On New Year's Eve 2001, Kevin and I spent the day at the Magic Kingdom.
We woke up around 4 a.m. and left Tampa around 6 a.m. -- so we arrived at the MK early. And there was already a huge crowd at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) waiting to board the Monorail to the MK. I should have know just how crazy it would be based on the crowd.
We managed to get on the Monorail in an orderly fashion and upon getting through the gates of the MK, we headed straight to Space Mountain. Then we went to visit Pooh and his friends in Toontown - getting our photo taken with Pooh. Of course, I had to purchase Minnie Mouse ears (which I still wear proudly every time we're at WDW).
And somehow, even though it was literally wall-to-wall people that day, I know that we were able to ride everything we wanted and never really had to wait very long. I do remember at one point in the early afternoon we heard Cast Members telling a guest that the park was closed due to capacity and they were diverting people to Epcot.
It was THAT crowded.
Kevin had been planning on proposing to me while we were there .... but instead he had proposed WAY back in October (on the 25th of October to be exact) because he couldn't wait until December 31st! However, in his defense, he did "re-propose" right outside Cinderella's Castle (the site of his original "idea") -- so I guess you could say that I got engaged (for a second time!) at the Magic Kingdom.
One of the best parts of the day was seeing the park decorated for Christmas and the castle draped in lights. I love the MK at Christmas!
Main Street became crazier as the night wore on -- it was getting very difficult to even MOVE by about 10:30 or 11 that night. I know we actually left the park before midnight -- for several reasons. We had been on our feet since 8 a.m. that morning, we weren't staying on property so we had to drive home to Tampa and we had to be up bright and early the next day so we could go to the Outback Bowl and watch Ohio State play.
So, we had our picture taken on the steps of the train station a little before midnight, and made our way to the Monorail, heading back to the TTC.
And as crazy as the crowds were, spending New Year's Eve at the MK was the most magical new year's I've had. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Happy New Year! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and magical 2010!
