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Day
6 – Part 1 Becoming Famous in the Magic Kingdom!
Today
was EMH for the Magic Kingdom. You know what that means… Fanlover
sleeps in while that strange alien fellow named Stitch wakes
the rest of us up. He insisted on calling us all at 7am this
morning. We really must complain about him.
We drove to the Ticket and Transportation Center and tried
to go to our secret Diamond Lot parking area but it’s
closed. What?! You mean we may have to park and take the tram
along with the other masses? And so marked the end of the red
carpet treatment! We were worrying for nothing. We were surprised
to find that we parked even closer to the front in the regular parking lot.
I guess we forgot that it was only 7:45am.
Normal people were still snoring.
We were a family on a mission. The boys were desperate to ride Dumbo. I was
equally desperate NOT to ride Dumbo.
I know – there
goes my Aunt-of-the-year award. We decided to divide and conquer and suit everyone’s
needs. Dapper Dad and Goofy Guy took the boys on Dumbo while Cocoa bil, ToT
sis and I went to Space Mountain. (Side note: We haven’t had a family
get together since our trip, but I’m quite certain that when we do get
together, I’ll forget their real names).
ToT sis was a little apprehensive about riding Space Mountain. No, not because
she’s frightened; she was simply still recovering from Tower of Terror
from a few days before. I was still feeling a little guilty about that one
(in between my bursts of laughter). I decided to redeem myself by making her
go on Space Mountain too. Now there’s some logic for you.
She had been on Space Mountain many times before, but she was wondering if
her body couldn’t handle thrill rides anymore. I hoped I could prove
her wrong. I made sure that we took the left side once inside the mountain.
People have tried to convince me that both sides are identical, but I still
don’t believe it. The left side has always seemed better to me. ‘Nuff
said.
We board the ride and the fun began. ToT sis was laughing and having fun right
up until the very end. We all said that it’s interesting to compare it
to rockin’ rollercoaster. It may not have the same thrill factor as RNC,
but there’s something magical about good ole Space Mountain. We’re
glad we got the chance to ride. ToT sis was relieved to see that she can still
handle rollercoaster’s. She just knows to
steer clear of abandoned hotels in the future.
We were to meet the others at the Grand Prix. We made our way over there, but
they were missing in action. We found it funny how Space Mountain had a shorter
line than Dumbo. It was a
nice morning, so we thought we’d go meet them in Fantasyland. We saw
them just as they were getting on Winnie the Pooh.
Wait a minute! I don’t remember saying they could go on TWO rides without
me, I mean us. Winnie the Pooh was on the “everyone must do” list.
We checked to see if we could ride with them, but the line was now 20 minutes.
My date with Tigger would have to wait.
After the boys bounced with Tigger, we all went to the Grand Prix. ToT sis
and I got a chuckle out of this one. Our dad always wanted to go on this car
ride, but neither of his daughters were very interested. Today, men finally
out numbered the women. Dapper Dad finally got to ride. God Bless his grandchildren.
Boomer wanted to ride with Goofy Guy. You’d think the little guy would
want to steer, but when Goofy Guy offered to let him, he just said, “No,
I’m too little”. Could he be any cuter? He’s always full
of surprises. He just sat there beside Goofy Guy enjoying the leisurely Sunday
afternoon drive. The look would have been complete
had he been sipping a cup of tea.
Splashboy’s Grand Prix experience was slightly different. He rode with
ToT sis and he enjoyed some serious steering action! ToT sis may have whiplash
now, but what’s a little neck pain when your son just experienced his
triumphant driving debut? At least she didn’t get sick on Space Mountain.
I’m holding onto that thought.
We really hoped to catch the Sword in the Stone show today, but we failed to
realize that there are no Friday shows. Nice one Goofy Gal. To think the boys
had practised the art of sword pulling for nothing!
Boomer had been saying all morning that he wanted to ride Thunder Mountain.
I tell you, this kid is fearless! Splashboy, however, wasn’t sharing
his enthusiasm. Nonetheless, we made our way over to the ride and got in line.
Actually, there really wasn’t any line at all. We basically just walked
right through the queue. Splashboy was really reluctant to ride. Dapper Dad
was going to stay back with him if he didn’t want to go. Everything happened
so fast, that Splashboy didn’t really have time to fully consider his
nervousness. Boomer and Cocoa bil got on. Goofy Guy and I got on. ToT sis got
on…and the gate was about to close. It looked like Splashboy wasn’t
coming.
But just then, Splashboy darted through the gate and onto the train next to
his mother. That was the great news. The problem was that Dapper Dad was now
left behind. We yelled to the closest CM to please let Dapper Dad ride. We
were told he’d have to wait for the next train.
I was ready to ransack the train.
There was no line! I decided to take the less violent approach and gave him
a $20. He didn’t even mind that it was Canadian.
Dapper Dad got on our train.
The ride was a glowing success. Splashboy was laughing all the way. I’m
not even sure who I heard better – Boomer or Splashboy. Either way, it
had been a successful ride. Both boys came off the ride saying that Thunder
Mountain was their new favourite ride. Funny how the Haunted Mansion, then
Splash Mountain, then Crush ‘n’ Gusher, and now Thunder Mountain
were all their favourites.
Since we were near the train, we decided to get on and take a tour all the
way around the Magic Kingdom. We thought it would be fun to sit right at the
back of the train and see the conductor in action. We had no idea just how
fun this would turn out to be.
After grabbing our seats, the conductor gave Splashboy the microphone and asked
him to say in his loudest voice, “All Abooooooard”. Without missing
a beat, Splashboy did – and did a GREAT job. Long gone was the shy little
boy I once knew. He was in heaven! All the other riders on the train seemed
amused by it all. Splashboy had officially joined the ranks of his father Cocoa
bil. He was famous.
We made our way on the train back to Main Station. There was a conductor change
here, which we admittedly were a little disappointed about. We were hoping
Boomer would get the chance to speak into the microphone too. I know – we’ve
had so much magic on this trip so far, that we were actually starting to expect
more. Ah the pitfalls of greed!
The new conductor did not disappoint! She asked Boomer if he wanted to say
all aboard. I’m not sure if Boomer really understood the concept or not,
because he may have jumped the gun a little bit. He suddenly yelled “All
Aboooooooard” without the microphone and before we were ready to leave
the station.
I was suddenly thankful we had just had a restroom break.
Boy did we laugh! We controlled ourselves long enough to explain to him that
he needed to wait until the microphone was in his hand so that everyone could
hear him on the train. The conductor introduced the boys and mentioned how
we had come all the way from Canada. Everyone applauded and cheered just as
Boomer gave his best, “All Abooooooard”. We had become celebrities.
Everyone aboard probably had seen Cocoa bil’s acting debut at the Hoop
Dee Doo. The boys received engineer licenses for all their help in driving
the train.
ToT sis’ scrapbook is getting bigger by the day.
It was a train ride we’d never forget. Our only regret was that Fanlover
didn’t get to experience that moment. Well, I had to admit that she wouldn’t
be as sleep deprived as us - so I’d say we’re even.
After signing a few autographs on the train, the boys led us to Philharmagic.
A celebrity’s work is never done you understand. We enjoyed the show
as much as before and made our way to It’s A Small World. Goofy Guy was
ready for a nap and couldn’t think of a better place to do it. Had he
been given the chance to change places with Fanlover right about now, I think
he would have without hesitation.
He can’t be MY husband.
We grabbed a fast pass for Peter Pan and decided to have an early lunch at
Pinocchio’s.
We had the typical fast food fare here but dessert was a big hit. I was able
to have my first rice krispie treat of the trip. Yum! There was just enough
sugar in the chocolate on Mickey’s ears to give me energy to keep up
with the boys. It was time to go back to Peter Pan. Splashboy made my day by
asking if I would ride with him this time. This “aunt” thing just
keeps getting better and better. He just may find an extra little something
under the Christmas tree this year.
On the ride, he was so excited to point things out to me. He needn’t
find out I’ve been on the ride 50 times before. If his balloon
ever bursts, it won’t be by me. Speaking of balloons, I wonder if his
balloon is still hanging around in his hotel room? I also wonder if ToT sis
ever got over the affair Cocoa bil had with the balloon. Hmmm
We couldn’t believe how much we were able to get accomplished today.
There were hardly any lines for anything with the exception of Peter Pan of
course. We decided to go back to the Haunted Mansion. It was fun seeing Splashboy
and Boomer so relaxed and excited this time. I went on with ToT sis and Splashboy.
He was laughing and remembering things about the ride from our last day there.
I had fun pointing out some Hidden Mickey’s to him. I’m sure that
if we had the chance to go back on the ride, he would have pointed these same
Hidden Mickey’s to me – and at a faster speed too.
Cocoa bil asked us if we minded going to the Hall of Presidents. Some of us
were more enthusiastic than others. There was a 29-minute wait before the next
show, so we had time to ride Snow White’s Scary Adventure, Winnie-the-Pooh
and the Carousel. I was a little worried how the boys would handle Snow White,
but they weren’t even remotely scared. I think I was a more scared of
some of the horses on the carousel. I’m sure
I saw one lunge at me. Shudder
We made it just in time for the Hall of Presidents. With all that has happened
in the political field these last few months, I was very interested to see
how people reacted to George Bush when he started to speak. Last time we were
here, people stood up and cheered. Today, not a sound was made. The difference
was quite dramatic. I’ll leave you to develop your own conclusions.
Cocoa bil commented on something after the show that I hadn’t realized.
With each introduction of a new President, they not only have to create a new
figure, but they have to reprogram each President to turn their heads towards
the new President. Interesting tidbit. I’m not a details person I guess.
I’m too busy looking at each President’s wardrobe.
It was hard to believe, but we had finished the Magic Kingdom and it was only
12:30pm! Today we made sure to see the attractions we had missed earlier in
the week. We accomplished our goal and even did a few repeats. Amazing! We
decided to browse through some of the shops before heading out of the park.
It had been a wonderful morning, but it was time to get back to Fanlover.
But wait. What’s that sound I hear just outside the store? Could it be
our beloved Dapper Dans? They weren’t singing a full song right now,
but just sang a couple notes for fun as they were walking down the street.
Dapper Dad had always loved quartets and has always enjoyed listening to the
Dapper Dans at the Magic Kingdom. He jokingly asked one of the members, “What
do I have to do to get you guys to sing a song”? Their reply was a good
one. They said that my dad would have to join the Dapper Dans and sing right
along with them. I thought I was going to faint.
Before I knew it, my dad was the 5th member of the Dapper Dan
Quartet singing a song for everyone to enjoy. True he didn’t
know the song they chose, but he was still one heck of a bass.
To show how much they enjoyed having this new member, they put
one of their hats on Dapper Dad. He was in heaven. I smiled as I look
over at Goofy Guy. He was videotaping the whole thing.
I have him trained well.
I look over at ToT sis and…and…WHERE IS TOT SIS?? She MUST see
this! It was bad enough that Fanlover was missing it, I’ll be damned
if ToT sis was going to miss it too! I ran into the nearest store and dragged
her out to see our father in action. We both made it outside and were delighted
with what we saw. Dapper Dad was smiling ear to ear and singing his heart out.
It could have only been better had it been a song he knew. Why couldn’t
they have sung, “Found a Peanut” or “Go Tell It On The Mountain”?
He would have cleaned up!
After the song ended, the Dapper Dans chatted with Dapper Dad for a while.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dapper Dad has a new job come January. If
you happen to be in WDW this winter, be sure to look for the Canadian.
We were so caught up in the moment; we neglected to notice what was in ToT
sis’ hand. In my haste to bring her outside, we forgot to put down the
merchandise she was handling. Yes, we were fugitives yet again. Apparently
we had learned nothing from our experience at the tollbooth. I don’t
know, maybe prison won’t be too bad, will it? Martha Stewart made it
out relatively unscathed right?
ToT sis noticed all the characters around with small lines so she asked if
I minded taking the pencil back into the store while she took the kids to take
some pictures. Sure, I’ll take the fall for you sis. You go flirt with
Turk and Friar Tuck while I get taken away in handcuffs. It was clear to me
that she was getting revenge for the whole Tower of Terror fiasco. There was
nothing I could do.
I casually walked back into the store and picked up a couple things, put them
back down. Picked up a few more things, and put them back down…until
I found where the pencils were. I picked up some more pencils and put them
all down. I’m sure I saw some suspicious CM’s faces, but no handcuffs
were ever produced. I made a run for it and breathed a sigh of relief once
I got outside. Freedom never smelled so good.
We made a quick restroom break before leaving the park. Just then the Dapper
Dans came by and started to sing another song for us. This time, they invited
Splashboy to join them. The now fearless Splashboy, ran up to join them. Eat
your heart out Dapper Dad – you may have gotten to wear 1 hat, but Splashboy
got to wear all 4 – at the same time to boot!
What a spectacular morning we had. Dapper Dad realized a life long dream of
singing in a quartet and the boys became conductors on a train. What could
be better? How about becoming Captains on the ferry ride back to the ticket & transportation
centre! That’s exactly what happened. When we boarded the ferry, Cocoa
bil took the boys to speak to the Captain and the boys were allowed to enter
the Captain’s room. What’s next, becoming pilots? Slow down boys…you
should wait until you’re at least 7 before you fly a plane.
You’re all welcome by the way…
We made it back to the hotel to meet up with Fanlover. The boys really missed
having her around so they were anxious to tell her all about our morning. Rather
than tell her about our day however, why not show her instead by having another
slide show! We enjoyed the quick show and then it was off to Wilderness Lodge.
The men were anxious to sing their rendition of “My Little Buttercup” before
successfully fighting a dragon and snake. The lengths they won’t go to,
to impress the boys! Stay tuned!
Day 6 - Part 2...
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