focuses on the birds' natural behaviours. The kids loved when the parroquet started to sing "how much is that doggy in the window".









Then we got to see some pretty majestic birds and we got to learn some interesting facts about them. Like for example, owls are not the smarted birds around. That title goes to ravens and falcons, but they are skillful hunters.









We even got to see learn about bald eagle all the way to the common rooster




My favourite part was when they brought out this gorgeous owl and we even got to go see it up close after the show. It is really impressive to see those beautiful feathers and its gorgeous big round eyes.




This show was really amazing and I recommend it highly if you've never seen it. We all enjoyed it greatly. It was not only entertaining, it was really educational. My children were really impressed.

Next up, the parade!

 

[Alexsandra]

When we walked out of the theatre my youngest had started to complain that he was tired so I told him to sit in his stroller for a bit while we walked toward the "Finding Neemo" Theatre. The plan was that my DS4 and I would go to see the "Finding Neemo Musical" while my husband and my DS7 would ride "Expedition Everest" so I had gotten two sets of FP. As soon as got to Expedition Everest and my DS7 saw the screaming people being projected out and down out of the mountain, he frozen and looked at me in terror. Ironically he was the one who had begged me to take those FP for him and his Dad and was going on all day about how he could not wait to ride "the Big Mountain". Oh well, I don't blame him, I would have been scared to death to try it. I am a real chicken.





So instead we all walked over to "Finding Neemo" and, low and behold, my youngest had fallen asleep in the stroller. So I took my DS4 magic band and switch it with his brother's so that my DS7 could see Finding Neemo with me while my husband walked around the park with my youngest. MY husband is not a big fan of musicals so he was happy with this arrangement. IT is really too bad, because it was an amazing show and the sets and costumes are absolutely gorgeous. We were not allowed to take pics inside the theatre, sorry!

When I got out I started looking for my husband. I could not see him so I called him to see where he had ended up. He was in the "Africa" section on the other side of the park so I started walking towards that area but the parade was about to start so we got trapped and had to watch the parade each in our own sections. I heard that they now discontinued this parade in AK which is too bad because I have always enjoyed the bright colour and fun safari inspired floats. Here are some pics from two different perspectives. My son had woken up right after the parade finished, typical!




Minnie's car is so cute


She spotted us!


Minnie likes to travel with all her stuff, including her bathtub!





Goofy being Goofy!


Kind of scary, if you ask me!





Some of the dancers!


Hey its Donald!


And he has his boat with him. I taught ducks could swim?




The stilt walkers are so good! I don't know how they manage to dance in those things?


MY favourite guys, Chip and Dale


This one is really cool!

When then headed over to Dinoland. The kids wanted to go into "The Boneyard" a huge play area for the kiddies with tons of slides, and cool hiding spots with the scattered dinosaur bones found all over the place. They were in there quite a long time but try to get kids to go when they are having a blast, almost impossible.





Then we headed up to the dig area at the top of the park. The kids had a lot of fun, digging out some dinosaur bones. There are shovels and pails scattered around for the kids so they went right to work.



We were getting close to our FP time for the "Dinosaur" ride. This ride is really quite scary for little kids and I worried that my youngest was going to be frightened. That was not the case as you can see on the following pics, it was the oldest and myself that were cowering in fear while my youngest sat all calm looking at the roaring T-rex with his Dad! hahaha




This is what my DS7 and I looked like during the ride!

When we got out, the kids wanted to ride "The Triceratops Spin". My husband went on with them while I went to do a bathroom run. Sorry folks this is the only picture I have of them. I had taken the camera with me.



We were starting to get hungry since we had skipped lunch because of our brunch at Tusker house. We decided to eat at Flame Tree BBQ. Man that chicken and rib plate is to die for. The smokiness and flavour on those pieces of meat were so mmm good!






The view is not too shabby either

We finished the evening with a "Bug's Life" because the kids love that interactive show. They always get a kick out of the creepy crawlies scaring half the audience to death at the end of the show!

We went to our resort early, watched some TV and just relaxed until it was time for bed.

Next up, Day 3 at MK, again!

 

[Alexsandra]

DAY 3: Magic Kingdom

I had scheduled another day at MK because we usually like to divide the park in two for touring purposes. So day 1 at MK was spent in Tomorrowland and in Fantasyland. Today I had planned to visit, Adventureland, Frontierland and Liberty Square. We woke up and ate breakfast at the resort before heading out to catch the bus. We arrived around 9 AM and got a few more pics with the Castle. It was really nice and sunny today so I was happy to be back in MK.



We headed to "Pirates of the Caribbean" first because I wanted to see if my sons could get a makeover in the "Pirate League". I had called several times before our trip but they kept saying there was no room left. I had read on some of these DIS boards to try and walk up first thing in the morning to see if they had room so that is exactly what we did. When I spoke to "pirate" at the check in counter, she said that there was some room available if I was willing to get the makeovers done immediately. I asked the boys if they wanted to do it and they both gladly accepted. SO they chose their pirate "faces". DS7 chose the "cursed pirate" and Jonah wanted to be "Jake" from "Jake and The NeverLand Pirates". I paid and the kids were quickly ushered in. I paid $35 for DS7 and $30 for DS4.





The children spun a Ship's wheel and got their "official pirate name". It was so cute!





We where then immediately lead into a "pirate room" filled with tons of pirate treasures scattered all over the room. It was pretty cool and the kids got all excited, The boys were divided and were seated in a hairdresser's chair each facing a gold framed mirror. They met their designated pirate makeup artist and the makeover began. It was really fun because the makeup artist are in character so they keep speaking "pirate talk" with the boys who thought this to be highly amusing!


Pirate makeover room






"Ahoy, nice t' meet you matey!"


The base coat for "The Cursed Pirate"


They each got a pirate Tattoo.




Cool setting!


Step two, the black mouth.


The classic "Jake" eyebrows!


Wow, mom, look at my eyebrows!


Next the eyes.


Jonah got a black wig to make him look more like Jake.


Don't forget the sideburns!


The makeover is complete!



I laughed so hard. He was so funny looking with that wig and those massive sideburns. I don't know if he looks like Jake or if he looks more like the old Elvis! I thought $30 was a little steep for just a wig and drawn on eyebrows but I guess you pay for the experience. My DS4 though he looked great though and was really happy with the transformation so that is all that counts.


DS7 the racoon!


Now that looks like a squeleton face!


And the makeover is complete!

At the end of the makeover. the kids have to both take a "pirate" oath to solemnly swear that they will be up to no good! That should not be too hard to follow!
After they took their oath they were given each a pirate sword and a sheath as well as a pirate coin necklace. Then they entered a secret Pirate room where a photographer waits to take their picture in a really cool pirate setting. You have to pay extra for the picture. I think it is another $30 bucks if I am not mistaken. I decided to not take this option as I had already forked out a good $65 for the both of them. We just went into the "Pirate of the Caribbean" ride where I shot the boys in a pretty cool pirate setting all for free! The only thing I regret is not having bought them some pirate T-shirts before hand so that they could have looked the part even more. They do sell costumes on place but they are really expensive. Oh well, next time.


Taking his pirate oath.


Aren't they cute! DS& refused to smile so that he could look even scarier. He told me that "cursed pirates" don't smile.


The kids having fun with their pirate swords. They both got a lot of attention with their painted face and really enjoyed it.

Next' the Swiss Family Tree House!

 

[karatemomky]

And the makeover is complete!

At the end of the makeover. the kids have to both take a "pirate" oath to solemnly swear that they will be up to no good! That should not be too hard to follow!
After they took their oath they were given each a pirate sword and a sheath as well as a pirate coin necklace. Then they entered a secret Pirate room where a photographer waits to take their picture in a really cool pirate setting. You have to pay extra for the picture. I think it is another $30 bucks if I am not mistaken. I decided to not take this option as I had already forked out a good $65 for the both of them. We just went into the "Pirate of the Caribbean" ride where I shot the boys in a pretty cool pirate setting all for free! The only thing I regret is not having bought them some pirate T-shirts before hand so that they could have looked the part even more. They do sell costumes on place but they are really expensive. Oh well, next time.

love it! My five year old has waffled between the pirates league and the knights package at BBB and finally chose the knights package because he doesn't like face paint. But I think your boys turned out adorable!


Aren't they cute! DS& refused to smile so that he could look even scarier. He told me that "cursed pirates" don't smile.

well, he's probably right

 

[Alexsandra]

And the makeover is complete!

At the end of the makeover. the kids have to both take a "pirate" oath to solemnly swear that they will be up to no good! That should not be too hard to follow!
After they took their oath they were given each a pirate sword and a sheath as well as a pirate coin necklace. Then they entered a secret Pirate room where a photographer waits to take their picture in a really cool pirate setting. You have to pay extra for the picture. I think it is another $30 bucks if I am not mistaken. I decided to not take this option as I had already forked out a good $65 for the both of them. We just went into the "Pirate of the Caribbean" ride where I shot the boys in a pretty cool pirate setting all for free! The only thing I regret is not having bought them some pirate T-shirts before hand so that they could have looked the part even more. They do sell costumes on place but they are really expensive. Oh well, next time.

love it! My five year old has waffled between the pirates league and the knights package at BBB and finally chose the knights package because he doesn't like face paint. But I think your boys turned out adorable!

Aren't they cute! DS& refused to smile so that he could look even scarier. He told me that "cursed pirates" don't smile.

well, he's probably right

I didn't even know they had a knights package at BBB. I always thought it was for girls only. Oh, he must have been a very handsome knight!

 

[Alexsandra]

After the Pirates of the Caribbean we went to see the Swiss family Tree House. It is not my favourite attraction at WDW but the boys were curious what was up there. We had already brought them a few years ago but they could not remember. It was turning out to be a really hot day and DS7 wanted to remove his head bandana. with his bright orange hair and the makeup he looked even scarier. One little boy in line with us looked at DS7 like he was a ghost.
It must be interesting to live in a tree house and the view is pretty good. I would live in a Tree House especially if its located in the middle of MK.
















Great view from up there


Yay, I having so much fun!

When we got down the boys wanted to go on the Magic Carpet Ride. A ride like Dumbo but with magic carpets instead of elephants. They love to try and avoid the Camel's water spray.


We going to ride a flying carpet, what?


The view in front of us!

Time for Lunch! I had made an ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. I love that restaurant for lunch. I love the cosy atmosphere and the food is so good. I love their colony salad with grilled chicken. I can't get enough of that dressing and the dried cranberries they add to it. I order it every time I go there. The boys ordered Mac and Cheese if I remember correctly and my husband ordered a fish sandwich of some sort. He loved it. Dessert was sugar free sorbet and I ordered the infamous ooey gooey toffee cake which is to DIE for. The sorbet was really good but the cake was out of this world good. The Toffee pieces just bring it to that next level. Mmmm...


Apple juice, pirates drink it like this Mom, remember I took an oath!


Chocolate milk!


Colony Salad.


Sorbet


Oeey Gooey Toffee Cake, oh yes!

Up next, my FP for Jungle Cruise!

 

[pookersmom]

Following along with your trip report. Love all your photos. Your boys are so cute!

 

[Alexsandra]

Following along with your trip report. Love all your photos. Your boys are so cute!

Thank you so much and welcome to my TR!

 

[Alexsandra]

After Lunch we saw that wait time for Haunted Mansion was only 20 min so we ran in. The kids absolutely love this ride. It is just scary enough for them to find it cool but not too scary that they cower away from it. I love reading all the tombstones on the way in which have some funny titles and play on words.










Spooky chandelier


Look who payed us a visit at the end of the ride! The three Ghosts.

It was now time for the Jungles Cruise. The kids like that ride quite a lot so I had chosen it as a FP option as the wait times can be quite long during the day. I was right there was a 50 min. wait when we got to the front. There was no way I would have waited for 50 min to see Jungle Cruise. I like it but I don't think it is that worthy. I like the campy jokes and the funny scenery but it is not all that exciting!


Look what I spotted waiting in line. Have I ever told you how much I hate spiders!


Hmm, I'm going to skip on lunch today!


Here comes our boat


Take a sec to read the Boat Names, they are always fun!


DS7 is so excited! (Sarcasm!)


First signs of Aboriginals.


Watch out for the lions!


See, I told you Rinos are really territorials, remember!



Cute elephants playing in the water!


This one likes to sprays us!

When we got out, it was really hot. We escaped the heat at the Enchanted Tiki Room. We had never actually seen the show before and it was a nice way to get out of the sun and the kids really enjoyed the songs and the funny bird interaction. Sorry did not get any pictures inside the theatre.





After the show we headed to Main Street with the intension of grabbing an ice cream at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlour. The boys sat out on those cute yellow tables while I waited in line for our ice cream. My husband shot a few pics of the boys while he was waiting.






The view from our table, not too shabby!


DS7 being "pirate-y"


close up of the makeup. Surprise it was not running because of the heat!

When I got to the cash I warned the cashier that my son had a nut allergy and she told me that the kitchen was going to get a ice cream ball from a new container and that they would used cleaned tools to make sure there was no cross contamination. He wanted a simple vanilla ice cream ball so it was not a hard order. I grabbed a bowl of rice dream with peanut butter sauce since ice cream sometimes upsets my stomach. My husband took a sunday of some sort. Then I headed in line and waited, and waited and waited some more. It took forever! When they finally showed up with my order, the server was super confused and got my order all wrong. They finally fixed my order and I they went back to the kitchen to change my son's ice cream to make sure it was nut free, just in case! Anyway after a good 25 something minutes, I finally got out with our ice creams. Next time we'll just get Dole Whips!




Finally, ice cream!

Next, Dumbo, again!

 

[RDawn]

Love seeing the Pirate League pics. We were not able to schedule that when my son was 6. But, we caught the Capt. Jack Sparrow Tutorial show & he got to go on stage & swear a pirate oath & received a pirate certificate that is in our photo book with lots of pics of him with Jack Sparrow. The next day at DHS he got his face painted as a ghost pirate, so I don't think he remembers that we missed out on going to the Pirate League. I also love that your boys enjoyed the princess encounters. We ate at 1900 Park Fare to see Cinderella for my daughter. My son received so much attention from the step sisters that he was completely involved with the characters also. Your husband was a good sport too. Thank you for sharing your vacation!

 

[Alexsandra]

Love seeing the Pirate League pics. We were not able to schedule that when my son was 6. But, we caught the Capt. Jack Sparrow Tutorial show & he got to go on stage & swear a pirate oath & received a pirate certificate that is in our photo book with lots of pics of him with Jack Sparrow. The next day at DHS he got his face painted as a ghost pirate, so I don't think he remembers that we missed out on going to the Pirate League. I also love that your boys enjoyed the princess encounters. We ate at 1900 Park Fare to see Cinderella for my daughter. My son received so much attention from the step sisters that he was completely involved with the characters also. Your husband was a good sport too. Thank you for sharing your vacation!

Too bad your son did not get to experience the Pirates League but at least you found a way to compensate. It sounds like he had a blast anyway! I don't know how old your son is now, but if ever you go back and can't get a reservation before hand, go to the Pirate League in the morning when MK opens and ask if they can squeeze him in. Many times they have a couple spots free at that time. You daughter can participate too. A few years ago, I went to get a pirate makeover too with my oldest son for MNSSHP. It was a really fun experience.

I have never gone to 1900 Park Fare, is the food good there?

Thank you for following my TR and sharing your experience with me. Have a great day.

 

[Alexsandra]

After the ice cream, we decided to head towards to the Circus Book area of the park. We had a FP for Barnstormer in about 30 min. When we got there, the boys wanted to ride Dumbo again and since there was only a 20 min wait, we decided to go ahead and do that first. We went straight in and there was no line so we did not get to go into that fun playroom but the boys did not mind. The new ride is so much prettier than the old Dumbo. I think Disney Imagineers did an amazing job with the upgrades. This ride went from cute to adorably cute!










The sun was setting and it gave a nice warm glow to the surrounding area.

After Dumbo we went to our next destination the Barnstromer. They scanned our bracelets and we bypassed the line. Did I ever mention how much I love the FP+ system.
Sorry folks, forgot to take pics of us. Too busy screaming with my hand up in the air.
After Barnstomer, we headed into the Big Top Tent to look around some more. I just love that Tent. I seriously could spend a whole afternoon shopping in there. We tried on some more hats and were just goofing around for a while.


Pink Minnie ears to go with my pink sweatshirt.


That is a funny looking Goofy if you ask me!


Awe, isn't he the cutest R2-D2!


Looks like Willy Wonka, more than the Mad hatter!


Jack Skellington, my son's favourite character!

Then we headed outside and let the boys run around and play a little. We were enjoying the sunset and just taking it easy.







We headed towards the Castle and decided to see "It's a Small World". I have a love/hate relationship with this ride. I find the ride quite gentle and very cute with all the dancing dolls representing different cultures in the World but there is also something creepy about it. I think it is the song, it just makes the whole ride kind of odd. Like some kind of weird dream. It just goes on and on and then it sticks in your head and it keeps playing even after you leave the park. Or maybe its just that dolls creep me out, I don't know. Anyway, I end up on this ride every time I go to MK so just ignore me.







After It's a small World we decide to eat supper at "Colombia Harbour House". My husband and I each took the "Lighthouse" sandwich which is our favourite sandwich in WDW. It is a vegetarian sandwich with hummus, tomatoes and broccoli slaw on multigrain bread. We were on the dining plan so it came with a drink and a dessert. I took the apple cobbler and my husband got the yogurt. I can't remember what the kids got but I believe it was the chicken nuggets! Again there was no problems for the allergies. They had a special binder where I could read all the ingredients and order accordingly.


After supper, then ended up in Tomorrowland again. We were just wandering at first and decided to ride Buzz Lightyear. After that we decided to try out "The Carrousel of Progress" which was a first for us. Well, I had actually seen it when I was a little girl and I remember it quite well but had forgotten all about it. As soon as it began it all came back to me and I had all these childhood memories flooding in. It was a really interesting experience. My kids really liked the attraction and I think its and oldie but still a goodie! Plus I love that it one of Walt's first creations.


Picture from https://en.wikipedia.org

Then we went back to Monsters Inc. again. I told you the kids really enjoyed their first experience so they begged us to go back. The second experience was different from the first which was fun because the interaction with the audience is different each time. I am going to spare you from more pics as they all look like those we took on Day 1. We had decided to skip the first showing of the electrical parade and see the second showing instead to not have to fight the crowds so that is why we were killing time until "Wishes" started.

It was now approaching the time when people lined up to see the Wishes fireworks and I had selected a FP for this event which means that we get to watch the fireworks from a special viewing area. We had to ask a few CM'S to find the spot and we ended up having to fight a large crowd of people on Main Street to get to it. It was a real challenge. People get kind of aggressive and territorial when squished like sardines! I don't blame them though, most are afraid to loose their spot, but we were just trying to pass to get to our FP viewing spot. Anywhoo, we ended up on the grass on the the right side of Main Street right under where Tinkerbell flies from the Castle to the Tomorrowland Terrace. It was a great spot and totally worth using a FP selection for. The grass was a little humid so I laid out a small blanket on the grass and we sat there while we waited for the show to start. It had cooled down a lot and I was happy that I brought the boys sweatshirts and windbreakers. We definitely needed them. Then the show began. The Castle light up and we watched the projection show on the Castle. IT was really beautiful and the boys were totally into it!




They loved the Wreck it Ralph portion!


My favourite is the Tangled patin. I love those lanterns floating up over the Castle. It is so pretty!





Then Fireworks began.












My husband snuck in a shot of us watching the fireworks




I love this shot of the fireworks!








The end!

Up next' Main Street Electrical Parade.