Why yes, that IS a giant crane behind the castleWe're up bright and early (that's the ONLY way to do things while at WDW) - Kevin has to head to a trade show breakfast and I have to catch the bus to the Magic Kingdom. I want to be there AT rope drop!
I should mention that it is Martin Luther King Jr day - so I am a bit surprised when I arrive at the MK gates and the crowd is rather small. I'm thinking this could be a good thing! The park opens right on time and I walk in slowly, taking it all in! First things first - I must eat breakfast, so I head into the Main Street Bakery and grab a quick bite to eat.
Then, I head out - ready to explore the Magic Kingdom on MY schedule and and MY pace. This is a new experience...no kids, no husband, nobody is crying or whining or dragging behind. It is pure MAGIC! Within 45 minutes I am able to ride (with NO waits!) Peter Pan, it's a small world, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. The best part of my ride on it's a small world -- I had a boat all to myself! The cast member said "enjoy your private cruise!"
Around 10 a.m., Kevin called and said his seminars were boring and he was headed to the MK to spend the rest of the day with me. (So much for exploring on my own! I'm kidding!!!! I was very happy he was meeting me!). I hadn't noticed that the crowd had grown -- until I waked back to Main Street and it was as though the floodgates and opened. There were people everywhere! It was apparent that today WAS going to be busy!
Once Kevin arrived (around 10:30 a.m.) we headed to Space Mountain to get our Fastpass (return time 2:00 p.m.) and then decided we were going to spend the day doing things we can't/don't do when we have the kids with us -- riding the 'big' rides, etc. First on the schedule - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The wait time was only 30 minutes so we skipped the Fastpass and stood in line -- and we were able to ride in the FRONT car! So much fun!
After the ride, I talked to my Disney Twitter friend Don and we met up with him and his wife Mary at Aloha Aisle for a Dole Whip and some conversation! I love meeting my online friends in real life! It was as if we had known each other for years -- we sat in the sunshine for 2 hours, talking about Disney!
Me and Don enjoying our Dole Whip floats! After we said good-bye to Don and Mary, we headed back to Space Mountain with our Fastpasses. I think I forgot (or blocked out) how scary this ride is. I was terrified the entire time! But it was fun ... and it is a must do ride when you're at the MK!
One of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat at the MK is Casey's Corner - it's just hot dogs and fries -- but it's so good. Somehow we lucked out and found a table outside just as the afternoon parade was starting!
I have to say this - going to Disney without your kids is such a strange experience - we didn't stand in line to meet the characters, no one had a mid-day meltdown, we didn't feel rushed. But at the same time, we missed the girls terribly and kept repeating "oh the girls would love this!" We've already decided that if we do (1) the trade show or (2) the social media conference next year we ARE taking the kids.
After our late lunch, we headed to the Hall of Presidents and then had another 'first' - we rode the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Then, we decided to take the train from Frontierland to Main Street because we needed to do some shopping! (Yes, I said "needed"!). After much debate we finally found something cute for the girls (who had NO idea we were at Disney World!) and then it was time for Mickey's PhilharMagic (another first for us).
By now it was getting dark which meant it was almost time for SpectroMagic and Wishes. We found a spot in the Hub, grabbed some popcorn and waited for the parade to start. Near the end of the parade I decided we should find a new, less crowded spot to watch Wishes - so we headed down Main Street to the train station and let me say this -- it is just as magical watching the fireworks from that location!
After shedding a few tears (Wishes always makes me cry)....we said good-bye to the MK and headed back to the resort. I had just spent 12 hours at the MK - without an afternoon break - and I was exhausted! Even without the kids, we had managed to have a magical, memorable day!
One of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat at the MK is Casey's Corner - it's just hot dogs and fries -- but it's so good. Somehow we lucked out and found a table outside just as the afternoon parade was starting!
I have to say this - going to Disney without your kids is such a strange experience - we didn't stand in line to meet the characters, no one had a mid-day meltdown, we didn't feel rushed. But at the same time, we missed the girls terribly and kept repeating "oh the girls would love this!" We've already decided that if we do (1) the trade show or (2) the social media conference next year we ARE taking the kids.
After our late lunch, we headed to the Hall of Presidents and then had another 'first' - we rode the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Then, we decided to take the train from Frontierland to Main Street because we needed to do some shopping! (Yes, I said "needed"!). After much debate we finally found something cute for the girls (who had NO idea we were at Disney World!) and then it was time for Mickey's PhilharMagic (another first for us).
By now it was getting dark which meant it was almost time for SpectroMagic and Wishes. We found a spot in the Hub, grabbed some popcorn and waited for the parade to start. Near the end of the parade I decided we should find a new, less crowded spot to watch Wishes - so we headed down Main Street to the train station and let me say this -- it is just as magical watching the fireworks from that location!
After shedding a few tears (Wishes always makes me cry)....we said good-bye to the MK and headed back to the resort. I had just spent 12 hours at the MK - without an afternoon break - and I was exhausted! Even without the kids, we had managed to have a magical, memorable day!
2 comments:
Hi--I stumbled upon your blog through another various blog..anyways, I was first very intrigued about your extensive knowledge about WDW...my family and I would love to go there in about 1 year (our youngest will be 20 mo.) ...then I noticed where you are from, Sylvania Ohio...My husband grew up there and his whole family still lives there. (small worlds). So if you have any pointers for a first time WDW world vacation I would love to listen.
Sorry for the random blog post and drop by, have a wonderful week
I'm so glad you found my blog! :)
I'd be more than happy to give you some pointers....if you check my profile (under the 'about me' on blog) there is a link to my email address. Drop me a line and I'll get back to you with some tips for a 1st time visit w/ kids :)
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