Sunday, March 17, 2002: A Day at Magic Kingdom


Everyone gets excited to go under the Walt Disney World entrance.
This year marks 100 years of magic for Disney.

Walt and Mickey are honored at the beginning of Main Street.
When we headed out the door on Sunday, we really didn't know which way we were going--Universal or Walt Disney. Susan wanted to travel to Tampa Bay and try out Bush Garden, but we decided again that because Brooklyn was slightly too small to get onto most of the coasters.

Thus, we decided to spend an entire day at Magic Kingdom. We usually don't spend a lot of time there since it's so much like Disneyland and it is one of he busiest parks in Orlando. The only time we go there is to take someone who has never been. Even then, we skip through pretty quickly.



Alien is a scary attraction, but Preston actually wanted to check it out this year. He actually laughed this time as the alien walked on top of his shoulders and breathed on his neck.
Space Mountain is still one of the best rides around. However, MGM has Rockin' Roller coaster which is just a little bit better since it loops around upside down--according to Brooklyn.

Here we are inside the staging area of Space Mountain. There was a time when we had to put napkins into Brooklyn's shoes to increase her height a 1/2 inch or so so she could ride these rides.
This would be Brooklyn's first time to be tall enough to drive the Autopia car all by herself. She was very excited as this had become her "last" right of passage in the Magic Kingdom.

Greg and Susan knew someday they would get to drive by themselves.
Grinning from ear to ear, Brooklyn drove behind us so we could get pictures of her first adventure.

It was strange to have to go and actually buy a meal instead of just getting it like we did on the cruise ship. Thus, as Greg went to the ATM to get some money, the kids got harassed by Pecos Bill in front of the eating spot.
Something has changed on Splash Mountain. We never get this wet.

Tom Sawyer's Island is Preston's absolute favorite place in all of the theme parks. Greg and Susan were convinced that only Disneyland had Tom Sawyer's Island, but Preston insisted it were at the Magic Kingdom as well. Sure enough, Mr. "King of the Maps" was right and we spent more than an hour exploring the island. Well, actually the kids explored while Greg and Susan enjoyed the shade of a tree much of the time.
There just aren't enough caves and barrel bridges on Tom Sawyer's island, but it still keeps Preston and Brooklyn both entertained for more than an hour. Armed with watches and a time to report back to the tree where mom and dad were, the two of them were off together to see what they could find on that island.

Preston said he wasn't scared to do the Haunted Mansion, but according to the picture that mom snapped, we aren't sure.
As we wait for the fireworks to begin, the kids spend time with the Disney Ducks who eat popcorn out of their hands..
The most controversial part of the trip happened during the fireworks show. In all of the years we have been going to Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, Susan has never seen Tinkerbell fly from the castle. Greg saw her fly at Disneyland when he was younger.

Tinkerbell usually doesn't fly in June when we are there, so Susan was so excited when we heard she would be flying that night. Determined not to miss her chance, Susan insisted the family stake out a good position an hour and a half before the show started so they were sure to see her. We picked the perfect bench, had the perfect view, and Susan sat ready with camera in hand. The show began, Captain Hook and Peter Pan fought, the music built, the lights hit the top of the castle and . . . nothing. Something malfunctioned and though the lights shined towards the top of the castle, there was no Tinkerbell. Something went technically wrong and she didn't fly. Almost teary-eyed, Susan was in utter disappointment. As we left the park, Susan inquired about Tinkerbell and the park attendant told her Tinkerbell must have been too tired to fly tonight.

Susan was upset for days about her missed opportunity. When she returned to work, she questioned her employees and almost everyone had seen Tinkerbell fly at one time or another. Tinkerbell still remains a sore spot with Susan.
We had to find out how much time we had left on our Disney tickets and find out if we needed to buy some new ones. We normally do this outside of Epcot and it is quick and easy. This time we tried it from the Magic Kingdom and the lines were just awful. Susan asked around and they told her she could also purchase them after crossing the waterfront at the entrance into Magic Kingdom. If you've never been to Magic Kingdom, it's set up strangely. After you park your car, you are taken by tram to a staging area. This is where you buy your tickets. You then wait in line for either a boat or monorail to take a ten minute ride to actually get into the Magic Kingdom.

Thus, we decided to go on to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom without knowing the status of our tickets. When we arrived at guest relations, they lines there were even longer and slow moving.

Luckily Susan, she's so bright, decided to check out this little building that had no one around it. Sure enough, it was another guest relations that no one ever goes to. We got updated on our tickets and entered the theme park.


So what's next. Well, we are only two months away from returning to Orlando. We will be staying again for two weeks. Brannon, Trina and their two kids Shelby and Bodie will be joining us for one of those weeks. We're excited to have them come along. Brannon has no idea what Greg's going to throw at them.

Next year for 2003, we are going to change things around a bit. We are hoping to go to Orlando in March and try an Alaskan cruise in late July or August.

Greg and Susan just wanted to say thanks to Eugene at Carnival for getting us a great deal. Carnival overall has been wonderful to us. Our kids have become fantastic travellers and have done well over the years as we drag them this way and that way. They have truly grown up to understand responsibility and kindness. We enjoy giving them the traveling experiences over the years.


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