Day 3 of our WDW/Cruise Adventure! MAGIC KINGDOM! (Section two)

Day 3 of our WDW/Cruise Adventure! MAGIC KINGDOM! (Section two)

Sorry for such a long delay in my story, but with the holiday season in full swing, and working in retail, I am so tired when I get home, I can hardly think, let alone think, and type.  I have also still not been feeling well with the allergic reaction I had to the sea-sickness patch from the cruise.  I have my good days, and bad.  Things are starting to get better though, so thank you for your patience!

The second half of this day consisted of returning to our resort to rest a bit, and change into our pirate costumes we would be wearing for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Back to Magic Kingdom we return with party tickets in hand, and through the turnstiles we go.  The first thing we said to each other is, "WOW!  Look at how many people are here." It was only 4:30, so we figured that many guests were still there and would be clearing our at the time of park closing at 7pm.  Well.....were we ever wrong, and we will get to that shortly.
The first thing we did was head to the meet and greet for Mickey Mouse.  We got our picture taken with him as we were dressed in costume, because how many times does one get their picture taken with Mickey when you are dressed like a pirate?  There was only about a 10 minute wait.                                                 

We then made our way down Main Street, U.S.A toward Tomorrowland.  We did not spend any time here earlier in the day, so we definitely wanted to get over there and get on Space Mountain, and of course one of my favorite things, the TTA People Mover, and Buzz Lightyear Space Range Spin.  I did terrible and Paul kicked my space behind! When we exited the attraction, low and behold who was there for a picture session?  The one and only Buzz Lightyear!  He is one of my favorite Toy Story characters, and Paul's as well.......so of course we had to get our picture taken!

Now, my negative perspective on the Halloween party.  THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE!!!  I thought with spending $55.00 each to go to this party, that there would be limited guests here (which is what you are told.....that they only sell X amount of tickets), so you could actually enjoy your time.  We were overwhelmed with the sense of disappointment in that aspect.  Don't get my wrong, the fireworks were spectacular....

the Villan's stage show was totally awesome ...

We got our picture taken with Cap't Hook after the Villan's show was over.....

The Boo to You Halloween Parade was absolutely everything I had thought it would be.........

but it was WAY too crowded!  Many guests who are there during the day, were NOT asked to leave.....so they were able to take advantage of the parade, stage show and see the fireworks.  The only thing they could not do, was go on rides or trick-or-treat.  They took up all the good spots for the parade, and got in the  front row for the show at the castle because that was all they could do.  It's not fair at all.  I usually never say anything negative about my favorite place in the world, but to me, this was a huge disappointment and we will never do the Halloween party again. 

We finally did get to Mickey's PhilharMagic

Paul tried his hand at the Magic Sword.......to no avail........(probably because he was dressed as a no-good skallywag!)

We also made it only It's A Small World with no waiting..........

Later in the evening we made our way over to the NEW Dumbo, got to ride twice and there was no one else around....

Then we headed over to the Barnstormer......only waiting about 5 minutes for our turn!  How fun!!

We ended our evening with a photo session with Merida!  How exciting that was, as we love BRAVE!

We finally left the park about 11pm, and basically did a "crash and burn" on the bus.  I can't remember being that tired in a long time.  I could hardly walk back to our room from the bus stop after we got back. 

All-in-all, a great evening except for the disappointing amount of people.  Our next day, was at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and more friends!  Watch for my next post with details.  Also, coming up in the next month.....planning my "solo" trip to WDW!  YES!  It's booked!

Day 3 of our WDW/Cruise Adventure! MAGIC KINGDOM (Section one)!

Day 3 of our WDW/Cruise Adventure! MAGIC KINGDOM! (Section one)

Day 3 began fairly early as we had a special meet-up planned.  We headed out for what would turn into a very exhausting day.  As I reflect on this day, I really remember how tired I was by the time I crashed and burned on the bus around 11:30pm! (more on section 2 later in the week.)

To start out, we did our favorite attraction.  Pirates of the Caribbean.  It has always been the first thing I do when I am at Magic Kingdom. 

Then we headed over to another favorite, Jungle Cruise.  We had a really young "skipper" (or maybe they just seem to be getting younger-I think I am just getting older!)

After we made it back to civilization in a safe manor, we headed to meet up with my friends.  We were meeting Joe and Chrissy (who we were with at EPCOT the day before,) but we were also meeting up with someone who has become very special to me.  Amy Falk Petermann who is therelocatedtourist.com .  She is co-creator, and head author at The Relocated Tourist.  If you have never read this blog, make sure to stop by.  She always has great tips, and wonderful stories about her experiences at WDW from the perspective of a former "tourist", now local.  

Amy and I connected through the Disney Facebook community, WDW Radio, Lou Mongello and her blog over the last couple years.  I knew she was special, but now I know that first hand.  What a doll she is!

 

Here are Amy and I in front of Cinderella Castle!

We then all headed off to Pirates!  Hey, I always have to do my favorite attraction at least twice!!

After that, we made our way to Big Thunder Mountain.  Another of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom.  After we left there, we went to Haunted Mansion.  I love the new extended, and interactive queue area.  So many cool things to do, and try.  We had no wait, so almost went through too fast.  I would have loved to spend a little more time there.  

 Here we are as a group with our favorite "bust"

Madame Leota's ring in the cement.......see it???

On to Liberty Belle Riverboat.  It had been years since I have been on this boat.  My favorite part about it, is the great pictures you can get from the "water side" of other attraction such as Big Thunder Mountain, and Haunted Mansion.

 See what I mean about the pictures???  I just love seeing this side!!

A zoom in of the roof of Haunted Mansion, really shows those "Chess Pieces" on top!

I just loved getting the "boat view" perspective of these attractions!  

Thank you Liberty Belle Riverboat!!

Paul and I had lunch reservations at noon at Crystal Palace, so we had to bid goodbye to our friends.  Gave Amy a big hug, in hopes that we will be able to see each other again in the not too distant future, and spend more time together.   

Lunch was great as always at Crystal Palace.  Not only is the food good, and the atmosphere charming, but having lunch with "Pooh and Friends" is always a treat.  Those who know me well, know that Eeyore is one of my very favorite characters.  I sat like a little kid jumping up and down in my seat waiting for all the characters to come by the table for pictures, but especially Eeyore!  

I lucked out, as Eeyore was first!!

                                                                                Don't pull his tail!

 Cute little Piglet!!

 Tigger wanted to bounce!

Sweet Winnie the Pooh!

After lunch, we went to Splash Mountain, which was down earlier when we were with our friends.  It was back up and running, and about a 20 minute wait.  Paul had never been on this attraction before.  Our last trip in 2010, Splash Mt. was down for refurbishment for a couple months, so we had to miss it.  

After Splash Mountain, we headed to Hall of Presidents.  

Here is a picture of my all time favorite President!!  And, what a President he was.  

After we left Hall of Presidents, we went back to Adventureland, and I had Paul get in line for a Dole Whip, and I made my way over to Sunshine Tree Terrace, and ordered a Citrus Swirl!  YUMMY!!!

I made it through my line quicker, so I waited for him, and we shared our treats with each other.  

After our treats, we went over to Magic Carpets of Aladdin.  I had never been on this attraction before, and it is just as I thought.........just like Dumbo.  Cute, but not a "rock your world" experience. 
We then exited the park for a couple hours, and caught our bus for the resort to we could rest a little, and change into our costumes to head back for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!  More on the evening portion of Day 3 later this week!! 
Until then, think about this........today is Mickey's birthday.  Remember, "it all started with a Mouse," and we would not be doing anything like this if it was not for Walt Disney, and our beloved Mickey Mouse!!  Happy Birthday Mickey!