A Small World
<img src=http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/509
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2007
Trip report part 7- - Yeeha -A fistful of Euros!
Friday 28th March
Cast:
Me - 5th time to DLP
DH - 5th time to DLP
DD (8) - 5th time to DLP
DS (21) - 1st time to DLP but has been to WDW 3 times but not for over 10 yrs
Another early morning on what was to turn out to be an amazing day. We had decided again to get up for EMH but again DS had decided he didnt want to come with us and was going to meet us at 10.30 again. Whilst we were very quietly getting dressed he muttered that he wasnt meeting us then but would meet us at 12.00 by the Castle he hadnt slept very well and claimed the snoring kept him awake dont know who he was talking about (!!??!!) So DH, DD and myself set off for the park. We decided to get the bus as we were still very tired. Fortunately we got on easily as there werent too many people waiting. We reached the park just in time for 8.00 opening. We had a 9.45 GMF breakfast booked so planned to do lots of rides first. The park was noticeably quieter than when we did EMH on Wednesday. We wandered down mainstreet pausing to take a few photos.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img369.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912280/27912280_6adfdde91208024559.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912280&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912280&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link9.php?refid=27912280"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo9.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912280"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img301.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912319/27912319_a9475d5a1208024656.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912319&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912319&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link7.php?refid=27912319"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo7.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912319"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img368.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912383/27912383_61d402231208024735.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912383&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912383&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link3.php?refid=27912383"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo3.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912383"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
Again we decided Peter Pan would be our first ride. We then decided to ride it again. We got to the part just passed the Tower of London when the ride stopped. At first we just assumed they were allowing someone to get on from a wheel chair or who needed more time but we didnt move at all. After what seemed ages a message came over the tannoy asking us to stay seated and then the lights came on. We were sat there for a while unsure what was happening. There was no one in the other ships near us so we hoped they realised we were on it. 2 CMs then walked through the attraction and told us to stay seated as there was a problem. It looks very different in the light and we could see the ladders at the side that they would use if needed to evacuate us. The strange thing was although the ride had stopped completely and all the other lights from the ride were off the little cars were still moving backwards and forwards.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="359" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img372.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912410/27912410_65d369041208024805.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=359&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912410&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912410&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link10.php?refid=27912410"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo10.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912410"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
We were starting to wonder if we would have to climb out by ladder when the ride started up again. It went a bit further then stopped again. This time it wasnt stopped as long and the lights remained off. When we got off DH commented that the 2nd time we had stopped he had smelt burning rubber but hadnt liked to tell me at the time. We got off and the CM asked if we wanted another go as he knew wed had 2 turns already. We declined but he insisted it was all OK now. DH mentioned to him about the smell but he didnt seem that bothered. As we went out of the exit another CM was chatting to us and asking if we enjoyed it and we joked about it being different to usual. DH mentioned to him about the smell and he seemed concerned about that. We also noticed that the ride was closed now and they werent letting anyone on but then it struck us that the first CM had tried to get us to go on again saying it was OK. Im hoping we wouldnt have been allowed on again if wed wanted if no one else was allowed on.
Adventure over we went to ride Dumbo (twice I think), Carrousel and Snow White. For quite a while PP was closed which meant the other rides were busier but still quiet compared to Wednesday.
We then went over to Discoveryland to ride Buzz. We had booked at Manhatten this evening at 8.00 (park closing) but had all been so tired by 8.00 on other evenings we were wondering about cancelling it and eating earlier in somewhere less formal. I allowed DH to go to City Hall on his own and change the booking giving him free reign to choose where we would eat (We had discussed a few places before hand and Id given him a few choices) so he wandered off there while DD and I did Buzz again and then went to ride the teacups. DH met us by the teacups with the news he had booked Inventions for us at 6.00. We have always thought this looked expensive but having seen it the night before when we visited the DLH and having enjoyed our character meal at Lucky Nugget and comparing the price with Manhatten (virtually the same) we had decided to splash out and try it. City Hall was empty when DH went so the CMs were chatting to him and asking him about which rides he was enjoying etc. He told them about our adventure getting stuck on PP and they told him we could go and watch the parade from the special reserved area by the start opposite Small World.
By now it was almost time for our GMF at Chalet des Marionettes. (We noticed PP was still closed.) We made our way to the restaurant and told them there were only 3 of us even though the ticket was for 4. When weve done GMF before its been at Bella Notte and we had to find our own seats this time we were seated. We left DD at the table and went to collect the food. We really enjoyed it (much better than 7.00 in the hotel).
I cant remember what we did next but I seem to think we rode Small World, Storybook ride, Casey Junior and Pirates. We are so used to riding POC in the evening when the Blue Lagoon is open it was strange riding past it when it was closed.
We went to meet DS at the Castle as planned and decided to go and see the Lion King show again. However we got there and found a large queue outside so as DS hadnt had any food we decided to go to Hyperion and watch it from there. We got a drink and DS got a chicken burger and fries. We enjoyed the show and it was a good way to see it but I think its better watching it from the main theatre.
As this was our last full day in the park we wanted to make sure we had done everything we hadnt already done and also do some shopping. We went to look upstairs in the castle and then do some shopping in Mainstreet. DH nipped across to Frontierland to get some FPs for BTM whilst we browsed in the shops. DD had seen a Thumper backpack that she wanted and she also got a small Winnie the Pooh with a Piglet backpack on and DS got a small Tigger with an Eeyore backpack on. We also bought some sweets and lollies to bring home and some prizes for our May quiz (Hope lots of you are going to take part). We used the service where they send the things back to your hotel and only just made it as it was about to close.
We then looked in Aladdins Cave and explored Adventure Isle a bit before sitting outside Chalet des Marionettes to have a drink. DH went to buy some popcorn which we ate whilst sat there. It was then time to go over to our special reserved area to watch the parade.
It was brilliant. There was a roped off area opposite the Wheelchair area and there were only the 4 of us in there.
<div style="width:579px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=109430436&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="579" height="434" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=109430436"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=109430436&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=109430436"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link7.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link7.gif"></a></div>
We had an unrestricted view of the floats as they came through the gate. You could actually see quite a way back and could see everyone dancing etc and in role even before they came through the gate. DD got lots of attention and waves from the characters and the most enormous hug from Eeyore.
<div style="width:579px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=109431600&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="579" height="433" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=109431600"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=109431600&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=109431600"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link3.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link3.gif"></a></div>
After the parade had finished we needed to get across to Frontierland quickly for our FP. We rode BTM and again really enjoyed it. We decided to leave the park then and go straight to DLH for our Inventions booking. We wandered out of the park and over to DLH where we went to the bar first for a drink. We sat on the settees in the foyer area. DH had a fruit drink, DD had iced tea and DS and I ordered tea. We handed over our AP for the discount and were told the machine wasnt working so instead of the discount they wouldnt charge us for the 2 teas (a much bigger discount than the 10% we would have got). We lingered there and then went across to Inventions.
We were seated in the area past the buffet and ordered our free aperitifs we asked for 2 Kirs and an orange. The waiter asked why we didnt want 4 drinks as there were 4 of us. We explained we only had 3 dream APs but he said we got a drink for everyone even if we only had 1 AP. (We had thought the aperitif was only for the one person and we checked this the next day at Walts who confirmed what we had thought) So we ended up unexpectedly with 3 Kirs and one orange.
We went to get some starters and were amazed at the choice. DD had some ham, melon and nachos whilst us adults tried a selection of things the smoked salmon was delicious as were the stuffed vine leaves, goats cheese wrapped in parma ham etc etc. DS and DH then had a plate of seafood whilst I skipped that course.
For the main course DD had chicken strips, smiley faces, and spaghetti bolognaise she particularly loved the Bolognaise and had 2nds and the chicken strips were real strips of chicken breast. The adults had again loads of choice- some delicious beef, quail, pork, veal, potatoes, vegetables, rice, pasta vegetarian Lasagne and loads and loads more. DD also tried some of the adult buffet as well and especially liked the beef.
Then the desserts wow Chocolate fountain with marshmallow kebabs to dip in, chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, other cakes, floating islands, cookies, fruit, cheese and loads and loads more. Im sorry I cant remember it all.
We thought the food was wonderful with so much choice. It gave us chance to try lots of different things.
Whilst all this was going on we had visits from loads of characters
<div style="width:579px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=109432841&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="579" height="435" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=109432841"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=109432841&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=109432841"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link5.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link5.gif"></a></div>
first Gepetto, then a large duck dressed in a flying jacket both arrived soon after we did so there werent many other people seated in our area so they spent time with us. After them it was Eeyore then a penguin from Mary Poppins. The penguin pointed at the camera and insisted on having his photo taken with DH and DS as well. He then wanted to look at the photo to see if he approved of it. He seemed to spend ages at our table. We were laughing about it as a few years ago one of DSs teachers from school had an audition as a penguin to appear in a TV advert. He has now left the school so we started to wonder if he is now working at DLP as a penguin!!!! DD insisted it couldnt be him as hed signed his name as Pingu and so had to be one of the real penguins from Mary Poppins. Also while we were getting some dessert from the buffet he approached DS again and pointed at the Cookies. DS offered him a cake first but he shook his head and pointed again. DS then gave him a cookie and he pretended to eat it.
Minnie then visited and then who else but Pluto (following us again). We were about to leave when Goofy appeared so we hung round to try and get a photo with him. By now it was very busy and some children were approaching the characters. The CMs were sending them back to their tables. After a while I think Goofy realised we were going so came over. He took a shine to DS and again insisted on getting his photo taken with DS. He also pointed at DHs stomach and commented on it (Goofy I mean not DS. He did this in Lucky Nugget as well).
We really enjoyed the experience and considering we would have paid about the same amount at Manhatten were really pleased we had gone there instead. We were also glad we went at 6.00 when it first opened as it was much quieter at first so we had more time to enjoy the characters.
We wandered back through the Village to New York where we called into the bar there for a coffee. We thought it was quite strange that they seated you and although there were loads of empty tables they insisted on us waiting while they cleared a table for us. Goofy appeared in the lobby area and was dancing and entertaining the children so DS took DD outside to watch.
We walked back to Cheyenne where we went to the shop to collect our purchases which had been sent there. We looked into the bar but again it was too busy and there were no seats at all so we decided not to bother I assume it is better in warmer weather as people sit outside as well.
Instead we returned to our room and packed as much as we could as we were leaving tomorrow but had most of the day in the park first so still had more excitement to come but what an exciting day wed had that day.
Friday 28th March
Cast:
Me - 5th time to DLP
DH - 5th time to DLP
DD (8) - 5th time to DLP
DS (21) - 1st time to DLP but has been to WDW 3 times but not for over 10 yrs
Another early morning on what was to turn out to be an amazing day. We had decided again to get up for EMH but again DS had decided he didnt want to come with us and was going to meet us at 10.30 again. Whilst we were very quietly getting dressed he muttered that he wasnt meeting us then but would meet us at 12.00 by the Castle he hadnt slept very well and claimed the snoring kept him awake dont know who he was talking about (!!??!!) So DH, DD and myself set off for the park. We decided to get the bus as we were still very tired. Fortunately we got on easily as there werent too many people waiting. We reached the park just in time for 8.00 opening. We had a 9.45 GMF breakfast booked so planned to do lots of rides first. The park was noticeably quieter than when we did EMH on Wednesday. We wandered down mainstreet pausing to take a few photos.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img369.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912280/27912280_6adfdde91208024559.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912280&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912280&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link9.php?refid=27912280"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo9.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912280"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img301.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912319/27912319_a9475d5a1208024656.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912319&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912319&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link7.php?refid=27912319"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo7.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912319"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img368.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912383/27912383_61d402231208024735.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912383&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912383&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link3.php?refid=27912383"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo3.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912383"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
Again we decided Peter Pan would be our first ride. We then decided to ride it again. We got to the part just passed the Tower of London when the ride stopped. At first we just assumed they were allowing someone to get on from a wheel chair or who needed more time but we didnt move at all. After what seemed ages a message came over the tannoy asking us to stay seated and then the lights came on. We were sat there for a while unsure what was happening. There was no one in the other ships near us so we hoped they realised we were on it. 2 CMs then walked through the attraction and told us to stay seated as there was a problem. It looks very different in the light and we could see the ladders at the side that they would use if needed to evacuate us. The strange thing was although the ride had stopped completely and all the other lights from the ride were off the little cars were still moving backwards and forwards.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="359" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img372.rockyou.com/photofx/27/27912/27912410/27912410_65d369041208024805.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=359&imageWidth=452&instanceid=27912410&userid=9422703&createDateString=Apr%2012%20%2708&username=%7E" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "></embed></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=A0F8&c=1&id=27912410&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link10.php?refid=27912410"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/new_tail_logo10.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?widget=photofx&src=emcr?refid=27912410"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
We were starting to wonder if we would have to climb out by ladder when the ride started up again. It went a bit further then stopped again. This time it wasnt stopped as long and the lights remained off. When we got off DH commented that the 2nd time we had stopped he had smelt burning rubber but hadnt liked to tell me at the time. We got off and the CM asked if we wanted another go as he knew wed had 2 turns already. We declined but he insisted it was all OK now. DH mentioned to him about the smell but he didnt seem that bothered. As we went out of the exit another CM was chatting to us and asking if we enjoyed it and we joked about it being different to usual. DH mentioned to him about the smell and he seemed concerned about that. We also noticed that the ride was closed now and they werent letting anyone on but then it struck us that the first CM had tried to get us to go on again saying it was OK. Im hoping we wouldnt have been allowed on again if wed wanted if no one else was allowed on.
Adventure over we went to ride Dumbo (twice I think), Carrousel and Snow White. For quite a while PP was closed which meant the other rides were busier but still quiet compared to Wednesday.
We then went over to Discoveryland to ride Buzz. We had booked at Manhatten this evening at 8.00 (park closing) but had all been so tired by 8.00 on other evenings we were wondering about cancelling it and eating earlier in somewhere less formal. I allowed DH to go to City Hall on his own and change the booking giving him free reign to choose where we would eat (We had discussed a few places before hand and Id given him a few choices) so he wandered off there while DD and I did Buzz again and then went to ride the teacups. DH met us by the teacups with the news he had booked Inventions for us at 6.00. We have always thought this looked expensive but having seen it the night before when we visited the DLH and having enjoyed our character meal at Lucky Nugget and comparing the price with Manhatten (virtually the same) we had decided to splash out and try it. City Hall was empty when DH went so the CMs were chatting to him and asking him about which rides he was enjoying etc. He told them about our adventure getting stuck on PP and they told him we could go and watch the parade from the special reserved area by the start opposite Small World.
By now it was almost time for our GMF at Chalet des Marionettes. (We noticed PP was still closed.) We made our way to the restaurant and told them there were only 3 of us even though the ticket was for 4. When weve done GMF before its been at Bella Notte and we had to find our own seats this time we were seated. We left DD at the table and went to collect the food. We really enjoyed it (much better than 7.00 in the hotel).
I cant remember what we did next but I seem to think we rode Small World, Storybook ride, Casey Junior and Pirates. We are so used to riding POC in the evening when the Blue Lagoon is open it was strange riding past it when it was closed.
We went to meet DS at the Castle as planned and decided to go and see the Lion King show again. However we got there and found a large queue outside so as DS hadnt had any food we decided to go to Hyperion and watch it from there. We got a drink and DS got a chicken burger and fries. We enjoyed the show and it was a good way to see it but I think its better watching it from the main theatre.
As this was our last full day in the park we wanted to make sure we had done everything we hadnt already done and also do some shopping. We went to look upstairs in the castle and then do some shopping in Mainstreet. DH nipped across to Frontierland to get some FPs for BTM whilst we browsed in the shops. DD had seen a Thumper backpack that she wanted and she also got a small Winnie the Pooh with a Piglet backpack on and DS got a small Tigger with an Eeyore backpack on. We also bought some sweets and lollies to bring home and some prizes for our May quiz (Hope lots of you are going to take part). We used the service where they send the things back to your hotel and only just made it as it was about to close.
We then looked in Aladdins Cave and explored Adventure Isle a bit before sitting outside Chalet des Marionettes to have a drink. DH went to buy some popcorn which we ate whilst sat there. It was then time to go over to our special reserved area to watch the parade.
It was brilliant. There was a roped off area opposite the Wheelchair area and there were only the 4 of us in there.
<div style="width:579px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=109430436&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="579" height="434" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=109430436"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=109430436&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=109430436"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link7.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link7.gif"></a></div>
We had an unrestricted view of the floats as they came through the gate. You could actually see quite a way back and could see everyone dancing etc and in role even before they came through the gate. DD got lots of attention and waves from the characters and the most enormous hug from Eeyore.
<div style="width:579px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=109431600&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="579" height="433" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=109431600"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=109431600&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=109431600"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link3.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link3.gif"></a></div>
After the parade had finished we needed to get across to Frontierland quickly for our FP. We rode BTM and again really enjoyed it. We decided to leave the park then and go straight to DLH for our Inventions booking. We wandered out of the park and over to DLH where we went to the bar first for a drink. We sat on the settees in the foyer area. DH had a fruit drink, DD had iced tea and DS and I ordered tea. We handed over our AP for the discount and were told the machine wasnt working so instead of the discount they wouldnt charge us for the 2 teas (a much bigger discount than the 10% we would have got). We lingered there and then went across to Inventions.
We were seated in the area past the buffet and ordered our free aperitifs we asked for 2 Kirs and an orange. The waiter asked why we didnt want 4 drinks as there were 4 of us. We explained we only had 3 dream APs but he said we got a drink for everyone even if we only had 1 AP. (We had thought the aperitif was only for the one person and we checked this the next day at Walts who confirmed what we had thought) So we ended up unexpectedly with 3 Kirs and one orange.
We went to get some starters and were amazed at the choice. DD had some ham, melon and nachos whilst us adults tried a selection of things the smoked salmon was delicious as were the stuffed vine leaves, goats cheese wrapped in parma ham etc etc. DS and DH then had a plate of seafood whilst I skipped that course.
For the main course DD had chicken strips, smiley faces, and spaghetti bolognaise she particularly loved the Bolognaise and had 2nds and the chicken strips were real strips of chicken breast. The adults had again loads of choice- some delicious beef, quail, pork, veal, potatoes, vegetables, rice, pasta vegetarian Lasagne and loads and loads more. DD also tried some of the adult buffet as well and especially liked the beef.
Then the desserts wow Chocolate fountain with marshmallow kebabs to dip in, chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, other cakes, floating islands, cookies, fruit, cheese and loads and loads more. Im sorry I cant remember it all.
We thought the food was wonderful with so much choice. It gave us chance to try lots of different things.
Whilst all this was going on we had visits from loads of characters
<div style="width:579px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=109432841&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="579" height="435" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=109432841"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=109432841&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=109432841"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link5.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link5.gif"></a></div>
first Gepetto, then a large duck dressed in a flying jacket both arrived soon after we did so there werent many other people seated in our area so they spent time with us. After them it was Eeyore then a penguin from Mary Poppins. The penguin pointed at the camera and insisted on having his photo taken with DH and DS as well. He then wanted to look at the photo to see if he approved of it. He seemed to spend ages at our table. We were laughing about it as a few years ago one of DSs teachers from school had an audition as a penguin to appear in a TV advert. He has now left the school so we started to wonder if he is now working at DLP as a penguin!!!! DD insisted it couldnt be him as hed signed his name as Pingu and so had to be one of the real penguins from Mary Poppins. Also while we were getting some dessert from the buffet he approached DS again and pointed at the Cookies. DS offered him a cake first but he shook his head and pointed again. DS then gave him a cookie and he pretended to eat it.
Minnie then visited and then who else but Pluto (following us again). We were about to leave when Goofy appeared so we hung round to try and get a photo with him. By now it was very busy and some children were approaching the characters. The CMs were sending them back to their tables. After a while I think Goofy realised we were going so came over. He took a shine to DS and again insisted on getting his photo taken with DS. He also pointed at DHs stomach and commented on it (Goofy I mean not DS. He did this in Lucky Nugget as well).
We really enjoyed the experience and considering we would have paid about the same amount at Manhatten were really pleased we had gone there instead. We were also glad we went at 6.00 when it first opened as it was much quieter at first so we had more time to enjoy the characters.
We wandered back through the Village to New York where we called into the bar there for a coffee. We thought it was quite strange that they seated you and although there were loads of empty tables they insisted on us waiting while they cleared a table for us. Goofy appeared in the lobby area and was dancing and entertaining the children so DS took DD outside to watch.
We walked back to Cheyenne where we went to the shop to collect our purchases which had been sent there. We looked into the bar but again it was too busy and there were no seats at all so we decided not to bother I assume it is better in warmer weather as people sit outside as well.
Instead we returned to our room and packed as much as we could as we were leaving tomorrow but had most of the day in the park first so still had more excitement to come but what an exciting day wed had that day.
Thumbs up for the customer service in offering you a special place for the parade to make up for being stuck on a ride.
