Tag Archives: Haunted Mansion

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.”

In A Disney Daze

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We are still loving living here in the great state of Florida, and have had many adventures over this holiday week.  I am sorry I haven’t been blogging more, usually I like to get one out per day, but that get’s a bit tough when I am in the Parks so much.  Follow me as I let you in on what we have been  up to this past week- enjoy!

The 4th of July, our first Holiday celebrated, was incredible.  Donning my neon shirt and blue eye shadow, I dressed up to fit the part with the rest of the family. We hung out all day in Celebration, then walked downtown to see the 80s band “Flock of Seagulls” perform their one hit, and then a fireworks show set to nothing but the 80s- totally tubular! It was surreal to be standing on the little Main Street, with my awesome husband next to my side, holding hands, and knowing this was our life now.  It’s these moments that help clear the cobwebs of the uncertainty and uneasiness I sometimes feel with moving here- I’m human and I have them.  We ended the night walking down Main Street belting out “Don’t Stop Believing” which I thought was a perfect song to sum up our move.

The following day I woke up feeling like I had to go to Walt Disney World- I know, crazy right? But I felt that urge, that want to go an enjoy something I actually could now.  So I got Emily ready and we headed to Studios for a day of what? Nothing!  We checked out the new sign that is at the entrance, and then  fastpassed Toy Story Mania for 7:00 p.m.  Now, normally, if I am not going to be in the Park all day, I wouldn’t even bother.  But, as a Resident, I usually get them and hand them out when we leave, or I come back after I eat dinner at home- I know, it’s the life!

Emily and I decided to draw again, which we enjoy doing so much, so we headed to the Animation Academy and hoped for the best.  A word of advice, if you get “Heather” as the instructor, she will more than normally do a character that is someone other than the Fab 5- so it never hurts to ask!  She drew “Ray” for us from “Princess and the Frog” and, again, gave it to Emily at the end of class.  I smiled and told Heather we frame these for her room, which she loved, so it was nice to connect with such a special Cast Member.

After bumming around in the Animation Store, where we spoke to a featured Artist for awhile about his schooling, we got a funny tweet that a Tim Weston was in Studios and had a mission to find us.  We laughed at it, and thought, “Ok, we will let him find us.”  So we headed to “Little Mermaid” for some under the sea fun, hoping we would run into him there, not knowing he was outside.  So we watched the show, and the ending… well… Ariel had a hard time becoming a human again.  I will leave it at that, but having seen the show a billion times, it was interesting to see how she handled it, and she did VERY well.  Kudos to Ariel and Eric for handling the snafu so well!!

We finally found Tim, and it was at the exact moment the Casey Anothony verdict was coming down. Do you remember where you were when the OJ Simpson one came? Well, I will always remember this one as Emily, Tim, and myself sitting around his cell phone outside “Little Mermaid” hearing the “Not Guilty” come down.  I am not here to discuss the trail at all, just that it was a bit funny and odd to me where I heard the verdict.  I was happy to meet Tim, and he came with us to check out the “Great Movie Ride.”

Folks, if I have to say it again and again and again, I will- NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY on dark rides, shows, etc.  Seriously? I realize you may not know English, but it is not that hard to see as a HUMAN what your flash does on the attractions.  So we are on the ride, and the announcer of the ride announces the rule, then the host that rides with you- he must have said it SEVERAL times- she, the woman, didn’t get it AT ALL.  You are flashing in someone’s face, you are lighting up what Disney is trying to keep hidden and dark, so PLEASE, STOP IT!  As a Resident now, I see how I will be completely irritated by this more and more and I am eventually going to start saying something.  Ok, off the soap box, but geesh people, LISTEN and FOLLOW the rules and EVERYONE gets to enjoy! Thank you!

After the ride, Emily and I watched the Parade before heading out to pick up Kyra and Peter.  They were shopping and exploring “Downtown Disney” until we could pick up his pass for the week.  I have to say, DTD is a great way to kill some time, window shop, get ideas for Christmas presents, and just people watch.  If you have family and friends coming to visit you after you relocate, take them to DTD for a day or morning- it is a lot of fun to explore and costs nothing to walk around at. PLUS if you really need a Disney fix and you don’t want to head into the busy Parks, walk around there with the pin trading shop, the World of Disney Store, etc.. you really can’t go wrong. 

Since Craig works at home during the day, I like to make sure he feels the magic just as much.  Yes, I  do feel bad sometimes leaving to head to the Parks while he is stuck at home, but we can’t have this lifestyle without someone working.  So on Tuesday night, we headed out to Pop Century for a date night of walking around, chatting, and a wonderful alcoholic beverage.  Our thing on vacation was always to have ONE night of drinks and a stroll around whatever Resort we were staying at- so as Residents, this is even cooler. 

We had not been to “Pop” since our Vacation in June 2009, and our Anniversary Vacation in 2008.  It holds a special place in our heart as the one we stayed at without the kids, so being there the other night felt very “vacation” like.  I got those butterflies in my stomach like I used to when we drove up to any Resort or Park, so it was nice to know that I wasn’t getting so used to everything that it wasn’t exciting anymore. 

We bought our drinks, Raspberry Mango Daiquiris, from the “Petals” bar and then just strolled.  We talked about how we would walk at night in our WI neighborhood about doing this very same thing, and now we were actually doing it- we both got a bit teary eyed.  We walked around the lake area, snapping pics of the Animation Resort being worked on, and just enjoyed Disney for what it is.  The smells of the  food court brought us instantly back to the memories of a tired Craig and Amy who had just gotten to  Pop Century late one night from driving 24 hours from WI and who just wanted something to eat and to chill out.  I will always remember Craig’s head bobbing in the booth as her fought to stay awake and enjoy the moment of our arrival there, but we both gave in and went to our room shortly after.  Becoming a Resident doesn’t meant those memories change, or that the new ones won’t feel the same, it’s just in how you look at them and experience them that is different. 

Next day, yesterday, was quite the busy one.  Peter finally had his pass in hand, so I dropped Kyra and Peter off at Epcot for the day. Since we didn’t buy the Hopper option, we encouraged the kids to make sure they use every minute possible for Peter to explore the Parks- which they did indeed do.  I walked them in with Emily, and then let them go off on their own.  Emily and I headed to Test Track, which we fastpassed for Emily and Craig for the night, and then did the same thing later for Soarin as well.

We took our time and explored all the little things that people seem to forget, and we really just enjoyed having some Mommy and Daughter time.  We pin traded in “Mouse Gears” while it was dead in there, and found one more for the collection we have going.  I love pin trading because it costs me nothing after the large lot I already bought a year ago, so it’s fun to do and the kids enjoy it.  We then rode “Nemo” together and enjoyed a show of Crush for the first time since we moved here.  I could seriously watch him all day, I am in awe of that technology and its way to much fun watching the kids reactions to it all.  A quick stop at Club Cool, which opens at 11 a.m we found out, we ran into Kyra and Peter for a picture, then found “Max” outside for a small visit and picture as well. Bought a new shirt with a gift card from Todd and Cheryl, and headed home to chill out.

Craig headed into Epcot last night with Emily to have some Daddy/Daughter time and bring Kyra and Peter home after Illuminations, so I had some time to myself.  I knew Tim was still in town, so I headed to MK and took some pictures while just enjoying the free time I had.

I caught the parade winding down, went into stores I had never been into before, and then ate a light dinner at the Bakery.  I bought a sandwich and free water and relaxed by myself at a table.  I really enjoyed the peace the place brought, and it wasn’t busy at all.   I got a tweet that Tim was nearby, so I told him of my whereabouts and we hung out the rest of the evening.

I have to say, I am blessed to be able to make such awesome friends who live and who don’t live here, but when I find another brother or sister in Christ here, my heart jumps!  I was so impressed by Tim and what he stands for, and I was truly happy to talk to him all night about our beliefs, how we grew up, and our love of Disney.  If you EVER have the opportunity to make friends, DO IT, because you just never know what you will find from the encounter.  I found I have another brother in Christ who I will get to see in Heaven some day, and that made the entire night worth it.

We rode the TTA twice, the Carousel of Progress (where we still don’t understand why they didn’t all age at all), and then headed into Fantasyland.  Here is where he showed me this hidden gem of a place to eat, sit, relax, and have THE most amazing view of the Castle and the surrounding area.  I will highlight the spot in its own blog, so look for that to come soon.

We rode “Haunted Mansion,” after of course, playing in the queue.  I found that when no one is around, this area is quite a lot of fun. At night it is all lit up, and has a different feel to it.  I actually took the time to read the book and play along, of course my rhyming was not as great as Tim’s I found out, but it was a lot of fun.  We talked on the ride about what we both knew about it, and that’s what I love about meeting Disney friends- we all bring knowledge to the table and get to share it.  We all know that family and friends at home usually could care less that there are 2 hidden Donalds on the HM, but Disney pals are thrilled to hear it. 

We closed the night out with a stop at Columbia Harbor House and a view of “Wishes” from the end of Main Street near the Train Station.  It was a fantastic evening shared with a great person, and I am honored to call him my friend now. Thank you Tim for the awesome night, and I hope you can make it back at the end of the month! 

I once had a conversation with Lou Mongello himself about my blog and his job and what it is all about.  He smiled and looked around at our boat full of friends and said “THIS, is what it is all about.”  My friend, you were so right!