Magic Chat Live

Day 1

At 2:30 am on Friday June 4th, my alarm clock went off. I was dazed and confused for a moment until it hit me.... it was time to go to Walt Disney World!! I flew out of bed and headed for the shower. 45 minutes later, DH and I tip toed into DS's room to wake him up. He had the biggest smile on his face and he was raring to go

Daddy loaded the luggage into the car and we were off to the airport. It was a LONG drive , but we still made it by 4:45am. And it turns out all my apprehension about whether or not the sky caps would be at the airport were unfounded. They were there and there was quite a long line too But it was still quicker than parking and waiting in the line at the ticket counter. Within 10 minutes we had our boarding passes, kissed Daddy goodbye and headed into the airport security line. 5 minutes later we were off to the gate, with a quick stop at McD's for and a light breakfast snack.

The plane boarded quickly and by 6:05am, we were pulling away from the gate and off to our happy place!! DS watched a movie for part of the flight and I started to re-read Eclipse in anticipation of the release of the movie later this month.

We landed on time and were at the Magical Express bus stop in under 10 minutes. We were promptly loaded onto a bus and were off within minutes.



The bus was about half full. We sat in the front row to make sure we could take a picture of our favorite landmark



The bus made a stop at the Poly first before heading to the CR.

At 10:40 am, we pulled up in front of the CR



We hopped off the bus, grabbed DS's little suitcase from under the bus and headed inside to check in. No line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went to the counter and DS flashed his most brilliant smile and said to the CM, "Can we please, please, PLEASE stay in this building?" The CM looked at me and I gave him a and he said "Let me see what I can do about that..." He punched a bunch of stuff into the keyboard and then came back moments later with our room keys and a birthday button for DS. Then he told DS, "Just head around the corner to the bank of elevators and head up to the 8th floor, room 4433."

This was DS:







He literally started jumping up and down!!

So we headed off to the elevators and went up to our room



And of course to check out that magical view





We were given an odd numbered room, per our request, which means you can see the castle (and later the fireworks as well) while lying in bed!

We dropped off our carry ons, slathered on the SPF 70 and headed to the park.





First up was to grab a FP for Space Mountain.

Then we took a spin on the TTA



And of course, off to Mommy's favorite ride



And to grab another FP for BTMRR before lunch.

Lunch was at our favorite MK lunch place, the Plaza. Sadly, they are refurbishing the outside, so the building is covered in a tent. Also, the windows are blocked off and the back sunporch is closed. It really does change the feeling of the place...

Anyway, it turns out that we were the 100th family to be seated that day, so we were procliamed by the Mayor to be Family of the Day!



While we waited for the food, DS studied up on his favorite subject:



We searched for TONS of Hidden Mickeys this trip! DS was getting really good at it by the end too!

Finally lunch arrived. I had the Plaza Club and the world famous Plaza Sundae



DS had the PB&J and the mickeylodeon



And the waiter made sure everyone around us sang to him too!

After lunch, we headed back to Frontierland to ride BTMRR





And then took the train into Toontown to say hello to Mickey & Minnie.





We finished our time at the MK by taking a spin on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin





And lastly, Space Mountain



(Mental note to self: Do NOT wear a dress to Space Mountain again as it would be very easy to expose yourself ala Britney Spears when getting in and out of the ride car No, that is not my underwear in this picture! It is the bottom ruffle of my dress blowing backwards!)

We took the monorail back to the hotel around 4:30pm and the luggage had arrived to the room. While I was unpacking, there was a knock on the door. Turns out Mickey had a special delivery for the birthday boy!



He was VERY excited to get this too!!! (Thanks Kel for all your help on this!)

Dinner was at California Grille tonight. Our seating was at 6pm, so we were not able to get a table right next to the window.



I had the goat cheese ravioli (OMG! It was divine!!)



The bison and risotto ( Wow! There truly were no words for how good it was)



and the lemon cheesecake trio (another WOW!)



DS had pudding and they added the chocolate bday banner as well.

After dinner we went back to the room to unwind, but rather than sleep, SOMEONE wanted to stay up for the fireworks



I sure hope I was going to pay for this in the AM when the alarm clock went off at 7am for breakfast...

Kristin-I'm so glad you started your trip report. That is cute that your son was jumping up and down when he found out he would be staying in the tower. Neat that you were the 100 family. You will have to show us some of those hidden Mickey's in January. I like the fast passes in your Sundae picture. Funny about dress on Space Mountain. Yum on the California Grill pictures.

Guess what? My dh got a little jealous thinking about how I'm going to go to Disney in January and we aren't planning another trip till April - so he suggested going after Thanksgiving. I know you have been that week before, we have been the first week of December a few times, is the week after pretty good. We will be coming in late Saturday (after Thanksgiving) afternoon and leaving Friday. He wanted to try the Yacht Club again. Men, who says they don't get jealous.

I can't wait to read more. Kyle is so cute.

Yay, Kristin!! I've been waiting to hear about your trip!! Lovin' your TR already!
(note to self: order what Kristin ordered at Cali Grill!!)

And Lisa, to answer your "how are the crowds after Thanksgiving" question....that's a good time to go, based on our experience. And we've traveled then more than once.

Lisa, the week after Thanksgiving isn't as empty as it once was, but its still pretty good. If you are coming in Saturday, it will still be PACKED Saturday night and start to get better Sunday. Mon-Wed will be decent but by late Thursday into Friday it will get packed again for the MK Christmas parade taping. Make sure you check out MVMCP too!!

Thanks for reading along so far! More to follow in the days ahead...

Great start, Kristin!!! Can't wait to read more!!! It must be so nice to be in a room in the CR and just head upstairs to the Cali Grill, no travel, no fuss. Awesome!

Kristen

Great start...looking forward to more...DS is such a cutie...he certainly has a "million dollar smile"

Thanks guys!!!

G- I almost wished we booked a 3rd dinner at CG since the "commute" was so easy!!

Day 2- Let the Commando Touring Commence!

My alarm clock went off at 6:30 am so we could be ready to leave the room by 7:40 to walk to the Magic Kingdom. It was HOT in the room! Those silly A/C units have a motion detector and they don't work very well if they don't detect movement. (Duh, who is going to be moving at night????) I made a quick call to maintenance to rectify the problem while we were out...

I tried to wake DS up at 7:15, but he was alittle tired Luckily, Mickey had swung by the room during the night to leave a present



And that coaxed him out of bed to retrieve it!!

We left the room around 7:45 and walked to the MK, which had a 9am opening time. We had an 8 am ADR at Crystal Palace, so we were granted early entry and stopped for a picture on a nearly empty Main Street.



While waiting for the restaurant to open, I couldn't resist snapping a picture of the castle.



Looks like we are in for a sunny day today!!!

At precisely 8am, the characters game out to greet the gathered guests.



And we were seated quickly. I paid the check immediately upon sitting down since we didn't want to risk missing rope drop (like last year).

We grabbed our first plates of food and then the characters started to appear.







at 8:50 am, after the hourly parade, the characters took a break and it was decision time. Did we wait to see and miss rope drop or head out to make sure we got on Dumbo without a wait????





I left the decision in DS's hands..... guess what he chose??????




























We were literally the first people in line!!!!! After this we headed quickly to Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White and then the Tea Cups.



Surprisingly, it was still very early, so we headed to Tomorrowland to grab a FP for Space Mountain and ran into this little guy, with no line.



Next we took a quick spin on the Barnstormer and arrived at the Toontown train station at 10:15 am (Yes, that is correct, we got all that done in 75 minutes!!!!) and went to Frontierland to grab more FP's. BTMRR and Splash were both walk ons, so we rode those too!!



By now it was after 11am, and the lines were picking up (but still a lot lower than last year). We went into Adventureland to ride the Jungle Cruise and see the Tiki birds. On the way through Frontierland on our way to ride the Haunted Mansion, we ran into another short character line.



So we hopped in to say hello.

After the Haunted Mansion, it was time for lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. It was getting pretty warm by now so we were both grateful for the A/C break. Plus they have the most refreshing raspberry lemonade

I had the tavern fried cheese and the cheeseburger. DS had the meaty macaroni meal (which, surprisingly he liked ). The meal lingered, as the table behind us was having a horrible time getting their dining plan credits sorted out. Turns out the teenaged kids were using their cards for alot of random CS meals that Mom and Dad didn't know about

The waiter was very apologetic, but we told him no worries, we were enjoying the A/C!



He came out with a birthday cupcake for DS, complete with the ringing bell and a song.



I had the Gooey Toffee Cake (which might be my favorite dessert in all of WDW!!!)

After lunch, we used our FP's for BTMRR and Splash (saving Space Mountain for late tonight) and grabbed another FP for BTMRR for tonight as well. We headed back to the hotel to swim, but the lightning appeared within 15 minutes of us getting into the water and they evacuated the pool. It only rained for 20 minutes (if that) but there still was not time to get back in the water and still shower for dinner.

Dinner tonight was at CRT



DS was NOT happy when he learned that it was a full blown princess meal now.



At least we got a table by the window...



And he was happy to still get a sword. (Sidenote, we had the world's brattiest kids at the table next to us. They were sword fighting in the aisle, despite the restaurant being packed and servers trying to deliver food to the tables around us. Mom and Dad were oblivious )

The food came before the princesses did.



I had the castle salad and the lamb chops. They were OK, but eating at Cali Grille has really spoiled me now! lol



I had the seasonal creme brulee for dessert (I think it was espresso) but it was very average.

After the food, the pricesses came out and we were the third table in the rotation so we saw them all in less than 10 minutes.









We signed the check and were off. We still had a couple of FP's to use, but opted for a ride on the TTA first, to make sure dinner was digested before hitting Space Mountain!



Afterwards, we rode Space (again, I was in a dress ) and then BTMRR.

While walking from Space to BTMRR I realized that people were lining up REALLY early to watch the 1st night of the Main Street Electrical Parade. I just hoped we would get out of the park before it got crazy crowded!!

Luckily for us, the FP line was short for BTMRR and we hurried out of the park, cutting through Casey's Corner and the Emporium to avoid the sidewalk crowds and made it out of the park by 8:55pm.

We headed back to the room to shower, put on our PJ's and watch



We snapped the drapes closed at 10:10 when they were over and promptly went to sleep. Tomorrow would be another early day, as it was our Day 1 of Star Wars Weekend

Day 3: The Force is Strong with this One

Our goal was to get to DHS by 8:15am for the 9am opening. We had a quick breakfast at the Contempo at 7:30 and then hopped the bus to the Studios. We arrived at 8:10 am.

Luckily, they were selling the SWW Tshirts at the gift shop just before the turnstyles, so I left DS in line and ran over to grab him one. After a quick change of his shirt, we were ready!

At 8:15, the music began and we glanced up on the roof the entrance



The stormtroopers were here, but they had a guest with them.... Bobba Fett!



DS was very excited to see him!! Since this is the 30th anniversary since the release of Empire Strikes Back, Bounty Hunters had a big role in this year's events.



The stormtroopers did their usual routine of making fun of us waiting to get in ("Have you ever seen people so glad to be locked OUT of somewhere??")

They did let us into the park around 8:30 am, but still held us at the rope at the top pf the street. DS and I decided that since we were so close to the front that we would ride TSM first.

Just before 9am, they dropped the rope and we followed the herd. By 9:15am we were out of the ride and headed to the Backlot (aka The Dark Side) and got in the line for Darth Vader before it got too out of hand





This year, instead of using the autograph book, DS had all the characters sign his lightsaber (red for the bad guys and blue for the good guys).

After a 30 minute wait for Vader, we checked out Bobba Fett, who was just around the corner



Then we got in position for the parade at 10:20 am. We sat on a half wall by the Great Movie Ride statues to ensure that no one would sit in front of us. It was a long, hot wait We grabbed ice cream when we first sat down, but its cooling effects didn't last long. Finally I pulled out the umbrella for shade and the misty fan, which helped.

At 11:40 am, the parade began







Goofy came and gave DS a high five!



First came the good guys





Even though they are Clone Troopers, they are still considered the good guys...







And now the bad guys













And then, for some reason, more good guys







Celebrity Guest Ray Park (who played Darth Maul)



Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissean)



Dave somebody or another (creator of the Clone Wars TV show)



Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano in the Clone Wars show)



Jeremy Bulloch (Host, and played Bobba Fett in Empire)

Once the parade passed us, we followed it to the end to be in the front for the group picture





Afterwards, we rode Star Tours, to escape the heat briefly, then got in line for more characters





This was the first year that C-3PO was in attendance, so this line was normally very long. We were VERY lucky, that Luke Skywalker came out just as it was our turn in line, and were able to get a photograph with them both!

By now, we were very warm and ready for an A/C break for lunch at Mama Melrose.



I had bruschetta



The chicken parm (which is WAY better than Tony's Town Square, but still not in the same league as Il Mulino)



And the espresso cheesecake (Yum, Yum, Yum!!!!)



They brought DS a hat and a do it yourself ice cream sundae.

After the meal, we were cooled off and our batteries recharged so it was time to see more characters.



We spotted some jawas who were eager to trade. I gave them a piece of double sided tape and they were very pleased! They gave us a sheet of Winnie the Pooh tattoos.



Shaak Ti (a Jedi from the Clone Wars)



Darth Maul



I know I am not supposed to smile, but this guy was just too cool!!! (Yes, my inner Star Wars Geek is showing! )



A random storm trooper was walking around so he agreed to sign



So DS thought he would try his hand at being a stormtrooper too!! (Aren't you a little short to be a storm trooper.... )



Ventress



Jedi Master Mace Windu



Ahsoka Tano (Who was terrific and spent alot of time with each child!)



Queen Padme Amadella (DS saved her a spot on his lightsaber next to Anikin's signature to sign on)



Jedi Mickey and his new friend R2-MK



We got lucky again by seeing Leia and Goofy at the same time. Plus the lines were getting pretty short by now (still not sure why, but we weren't about to question it!)

At 5:30 we headed over to the Jedi Stage to watch the final Jedi Training Academy and to ensure that we were in prime position for the rope drop for the Hyperspace Hoopla.



The Cantina Band was wandering around the stage, so we took a quick picture.

Now, as you know, the Hyperspace Hoopla is the highlight of SWW. It is VERY popular and held in a space WAY too small for the amount of people who want to see it There was a "gentleman" standing in the front (who was a former Jungle Cruise CM, there as part of a reunion group) who made it clear that NO ONE, even small children were going to stand in front of him

Once the training was over, and they got ready to move the ropes, I pushed DS to the front and made sure that he was getting a front row view (after all, we had been there for 90 minutes to ensure we got one!!) And then once the rope was in position, I grabbed 3 more small ones from behind me and pushed them to the front, in front of crabby Jungle Cruise guy, to make sure they could see too. Their parents were beyond grateful and I told them it was my way of paying it forward after a mom did the same for DS last year.

The Hoopla had an 80's theme this year (to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Empire Strikes Back) and there was alot of Michael Jackson



Jango Fett does the moonwalk



Notice the glitter glove on Vader







I didn't upload my own video, but this one is courtesy of You Tube



After the Hoopla, we had dinner at the Sci Fi. I had the chicken sandwich, onion rings, a milkshake and a nasty case of indigestion We went back to the room to watch some of game 5 of the Blackhawks Vs. Flyers Game, with the intent of going to MK for EMH night. But my tummy was so sore, and we got WAY too comfy watching the game that we called it a night and went to sleep instead.... After all, we would have 2 more chances to go the MK late night..... or would we???????

Love your report! Thanks for sharing!

DS is adorable as always

Channing

Kristen - awesome TR!!! Love it The Star Wars Weekend looks like it was a lot of fun and that's not something I'd normally be into either, I need to expand my horizons .

Cali Grill looks yummy! We are eating there for the 1st time in October
Unfortunately we won't be in the CR Tower in October, but I the view you guys had!!!! So gorgeous

I look forward to reading more!

Love it! Great start to your trip report! Cant wait to read more! And of course your DS is a cutie!

We have never done SWW but I think we might have to plan on taking DS next year! Looks so cool!

Kristen - awesome tr...check out William sonoma they have star wars ccokie cutter and pancake molds...they also have star wars aprons...sooo cute! I ordered them as gifts and everyone went crazy for them. I can even imagine how beautiful you would make them.

Great trip report so far...can't wait to read more

Kristin Great start to your TR...DS looks so adorable with his new front teeth coming in! So many nice pics of you both together too!

Really enjoying reading all about SWW too...It looks like lots of fun!

Looking foward to reading more...

More, more!!

So, you didn't see the parade the first MK night? Hmmmm, I hope by your "tease" about more MK, you didn't miss it? That is the main reason my sis and I booked a short trip in July!!!
Your DS is soooo cute!

Kristen: Loving your report. Your DS is too cute (love his front teeth ). It sounds like you got a lot done just in a couple days! Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

Looks like you guys had so much fun!
Kyle looks so cute!!

Thanks everyone!! More to come in the coming days (I still have so much real world stuff to catch up on )

SWW is the coolest!!! I really can't say enough about it (especially if you are a fan). I just wish they would change the Hoopla location ( I am sure I have mentioned that before! lol)

And thanks for the comments on my little jack o' lantern!!! I wish they would stay like that forever!

Kristin I'm enjoying your TR and the pictures of adorable Kyle!
Hey....your record continues.....Your room was ready at check in!!!!