Tag Archives: Haunted Mansion

Back in Walt Disney World

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It had been 11 days since I had been in the Parks, the last being Epcot where I bought Hannah’s Mickey ears. After a great night’s sleep in my own bed, I woke up this morning and smiled at Craig. “Let’s go to Disney World today” I whispered and Craig’s goofy grin splashed across his face. I had truly missed the magic, and it’s funny to even think I could be saying “I haven’t been to WDW in 11 days…” It used to be “I haven’t been to WDW in years.” Kyra had friends from WI in town, so she headed to MK with us to meet up with them, while Craig, Emily and I hit the Park with no agenda at all- total bliss.

Emily has her costume set for Halloween, a super awesome find Mom and I found in WI, but I needed some extra touches that I knew we could find in MK. We strolled in and around the Emporium on Main Street, looking for that certain “thing” that would add to it. I loved the peaceful nature we all had as we just took our time with nowhere to go, it was just so relaxing. When I saw the Castle for the first time again, it was like a huge “Welcome Home” sign for me, and it just felt so “right” walking around the Park today.

As we were in Tomorrow Land, Kyra called us to tell Emily that a Disney Channel star was in the Park. “Rocky” on that show “Shake it Up” was on vacation and had a small group following her throughout the Park when Kyra had seen her. Emily freaked out, and all we heard for the rest of our visit was that she hoped and prayed she would be able to find and see the actress. As we ate at Cosmic Rays, I gently reminded her that it was a huge park, and there was no guarantee we would even be able to get CLOSE to the star, or even possibly see her passing by.

After a wonderful lunch, we headed towards Fantasyland to see the progress on the construction. We snapped a few pics, then headed for the Haunted Mansion. Seeing the line was a 40 minute wait, we decided we weren’t in a “line mood” today, and headed towards Pirates instead.

Pirates of the Caribbean was the same, a 40 minute wait, so we headed into the gift shop instead. We found some wonderful items we snatched up, including a Jack Skellington scarf. Every register was packed, and the place was buzzing with excitement. I really enjoy that store, as it seems more than that but more a stop on your pirate journey. On a side note, I really want those POTC keys for my house but I keep procrastinating on them.

As we were walking out of Adventureland, we saw a mob of people standing around a tall girl. I looked at Emily and said “Is that her?” Emily screamed! She said “Mom, it’s her!!” as she jumped up and down. There was an opening in front of the actress, so I walked Em right up to her and said “Can we get a picture?” Emily didn’t hesitate to hug her star, then I snapped the following picture of the two together. We told Zendaya that Emily had been looking for her all day since we had heard she was in MK and we were so happy we found her. She was super sweet to Emily and I was so happy she got to meet her.

After that moment, Emily couldn’t stop smiling. When I say this, I mean our youngest daughter was in the highest of highs. She was giggling, screaming, smiling- the kid was amazingly happy. She kept saying “I can’t believe I met her- and she HUGGED me.” We had to take a couple snapshots of Emily’s joy right after her moment.

After grocery shopping and a much needed nap, we headed back into WDW for an evening at Studios. It is an incredible thing to be able to just do whatever at home and then say “Hey, let’s go to WDW.” We actually had to put sweatshirts on tonight, but it was enjoyable to wear them in the cool evening air.

It was a fairly empty park, so we searched the stores for anything from “Shake it up.” We found nothing, so we headed to the back streets to see if the lights were strung up yet. Seeing the lights all ready to go for the Christmas season got us quite excited for our first Christmas here as FL residents. We can’t wait to be there opening night for the lights!

We finished up our awesome day with a carrot cake cookie at “The Writers Stop” and then a bit of playtime in the Animation building where there was NOONE. I’m talking no visitors, and no Cast Members… it seemed deserted except for the Art of Animation store. We had fun playing among the magic, taking Emily’s pictures while she goofed around. We had a beautiful day with beautiful moments… it is good to be home.

A Second Look at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

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I was blessed to be able to attend the party again this year, this past Sunday night during the Epic October Weekend. Liz Driscoll and I got our groove on and headed into the party, ready for the night of fun ahead of us. Join us for our night, and a second look at this years MNSSHP- enjoy!

Last time I arrived early at 5 p.m., this time Liz and I arrived around 7:00, which is the start of the party. The masses coming into the party wasn’t a problem, but the issue of wristbands was.  Because of the volume of people coming in at one time, the Cast Members couldn’t keep up with attaching the bracelets- so many were held up right after they walked in.  Maybe a couple more Cast Members at the gate would help, but maybe it was just a surge in the crowd at that time- whatever it was, it was a bit hectic because it held up a lot of people.

We finally got in and decided to start trick or treating first. We started on the Adventureland side of the Park first, and found the candy lines small and easy to get through quickly. The lines for Captain Jack Sparrow Meet and Greet were already stretched to Jungle Cruise, so we bypassed waiting to meet him and just waved instead.

We walked all the way to the back of the Park by the Splash Mountain area, and there was a great treat line which weaved in and out of the Splash Mountain rope line area- hitting 3-4 candy stops in the same line.  It was a very congested area as well because the Seven Dwarves are also here for pictures. When we were grabbing candy, we watched the Dwarves line grow longer and longer. It seems any Character you will want at the Party will take some time, so make sure to be prepared for that. When I was at the Party with Mom and Bob, we completely missed this area, so it was exciting to find it with Liz.

Because I had gone last time on a Cast Member night, it was incredibly busy then. Second time around seemed actually almost empty at times- besides the Character lines and parades, the park was pretty quiet. Liz and I parked it by the stockades to watch the first parade, standing higher than everyone else gave us an advantage for taking pictures and seeing everything. The only problem is that when the Headless Horseman came, many stood up so we still couldn’t see as well. So we went to the second parade and stood facing him head on and got a much better view.

We ran into friends who were dressed up in great costumes, and it was so much fun to catch up with those who live here and those who were just in town for a couple of days. Nothing makes me smile more than seeing someone smiling back at me.

We lined up for Hallowishes right in front of the Castle, getting lucky to have found a place on the pavement to stretch out. Funny how when Mom and I were there that no one was sitting and everyone was packed in, while we stretched out to the point of practically being able to lay down before it started. Loved it as usual, but I did find that being too close to the Castle can hinder your view of the larger fireworks behind the Castle, but you can see everything up close on the Castle which is pretty neat.

We trick or treated some more, then had to get a ride in on the Haunted Mansion- because as you know, when you are at MNSSHP, you must ALWAYS ride the Haunted Mansion that night! We got on pretty fast, as we rode while the 2nd parade was going on, and then were going to head out when we ran into one of the ghost sisters who sits outside the Mansion, named Renata. She just got comfortable and Liz and I just enjoyed watching her entertain everyone. She had us laughing so hard, and we didn’t move for half an hour while we watched. She was probably our favorite part of the evening, and I would highly encourage you all to take time to say hello to her.  You can see her from the line, or you can go behind the carriage and watch as well.

It was a great night filled with laughs and smiles, and I am blessed to have experienced it again.

Living Up The Magic

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A beautiful Florida morning was upon me- the sun was shining, the humidity was in the air, and I took a deep breath as I slid into my car.  I rolled down the windows, turned up the tunes, and let the wind carry all my worries away- how can you not love life as you drive under the Walt Disney World arch?  I walked into the Polynesian Resort, grinning from ear to ear, knowing the day that lay ahead.

I love walking into the Poly and smelling the air and listening to the waterfalls.  I enjoyed my Coke as I headed upstairs to the Monorail.  I thought about grabbing a bakery item, but opted out as I was already getting close to being late.  The Monorail arrived and soon I was on my way to the Magic Kingdom.

Gowalla has become my own personal game of “Where is the World is AFP?” so, yes, I have fun checking in when I remember. The problem with checking in so much and posting my adventures on Facebook is that it completely eats my battery. I have yet to buy a charger because I love to procrastinate when it comes to something I SHOULD buy but I am to cheap TOO buy!

I have found the butterflies I used to get when entering the Monorail Station at the MK have been replaced with a more safe and peaceful feeling- almost like coming home. I hit the turnstiles hoping my ticket would work- some days it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Knowing my monthly payment already came out is the only thing that doesn’t make me question when the red light comes on- just my luck I guess.  I was through and enjoyed a cement bench in the shade while I waited for my friend Otis to arrive. I am always rushing in to get to Fantasyland for the coveted small wait for “Peter Pan” in the morning that I never just sit in those opening minutes and enjoy. 

He came shortly and we walked down Main Street U.S.A., running into several Disney old-time vehicles out and about- a rarity I must say. We headed to Fantasyland to see what the Peter Pan wait was already. At 9:45 a.m., the wait said 20 minutes, but it was around the building outside- there was no way it was that short. After grabbing some fast-passes at Winnie-the-Pooh, we were on our way to “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” for a morning ride in the Old West. Walking right on, we screamed and hollered as the train twisted and turned- so much fun!

From the West to the best, we rode Pooh on our way into Tomorrowland. We then fast-passed Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, and then took a ride on the Speedway. Now, I stalled out on this ride last time, so I had Otis drive while I snapped pictures.  I enjoyed not having to drive so I could look around from that perspective- it’s very cool to see the TTA moving by as you put-put along in an old car.

Lunch came quickly and after perusing the menu at Cosmic Rays, we felt like Pecos Bills more.  A walk past the Castle show playing, we headed into Pirate country. As we got closer to the ride, we saw that “Tortuga Tavern” was open and we jumped at the chance to eat there. I had always seen it closed, so I was super happy to try it out. I ordered a chicken burrito which came with chicken, rice, and black beans and a soft burrito shell.  With my free water and sour cream in tow, I headed to the best fixings bar on property. Hidden in a back room, the bar was filled with salsa, tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce. I hadn’t had Mexican food on property since Epcot, but I was hesitant because the once loved taco at the Mexican Pavilion fell apart and didn’t taste the best.  Here, it was like having lunch and dinner- it was HUGE! You could easily split the burrito with another person, plus save some money while doing it.  I loved eating in the hidden room, it was pirate themed and was a small haven from the down pour that would have moments after we sat down to eat.  I would highly recommend eating here for something new, but keep in mind they are usually only open for lunch or not at all. Call ahead if it is something you really would like to try.

I had been hoping to find a reader, Alicia, who said she was working “Pirates” for the day. She was indeed there as we boarded the boat- she found us after the ride ended and gave us a tour of the shop and where real props are hidden from the movies. She was so sweet and I hope to see her again soon.

The rest of the day consisted of doing things that we would come across and say “Why not?” Yes, we did Stitch, Laugh Floor, Country Bear Jamboree, and so on.  I have to say, if you want to be clapping and stomping your feet at every musical number at the Jamboree, go with Otis- the man is a ball full of energy.  We did wind up getting stuck on the TTA, but thankfully had just board, so they just let us off. During the course of our day, Pirates was down, TTA was down, and Splash Mountain was down.

Speaking of Splash Mountain, they had Jessie and Woody by the exit of the ride now- in case you are looking for them. We also saw Alice and the White Rabbit by the Tea Cups, Space Chip and Dale in Tomorrowland, Space Pluto, Goofy, and Stitch in the Dance Party, Ariel with her feet and Eric in Adventureland, Pirate Goofy in the POTC area, and Daisy and Pluto in the hub in the front of the Park. On the topic of Characters, we went to visit the Princess line at Exposition Hall at 6 p.m. and it was EMPTY- not a soul in line. Once we got into the room, there were about 10 people total- so we said hello and Otis got his beloved Belle picture. We also walked right into Mickey’s room after that- got our pic with them and were quickly on our way.  Keep that in mind if you want to visit them- fast pass them or go around 6 for a pleasant and quiet experience.

One of the most pleasant experiences of the day was riding the Steamboat as it poured. The weather let up the humidity and the cool breeze danced raindrops off my hands and face- it was really peaceful. It had been ages since I rode it, and it seemed so mystical sitting there at the dock while it rained that I had to ride it at that moment. A beautiful moment made.

We made It to dinner time and then parted ways so we could go home to our loved ones for the rest of the evening.  I had such a great time with Otis, and I am blessed he is such a good friend.  Nothing makes me more happy then when I can be myself with someone and know that they will still like me the next day.  I hope we get to do other Parks together in the future- it was a blast.

Otis, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”