Saturday we got up early--Caroline and I decided that we wanted to at least try to be early enough to be picked as the family to open Magic Kingdom. We haven't ever tried before, and we thought it would be great. Matt reluctantly agreed to go along. Caroline was the one I really needed to convince because she is the one that hates to get up---so if she would be happy to get up, the boys would be easy.
I got up at 5:45--with everyone else getting up in stages afterwards. We left the cabin at 7:05. Our timing was perfect this morning.
We walked out of the cabin to the bus stop and just as we arrived the bus came.
The bus dropped us off near the marina and as we were
approaching the boat dock a boat arrived.
On the boat to the Contemporary Resort
We got off the boat and started walking to Magic Kingdom.
First we had to stop and take pictures at our favorite Disney picture spot
We arrived at 7:40 am--the first family there without a breakfast reservation. We just stood there and waited--2 other groups showed up within 10 min so we weren't the only ones waiting. Shortly after they arrived a worker asked to speak to Matt away from the kids. When they came back the employee asked us to go with her and she had a surprise for us. We went through the turnstiles and Aaron was upset because he didn't have a ticket to put in, so she gave him one (obviously invalid). We then went and sat on a bench. She offered to get us autograph books if we didn't have them, but we did. She then gave a few clues about a special ride and meeting special people and then left.
We waited about 20 min and then our "driver" showed up. He drives the
little firetruck car that you see on main street.
He rode with us up to
the Castle and then took our picture there and a couple stops along the
way.
We came back to the train station and he took us up to the upstairs
room in the station and the Mayor was there waiting.
He told us that we
were going to be the family to help open the park. After a little while of talking with the Mayor the dancers arrived and we took a picture with them.
I think this is my favorite picture!
When Mickey and the other
characters arrived on the train we walked through the train to the other
side of the station and waved to everyone and helped open the park.
Aaron stood next to Mickey and didn't take his eyes off of him. It was great.
It just so happens that my friend Marina and her family (from Argentina) were there watching the opening show and she recorded it!
After the show ended they gave us a coupon for a fastpass for the 6 of
us, a photopass card with pictures on it from the opening and a coupon
for a free 8x10 of one of the pictures. We were a little sad that we
didn't get pictures/autographs with any of the characters, but that was
fine--it was fun to have the chance to do it!
They took one last picture
And then we were back on our own. It was another great day. Definitely busier/more crowded than the day before,
but mostly at the characters. The rides were all walk on/10 min wait.
We had lunch at Crystal Palace with Marina and her husband Peter and their kids Emelia and Andy.
Carter waiting for our turn to eat.
Aaron & Alex during the parade.
All the kids with Tigger
We had lots of fun riding our favorite rides
Matt, Carter, Caroline and Alex on Splash
Matt and the older kids on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Aaron rode the train and the people mover--his favorites!
I think the kids were done on picture taking! To get this one we had to threaten Alex to even be in the picture and Aaron refused to look at the camera!
No one wanted to take a picture with Donald after he had signed their books--finally Caroline agreed
Aaron could have spent all day playing in the fountains (or walking up an down main street following the trolley "train" tracks)
Right before we left for the day Alex begged us to go see the princesses. I told him he would have to get a picture taken with them and he agreed--luckily there was no line. Caroline agreed to come with us, but the other boys bailed. Once we got to the princesses, Alex was too embarrassed and hid behind my legs the entire time we were there--so Caroline had to visit the princesses alone. When she saw Jasmine, Jasmine said Alex reminded her of Abu (Aladdin's monkey). She said he had brown eyes and hair like Abu and she asked if Alex likes apples (he loves them)--apparently so does Abu. Alex did finally give her a smile, but Caroline had to take the picture alone!
We left the park and went back to the cabin to get ready for our dinner plans--dinner with Aimee and Marina and their families!
No comments:
Post a Comment