Day One - Take Two

Ahola!

Isle. Aloha Isle, apparently the place to be to get the famous Dole Whip, a soft serve ice-cream (which also comes in float form). This was one of the items on the to-do list and it served as our breakfast as we made an early start at the park. Yeah about that, I managed to just about set our alarms the previous night for 7 bells, however everyone had woken up by 6.30am, positively jumping out of bed (which would be around 11.30am UK time and considering it was a Saturday that would be about right ;). We didnt manage to get to rope drop (when the park officially opens) and accompanying ceremony but we were pretty damn close. Driving to Magic Kingdom was really straight forward, and very well sign posted, but still had GPS to back us up. The parking at the park had its own Disney twist - having its lots named after some different Heroes and Villains. We decided to opt for Heroes and parked in the Simba section. It wasnt too busy either so we weren’t in any great rush, except when it came to get out of the way of a huge animatronic camel who though it would be really funny to spit water at the guy holding the cameras (that was me in case you wondered). Our first FP+ was Splash Mountain in Frontier Land, which Gracie was tall enough for this time and she absolutely loved it (except for when it went all dark, but the heights - no problem). Good first ride to kick off the day :) :) :) We then jumped into Big Thunder Mountain Railroad right next door, before heading around to Haunted Mansion to use our second FP+ of the day. Gracie was a little scared on this one, even though it was only mildly frightening and a bigger bit humorous but Robert reminded her that ghosts cant follow you in the sunlight anyway. Good one, Roberto (I sure hope you’re right! :) We had lunch booked for mid day so managed to visit some smaller Fantasy Land attractions before that, including It’s A Small World - one of Grace’s absolute fav’s from last time. This time however, ehhh not so much. She did record a video later in the day to explain why, (in her full American/Youtube accent I may add), so Ill probably get round to watching it at some point to find out the reason. On that note, I had a GoPro mounted on a wrist strap for videoing and today was the first real test. Ended up running out the battery before we finished, but it was easy to use and with some well timed recharges throughout the day, Ill manage to get a full day done no problems. I reminded the kids from the last blog that Robert made a wish at Small World last time of how he wished we could go to Florida every year, which was really sweet, so all the kids decided to do it this time by tossing a coin into the pond. When I asked what everyone wished for, before anyone could answer, Grace screamed that wishes are secret and they weren’t allowed to say. That’ll be me told then.

The Princesses

So we pre-booked lunch at Cinderellas castle for today some months ago (yes I think its crazy too) and Grace changed into full sparkly princess mode to mark the occasion. We had purchased an autograph book when we arrived and this would be a great opportunity to get it started. Last time we had an autograph book and only managed to get two Minnie and Chip & Dale to sign it before we lost it, so we wanted to make sure it would be a different experience this year. It didn’t disappoint, we met and got photos & autographs with Cinderella (obv), Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine & Snow White. In my opinion it would be a toss up between Ariel and Rapunzel who was the best … emm … princess who was umm … the most friendly, yeah friendly, that’s it (just a little gutted I didn’t get my photo with them :P). The lunch was really amazing too. The only thing that I had a slight issue with was that they gave the kids swords (for boys) and wands (for girls, how very Disney of them). Not that I disagree with giving them nice gifts, but give two boys plastic swords and carnage will ensue! And it did, even the angelic little Grace got in on the action and starting dueling using her wand. Hmmm, they eventually snapped, which resulted in some tears but happier parents at the same time. After lunch, we popped in to meet Anna & Elsa, so Gracie was more than excited and meant we crossed off another two on our list of autographs. No Olaf though (though Anna did ask for a warm hug before leaving which was a nice touch).

Hi-ho, hi-ho

We managed to get a pass to Seven Dwarfs mine train, right around when the lightning started to strike which shut down the ride for a while so we caught up on a few more rides before we went back for it. It was amazing, the detail of the dwarfs was perfectly cartoon-y and mixed well with the mild roller coaster, which was great for younger kids - you could tell they put a lot of work into it. Definitely one to go back on, on our next visit. We also visited Enchanted tales with Belle and Robert, Grace & Patrick volunteered to play part in a little Beauty & The Beast re-enactment with Robert landing the leading role as The Beast. He was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, and even gave Belle a little scare with his mighty ROAR (though she got her own back when he had to do a waltz with her at the end of the show in front of everyone - hehehe). I think we might have a wee star in the making here.

We went to Monsters Inc Scare Floor, at which they asked for you to send in jokes and Robert was really excited about his, but had some signal issues and was unable to get it to them in time. Here it is anyway…

What’s the difference between Teachers & Trains? One tells you to spit your gum out, and the other says Choo Choo Choo!

Finished up with a few more rides in Tomorrow Land including Buzz Lightyear, where you had to fire at targets and defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg! 88500 points for me, 22400 for Patrick, 2400 for Grace and 1400 for Robert and even though I won (not that I’m competitive against my kids or anything…), was really pleased for Gracie who beat Robert by a 1000 points. Just wait till I take them to MIB in Universal! :)

Gerry and All The Birds!

We decided to head home and go to Chili’s for our dinner that night, and you could tell that Gracie wasn’t really keen to go out anywhere and just wanted back to play with her ponies.

The sun is setting so I don’t think we have time to go to Chili’s…

-Grace Gaffney, 20th June 2015.

We went anyway and as we parked up there was a guy beside us with loads of birds (the avian variety), who really insisted that the kids hold one. Only Patrick stepped up but held only the smallest little baby. My family all have a fear of birds. It was a shame as they were gorgeous, so I decided to have a wee shot. Then the guy just took the piss…

Ended up realizing it was Saturday and we hadn’t booked so didn’t get into to Chili’s - which Grace was ever so pleased with (without waiting a great deal of time) and neither did we get in any of the other places we tried for the next hour. Just about ready to head home and call it a lost cause when we happened across Johnny Rockets.

Welcome to… Jack Rabbit Slims!

Fast food 50’s style diner with an emphasis on burgers and shakes. A little booth with a jukebox on the table. Loved it. Pretty much ideal for how we were feeling too which was really shattered but knowing that we were in need of some sustenance so needed something without have to wait an age. Went for a Man v Food type Pastrami Burger and a Peanut Butter Shake at $5. It was a pretty fucking good milkshake. I dont know if was worth five dollars but it was pretty fucking good. I actually didnt even want a shake to be honest I just wanted to get one to say that, minus the profanity of course. Gracie fell asleep while we were waiting for out order, so I felt a little bad that I’d practically dragged everyone out to have a bite to eat. We were told by our lovely waitress Elizabeth, that our order was imminent and they were just ‘dressing the buns’. Robert though this was hilarious and kept repeating it, in a slightly manic, deranged tone. A Joker he is, our Robert. Inhaled our meal with the exception of Patrick who only managed his vanilla shake, and left carrying a little baby elephant, sorry a little human girl, slumped across my shoulder snoring her pretty little head off…