A Disney Filled Spring Break-4 Parks & a Magical Cruise! *New 12/11- Completed!*

[scrpbookr]

Our usual touring pattern at the Disneyland parks or while in Magic Kingdom has us starting right off of Main Street into Tomorrowland. This morning we didn't do that though so it was somewhere in the 5 o'clock hour and I was just getting to Tomorrowland.

I decided to visit the Laugh Floor. I only recall doing this once before and I think it had been almost 7 years ago. I was overdue!

I thought it was fun that you could send in jokes!

I was enjoying all the themeing...

This wall is great!

Inside the theater...

screen shot...

Roz welcomed us. I use "welcome" very loosely....

The show was very funny. They do a fantastic job with the improv and including the audience. We all seemed to be laughing the whole time.

I was excited to see these guys as I exited the Laugh Floor...

And I was super excited to meet Buzz!

I got a good hug!

I got his autograph. He has a very cool space ranger stamp.

He was surprisingly interactive....

Our photos together...

Buzz motioned for a kiss on his cheek before I left and the photo pass photographer captured the moment....

The Incredibles were having a dance party nearby that I joined in on for just a bit....

A few times throughout the day I saw this little girl who I am assuming is with Make a Wish or a similar organization. She was able to head to the front of the line for rides, meets, etc. I hope her day was perfect. I can't help but feel for her and her family. I do hope she has a happy outcome.

Frozone!

Between trying to get photos I was participating in a conga line they had going. It was a fun snippet of the day.

I wasn't in Tomorrowland especially long but I enjoyed every bit of my time there!

 

[missangelalexis]

Great Adventureland pictures!

Yay for meeting the fairies, I love their greeting area too!

Lovely shot of you and the castle

I love the monsters inc laugh floor!

Aww the picure of you and Buzz hugging, so sweet. And even better the picture of you kissing him!!

Sounds like a fun time in Tomorrowland

 

[scrpbookr]

When I left Tomorrowland I made my way into old Fantasyland. I took in the Mad Tea Party Area...

LOVE those tea cups!

...and the paper lanterns! Doesn't it just make you want to throw and Alice themed party!?!

I took a quick spin on the carrousel...

My pretty horse...

After looking at the times guide I decided to try and meet Tiana and Naveen in New Orleans Square. They are one of those greets where the line often closes before the greet time even begins. I arrived about 15 minutes before the greet started. The attendant thought I might make the meet. I was in a waiting area. I didn't end up getting in on the first round but at that point I had already waited about 45 minutes to an hour. I was first in line for the next batch so it made sense to wait another 15 minutes. Or at least more sense than waiting an hour and leaving with nothing. I wouldn't have waited initially if I knew the whole process was a good hour and a half but all in all I'm glad to have met them.

Buildings near the waiting area...

The greet under a gazeebo in Tiana's Garden Glen.....

A pretty castle view from the queue as it started to get dark...

After the first waiting round Naveen and Tiana took a break. Before long they were heading back under the gazeebo....

She felt like I had been there before that day. I explained that she probably saw me in the waiting area as they came and went the last few times. I explained how I'd been waiting FOREVER....

princess hug!

The lighting in this area is a little funny this time of night. Maybe it's meant to be a red New Orleans glow...

[/IMG]

Mid pose Tiana became startled when she heard rustling in the bushes. There was some sort of critter. I heard it too. She sent Naveen over to make sure all was okay and then we went back to our pictures. This time she had him stand on the side with the rustling in the bushes though.

Even though it was a long wait my overall review can be summed up in a few words... "worth the wait".

Coming up next.... Electric Parade!

 

[scrpbookr]

Following meeting Tiana and Naveen it was starting to get dark which meant it was time to find a spot for the Main Street Electrical Parade! This parade makes me feel 6 again and takes me right back to my Disneyland childhood memories. I love it!

There was a photo pass photographer nearby and I grabbed a castle shot...

I stopped in at Casey's for some corn dog nuggets and a drink and then picked a spot across from Casey's to watch the parade. Before long the parade was approaching! I was fine enjoying Magic Kingdom solo but I do wish that Reagan would have been there for this parade. I had texted some with my mom and she and Reagan were enjoying some downtime relaxing back at Pop Century. Anyway.... on to the parade!

Mickey!

The Cheshire Cat!

Another Alice in Wonderland float...

Cinderella is coming!

The clock struck midnight!

Captain Hook's pirate ship!

Smee....

Hey! It's a 7DMT!

Pinocchio's float...

Pete and Elliott...

 

[scrpbookr]

Following the Electrical Parade I set out to find a good place to watch the castle shows. I ended up over by Tomorrowland Terrace.

This was the first time I've seen this show and it was perfect!

Cinderella...

Cheshire Cat...

This one reminds me of Fruit Stripe gum. I think it is from the circus portion...

Wreck it Ralph.... ( I think )

Tangled?....

It really is such a pretty show!

And the castle returns to normal as we wait for Wishes...

Following the castle shows I ended up over at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh...

The queue is really cute!

I have a thing for children's books and any of the rides that pull pages from those books melt me....

More queue fun....

My very own honey pot!

and we're off on a ride through the 100 Acre Woods!

Hello Tigger!

Buddy Boy!

Pooh's Patootie!

Birthday time!

A happy in honey Pooh!

Into the dump store 100 Acre Goods.... These Pooh ears are crazy cute!

Lots of Pooh fun! Up next.... Princess Overload!

 

[Suziannie]

Looks like a fantastic trip!!!

 

[scrpbookr]

Following all the 100 Acre Woods fun I noticed that Princess Fairytale Hall had a 5 minute wait time posted. Yes, Please! It ended up being even less than that. I just walked right up and it was my turn.

I met Cinderella first. I had the autograph book I made for Reagan with me even though he had headed back to the hotel with my Mom. I continued to get autographs and I'm glad I did. I'm enjoying incorporating them on the scrapbook pages that include the photos of the meets. I used 4 x 6 photo books for the autograph books. I had cut 4 x 6 cards for the characters to sign. On the opposite page I often had a Character photo. I used the same little books to collect postcards while in the parks, too.

Getting Cindy's autograph....

And then Aurora...

You exit after the first two princesses but I came right back in for the other two princesses. This time I did have maybe a 5-10 minute wait but needed the time to take pictures in the queue.

Princess Minnie!

I liked the princess paintings hanging along the queue on both sides...

And this showcase was a nice surprise...

It housed Cinderella's glass slipper!

I met Rupunzel next....

She was incredibly animated!

And coming up next....

Last but not least, Snow White....

There is one more princess coming up but I've run out of picture space here...

 

[scrpbookr]

When I was done at Princess Fairytale Hall there was still one more princess on my "to meet" list. (I'm sure Reagan appreciated that I tried to get all the princesses out of my system while he was back at the hotel with my mom.)

I was off to see what the wait was like for Ariel. On the way I enjoyed seeing the Beasts castle all lit up at night....

Once I arrived at Ariel's Grotto I was pleased to see that the wait was short...

The lit up sea slugs within the queue were fantastic...

Ariel and I had a nice visit! She was curious where in the sea I found my necklace/treasure....

... and she was kind enough to add her autograph to my collection.

I love how this next one shows all of her mermaid tail. We had a nice visit!

Back out in New Fantasyland I continued to enjoy the nighttime views...

My next destination...It's a Small World! This is another Disney icon that takes me right back to my childhood. I love it!

"the happiest cruise that ever sailed the world"...

Venice!

Hula Dolls!

Duck Billed Platypus...

Kangaroos and Koalas...

Nearing the end...

Saying our goodbyes...

and back to the start....

Again!... again! Not really... once is enough.

More nighttime New Fantasyland loveliness....

I'll stop here for now and the next entry should wrap up the Magic Kingdom day....

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like it was a nice interaction with Tiana & Naveen, glad it was worth the wait!

Great parade pictures!

5 minute wait time at Princess Fairytale Hall?! Can't pass that up! Great pictures with all of them, and Ariel too!

 

[DisDance]

Don't know how I didn't see this trip report earlier, I just read it all! Love it! I love your pictures of POP early in the morning, there is nothing better than a disney morning is there? I can't explain it but waking up knowing you're in disney, can't beat that!

 

[scrpbookr]

I think this entry should wrap up the Magic Kingdom day. There were extra magic hours this night until 1am. I think I lasted until a bit after midnight but not all the way to 1am.

Earlier in the day when we tried to ride Haunted Mansion it was down. I wanted to swing back by and see if it was back up. It was!

I enjoyed taking in the queue details....

And it was exciting to be taken into the round, stretching room. One of the best things about Disney are the things that never change and feel just like the first time as a kid. This was a moment that I was sad Reagan was back at the hotel asleep. He had decided to try this ride for the first time this trip and was missing it. We did try to ride it together earlier in the day when it was closed. Oh well.... next time!

A spooky chandelier....

I failed to get any other pictures worth sharing the rest of the ride but enjoyed taking in an old favorite just the same.

I popped into Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe following Haunted Mansion. I saw several ornaments I liked but didn't splurge on any.

It was almost time to say goodbye. It was a bit easier to leave Magic Kingdom knowing I'd return again in June.... just a few months between trips this time. I almost immediately began a list with the things I didn't get to that I'll tackle in June.

A few of the Partner's friends. Breer Rabbit...

Our favorite chipmunks!

Pluto...

Dumbo!

Pinocchio...

The castle was looking so pretty!

I couldn't resist just one more castle pictures along with the partner's statue...

Heading out down Main Street....

I was drawn in by a cute window display at the Confectionary...

I always love to check out the adorable treats the create at Disney. Its an art in and of itself....

The artists with the most precious uniforms ever!

And because I just don't know when to stop taking pictures here are a couple more great, vintage inspired posters as I exited....

I'm trying to remember if I purchased prints of these. I'd like to use them on the scrapbook layouts for these two rides...

I caught a bus back to Pop Century. My step count for this day was 27,289 or about 13 1/2 + miles.

Some of our pin trades that day. I love the Mickey cherries!

The Dalmation ear hat...

My mom traded for this Miss Piggy....

We had an awesome Magic Kingdom day! The best part was it was only the first full day of the trip. We still had 3 parks and a cruise to look forward to. We were just getting in our Disney groove! Next up.... Resort Exploring and then Epcot for Flower and Garden!

 

[missangelalexis]

What a wonderful way to end your day at MK!

 

[scrpbookr]

While we were staying at Pop Century prior to the cruise one of the items on my Disney "to do" list was to explore the Art of Animation Resort next door. On the morning of our second full day, before Epcot, I woke early and took a picture walk exploring Art of Animation. You'll be able to tell from some of my pictures that I was the crazy girl who was up before the sun.

The Little Mermaid section....

King Triton...

Sebastain...

Ursula...

The statue of Prince Eric...

Treasure!

Snarfblatt! You can tell from the background that each of these items is much, much larger than lifesize...

And last but not least for the Little Mermaid section.... a dinglehopper....

Up next was the Lion King section and Zazu greeted me...

Scar was up next...

The unfriendly trio of Shenzi, Banzai & Ed... the hyenas...

Timon, Pumbaa and Simba....

Mufasa...

Rafiki...

Up next... The Nemo Section....

Mine, mine, mine.....

Crush and Dory...

Squirts play area...

Mr. Ray...

These areas are done so well!

 

[scrpbookr]

It doesn't take much for me to fall in love at Disney but I certainly had one of those moments while exploring the Art of Animation Hotel property. I adore how it is done and how picturesque it is. I really enjoyed taking in all the Cars details...

Welcome to Ornament Valley and Radiator Springs!

This area really is the next best thing to being in Carsland in California!

The Sherriff...

Doc Hudson...

The little signs along the path were cute...

Approaching the Cozy Cone...

Flo!

Ramone...

Many more Cozy Cone details...

The front windows of the Cozy Cone Motel lobby...

Postcard display...

The hanging plants in the upside down cones are absolutely perfect!

Casa Della Tires...

Guido and Luigi are my favorites!

Mater's area...

The sweet tow truck himself...

Sarge's Surplus Hut...

Sarge!

The Wheel Well Motel entrance...

Sally...

The Cozy Cone pool area with the Cone Cabanas really was special. So clever!

And last but not least Filmore....

Exploring great areas like this made being up before the sun on vacation completely worth is. Sleeping while there is Disney to explore is overrated anyway. You need just enough sleep to "just keep swimming". Any more than that is a waste. This mentality reminds me of the first and only time my husbands brother visited Disney with me. We were in Hong Kong at Disneyland there and at the end of the day he said, "I had no idea you were such a Disney maniac." I guess that pretty much sums it up. I just can't get enough!

A bit more of Art of Animation coming up next and then we are off to Epcot for the Flower and Garden Festival! Woo Hoo!

 

[missangelalexis]

Amazing AoA pictures! Being there when it is still dark out must be awesome!

 

[scrpbookr]

At this point I was just about finished with my Art of Animation Resort self-guided tour! I was enjoying myself thoroughly!

I checked out the map to make sure I wasn't missing anything before I left...

Animation Hall was the last section left to explore...

This wall of colored screens of Disney Pixar animation in the lobby was impressive!

The arcade....

Another wall of sketched art....

I browsed in the gift shop for awhile and thought this Nemo bucket was really cute. Later in the trip, when we were on Castaway Cay, Reagan picked this bucket as one of his souvenirs. Great minds think alike!... or "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree".... something like that. Isn't it adorable though!?

I quickly checked out the restaurant. The gelato caught my eye!

I thought this Mickey chocolate bar was fun, too...

At this point I was pretty much done exploring Art of Animation and I headed back to Pop Century. It was starting to get light out and I wanted to see if Reagan and Nanny were waking up yet.

The lake views of Art of Animation were very pretty!

There were some hot air balloons nearby lifting off....

And I spotted this distinguishe looking feathered friend along the shore....

This is the bridge that crosses between Pop Century and Art of Animation mid lake....

Another look across the lake at Art of Animation...

Back at the room My mom and Reagan were awake and Reagan had the sweetest surprise for me! On his way out of Magic Kingdom the day before he used a Disney giftcard he had to buy me Duffy and the Mickey outfit for Duffy as a Souvenir. He surprised me with it back at the room.

I was very touched by this. He knows how much I love Disney and in the months leading up to the trip I was planning and would come home with a new t-shirt for him to wear on the trip or something along those lines. We had also went through his wallet and assessed his spending money situation at one point. I had a Disney giftcard for him to add to his wallet. After I gave him something like a t-shirt and hoodie a week or so before the trip he said thank you and then announced that he was going to pick out a souvenir for me while we were at Disney. Just that he had that thought made my day! Once we were at Disney he mentioned a few times that he needed time to shop with Nanny alone without me. When they left Magic Kingdom the afternoon before he had his opportunity. I.LOVE.MY.DUFFY! and my sweet boy! We had fun picking out a few more items, accessory during the rest of our trip. We've also taken Duffy to Build a Bear since returning home. I was pleased to find out that the clothing and accessories there fit Duffy just right. Anyway... moving on. We'll see more of Duffy later.

My Mom was all bright-eyed and bushy tailed this morning. She looked cute in her new t-shirt that she found at Big Top Gifts in New Fantasyland and her new ears. Her flowered shirt was perfect for Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival.

Coming up next.... Epcot!

 

[missangelalexis]

Omg Brenda, Reagan really is the sweetest boy ever! So thoughtful of him to pick that out for you, and the fact that he was so insistent on having shopping time alone with Nanny

 

[DisDance]

AoA looks awesome at night! Looks like you had a nice time by yourself at MK too, what a perfect way to end the day than that sweet surprise from Reagan, you must be such a happy momma!

 

[scrpbookr]

The day before, when I unexpectedly waited quite awhile to meet Tiana and Naveen, I was visiting with the cast member who was manning the line. I asked him about the best way to navigate the line / wait situation for Ana and Elsa at Epcot. His advice was to go straight there upon entering the park. So, that was what I attempted to do. I went on ahead of my Mom and Reagan. They were to meet me in the line. The park was scheduled to open at 9 this morning and we were in the park just a bit before that. By 9 I had arrived in Norway and the line was already estimated at being 3 1/2 hours long. What!? How did that happen!? It didn't really matter how. As much as I enjoy the greets it wasn't worth a 3+ hour wait. I felt so bad for the little girls all dressed up in their Ana and Elsa dresses whose families had decided to turn away when they found out about the wait as well. It wasn't a big deal for me really. I headed back towards the entrance to meet back up with Reagan and Nanny. And on the way back I was able to take time for pictures!

Goofy and Donald playing soccer...

Phineas and Ferb... This is a favorite for Reagan right now. I was glad to have met back up with my Mom and Reagan easily...

We grabbed breakfast at the Starbucks by Fountain Plaza and we were ready to take on the rest of our Epcot day.

The beautiful Spaceship Earth building...

This Flower and Garden Festival display was a favorite...

It was all so pretty!

Sorcerer Mickey and the brooms from Fantasia...

And the Fantasia ostrich...

We came across these Flower and Garden ladies that were beyond adorable!! They were handing out brochures for the event and Reagan was kind enough to pose for a pic with one of them for me.

They were really decked out for the occasion!

We saw that Pluto was greeting nearby so we jumped in line there next. Reagan got his autograph...

He was completely amused by how Pluto had to place the book on his nose in order to autograph. In time we figured out that quite a few characters have to use this trick...

A Pluto and Reagan pose...

Spaceship Earth was our first ride of the day. This was a first for all of us.

The mural as you enter...

Loading into our ride vehicle...

I didn't really have an expectation for this ride. I didn't know what it was. None-the-less I enjoyed the scenes along the way...

Even though this next one is blurry I like the way it turned out...

I'm not sure if you can make this next one out but I'm in my own ride vehicle (Reagan and Nanny rode together) and my picture shows my camera up to my eye. A very true representation. I had to laugh though...

Reagan, my mom and then me again with the camera in front of my face...

The End (for this post).... I'll pick up with more Epcot in the next post.

 

[scrpbookr]

Don't know how I didn't see this trip report earlier, I just read it all! Love it! I love your pictures of POP early in the morning, there is nothing better than a disney morning is there? I can't explain it but waking up knowing you're in disney, can't beat that!

I agree! There is little better than waking in Disney and knowing you have a full day of magical adventures to look forward to!

Omg Brenda, Reagan really is the sweetest boy ever! So thoughtful of him to pick that out for you, and the fact that he was so insistent on having shopping time alone with Nanny

This gesture really does *melt* me. Although I've been sharing this Duffy with Reagan I'm certain it is something I will keep for myself as special always. It is a favorite and cherished memory already.