| Debbie stayed in the room, while the boys and I took a shot at morning EMH at the MK.
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| From the time we left the room until we arrived at Space Mountain, it took 45 minutes! We were not having a great bus day. We left the room at 7:45, and got to Space Mountain at 8:30. We only got one Space Mountain ride in for our morning EMH. But, it was a terrific, fun ride. The CM handed us some FPs for later in the day.
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| After Space Mountain, we walked down to Splash Mountain. Dalton and I stopped on the way to go on the Haunted Mansion. Nick was being a pill. He ventured on to Splash Mountain, and went on without us.
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| The HM was a walk on. It was again a great ride. As you know, its the best ride on property. OK, heres something spooky: On our first day at the MK, I wore my old HM shirt, which has a picture of the skeletal hitchhiker on it. On every ride, the skeletal hitchhiker was in my car. On the second day, the skeletal hitchhiker was never in my car. Scary, huh?
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| After we met up again, all three of us pulled a fast pass for Splash Mountain, and stood in line for Big Thunder. We had a great ride on BTMR. We sat in front of the Hall of Presidents for a while, debating whether to go in. Nick really wanted to see this sometime this trip, but the timing had not yet been quite right. We ended up deciding to try to do our two FPs, which were at basically the same time.
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| We walked down to Space Mountain, but were still a bit early. So, we took a quick, fun trip on the People Mover. After another great ride on Space Mountain, we stopped for a quick snack, then walked down to Splash Mountain just in time for our Fast Pass.
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| All day long we did some heavy snacking on pop, chips, and ice cream. It was a warm day, and the snacks provided some welcome refreshment and energy.
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| After a fun, wet ride on Splash Mountain, we finally made it to the Hall Of Presidents, with the right timing. This is a very worthwhile show. Nick seemed to enjoy it a great deal, with his now fervent interest in US history. I seemed to remember this show being a bit of a downer, but did not find it so at this viewing. It talks about our trials, but leaves a generally upbeat message. I wonder if they changed some of the audio intro. Of course, the technology here is still so impressive, even for us 21st century people. The attention to detail, with the fidgeting figures, and the whispers between those who dont have the floor is just amazing.
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| Right after HoP, we hooked up with Debbie, thanks to the enabling power of the cell phone. I do think that guests have gotten a little abusive with their cell phones (talking on Dark Rides???), but I would hate to travel without mine. I try to be courteous to others, but sure do rely on it. We stopped for a light lunch at the Columbia Harbor House. The food was quit good, but boy the place was crowded! We tended to have light crowds all week, with an occasional burst that surprised us. This was a relaxing break. Since we were right next to HM, it was hard to resist going on it again. So far, this was the only time we had a queue for the HM. It was about 20 minutes. The ride was great.
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| We headed towards the Tiki Room, but Debbie got distracted by the parade. It was not scheduled to start for 50 minutes, but people were already starting to sit along the route. Debbie and Dalton wanted to sit down, but Nick did not have the patience for this. So, Nick and I went on to the Tiki Room. We enjoyed the Tiki Room (still a fun show, with some regrets over the loss of the original). then, we walked back, and stood about 8 feet from where Debbie had been waiting the entire time. This was about 15 minutes before scheduled start (near the boat dock for the Liberty Belle).
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| This snow globe parade is a very neat parade. When we had seen it on a previous trip, we were seated at the Main Street Railway Station. There is a spectacular view from the platform there. This street level view was not as cool, but it was still a very fun parade. I did get some great photos. The four of us finally went together to the Tiki Room. It is a great show, but Debbie had a feeling that parts of the room were a bit dusty (surprising for Disney). I do like this show, but was really happy to see the original in California on our trip last year. I still think the goddess of vengeance (or whatever she is called) is one of the best articulated AA figures around. She has such fluid, lifelike movements!
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| We headed towards Stitchs Great Escape. There was a Stitch Meet And Greet going on right in front of the attraction. Dalton insisted on getting a picture next to Stitch, which was, I believe, the only meet and greet either boy did all trip (thank goodness we can still get photos at character meals!) This was my 3rd pass through Stitchs Great Escape, Debbies 2nd, and who knows how many for the boys? Debbie definitely thought sitting in front was better than the seats she and I had before. Dont let them kid you about every seat having the same experience! You are definitely more likely to get spit on in the front. Wait, is that good?
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| The front does give you a better perspective on some of the audio animatronic action. We stopped at the gift shop on the way out of Stitchs, and got some important items like antenna toppers. Stitch was prominently featured. After a quick ride on the neat little People Mover, we headed for our PS at Chef Mickeys.
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| The resort monorail ride both there and back was really nice. It was the early evening, and the ride was so picturesque! Just one of those neat little moments you remember. We arrived just on time to Chef Mickeys. I had worried we were running late. We still had to wait in the upstairs lounge with a beeper, but it did not seem long. I had mixed emotions about Chef Mickeys. There is definitely less interaction if you have two teenagers with you (especially if one is Nicks size). But, we did have some fun, including Goofy trying to decide if he or Nick were taller. We ended up with some good pictures and some fun memories.
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| We were also out in one of the satellite rooms, if you will. Some of the show only seems to take place down on the main floor. The food was good, but I did not think it was great. Even though the service was just basic beverage, our CM was really friendly and on the ball. Everyone did find something they liked. The prime rib, shrimp, and key lime pie were notable.
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| When we got back to the MK, Nick and Dalton split off. The one thing I really felt like I did not want to miss in Fantasyland was Peter Pan. So, Debbie and I headed that way, but stopped in Mickeys Philharmagic on a whim. Again, I have to say what a great show! The 3D 3D, the apple pie smell, and the classic Disney scenes and characters make this a winner. It is funny, has great music, and very special effects.
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| At the shop next to the Philharmagic exit, we picked up a couple of nice t-shirts, including one that featured the Philharmagic. I always find Peter Pan to be a very fun ride. The tech is very dated now, of course. But, they captured a sense of flight in a very simple and charming way. This ride has its own special magic.
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| On the way out of Peter Pan, the courtyard was blocked off (nighttime parade), so we detoured towards Liberty Square. We had no choice but to go on HM. It was a walk on, and another perfect ride. Best on property, you know. We stopped at Madame Leotas cart, and they had the t-shirt I had wanted the other day in my size! I was delighted, as they only had smaller sizes the other day.
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| All of this made us late enough that we stopped and watched the fireworks. We were in front of the Riverboat dock. I believe we have seen this show before, but it is pretty special. the character voices and classic Disney music are great, and the fireworks are spectacular. (My favorite nighttime show remains Illuminations. I mean, after all, its Illuminations).
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| We then tried to join the crush to leave the park, but just could not deal with it. We gave up, stopped at Caseys, and had a coke and a smile. By the time we were done drinking and watching throngs of people pass by, the rush had died down quite a bit, and we found it to be much more passable.
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| Today and our day at Epcot, we took advantage of the park lockers, mainly because we needed coats in the evening. Yes, coats! The lockers are a great convenience, and not to be forgotten. Since we had one, we stowed the camera at dusk, because it just does not take great nighttime shots. We were back to the room kind of early. We took advantage of our in room hot tub, then I messed with the days pictures, and notes for my trip report.
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