Saved the best for last, all right! I LOVE the original, true heart of Disney: Magic Kingdom with all the classic rides. From the minute you walk through the turnstile, you are in another world.
We arrived at 8:30, with plenty of time to spare. We were allowed to proceed through the turnstiles but had to wait at the main entrance. That allowed us to mingle around with some of cast members, trading pins, taking photos and getting stickers that they passed out to cute kids (ours got 2 each). They opened the park with a fanfare train ride complete with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald and several other cast members (Mary Poppins was Grady's favorite while Colby was happy to see Pinnochio).
Immediately upon opening we headed to Space Mountain to nab a fast pass, then it was off to our first ride: Peter Pan. I loved this ride - a great, easy going but very playful ride through neverland and England. So much fun and it go us all in the mood for classic Disney.
Next up was Grady's absolute favorite: It's a Small World. he loves this ride and I have to admit it holds a soft spot in my heart. Unlike the Disneyland version, this ride has not been re-imagined so it was the tradition (albeit not as beautiful) version. Still a great ride and no line for us.
We then headed over to Adventureland for a climb through Swiss Family Robinson's Treehouse (think we found the next book for Colby to read - he thought it was pretty cool). up next was one of Steve's favorites, the corny and always pun-filled Jungle Cruise. We survived the Nile and laughed through the entire ride. I think those jokes actually get better with time.
Unfortunately, the Tiki Room was closed for repairs so we went to Splash Mountain next. We originally had this schedule for the evening, but the extra time and 20 minute wait lured us in. Of course, we got SOAKED but had a blast. You couldn't wipe the grins off the boys' faces when we were done. They want to go again so we grabbed more Fast Passes for later tonight.
Working on compromise, the boys agreed to give Pirates another shot. last time they screamed and hid their head in my lap. But we convinced them that (a) they are 2 years older now and (b) they have been on much scarier rides since (sorry kiddos). So we went and they actually did great. i don't think they loved it and Colby is convinced that the California version must contain some more scary things because he remembers being very frightened. We won't argue....
After Pirates, we headed over to Tom Sawyer's Island and spent 30+ minutes exploring the caves, tunnels and forts. Saw a family lose a kid (it happens there all the time) and had a lot of fun pretending to shoot bufffalo across the river. Boys and their imagination!
We took a break for lunch at the Liberty Tree, appreciating a few minutes off our feet and out of the sun. I don't mean to complain about the sun - i know it is snowy and cold at home. We have been enjoying 80+ degrees of sunshine here with the occasional cloud. Amazingly warm and it feels soooooo good. I will try to bring it home with me but no guarantess. :)
After lunch we went to the Hall of Presidents. Colby said it was fitting to go there on President's Day (neither Steve nor myself had put that together). It was a very well done movie narrated by Morgan Freeman about some of our key presidents. Then the curtains raise and there are robotic versions of each President. Some speak but all are introduced. They move like humans and are somewhat convincing. More than that, the message of the film focuses on the fact that Presidents should be of the people and that truly anyone could become President. A great message and impeccable timing. Colby especially loved this movie.
We then adventured through Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the funnest rides in MK! The boys both loved the rolling and rocking adventure through the mine shafts and even recognized the Mammoth Hot Springs at the end of the ride. This was a great ride!
Next up was Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. The theme was a comic studio where they harness laughter and they use the audience in the show. Colby actually got picked, was on the screen and interviewed. He was asked to say his name and the cartoon comic on the screen asked him if he knew how much a pirate's earring costs... a Buckaneer. Colby thought being on screen was the COOOOOOOLEST thing ever. Of course, he knows that joke but being the good sport that he is, he let the comedian deliver the punchline. He was absolutely over the moon about getting singled out to be on screen. i think he might have a future in movies... :)
After nabbing a couple other fast passes, we scoped out a prime spot for the parade. Just across from the Liberty Tree restaurant is a block wall and the boys were able to stand and sit on the wall for the entire parade. At one point Mary Poppins came through on a float and pointed right at Colby then did a little, "fix your hat" gesture. Sure enough, his ears were crooked so he straigtened them and she gave him a smile and thumbs up.
After some brief shopping we are now back at the hotel for a rest. The boys are resisting naps so I think we may head back to the park sooner than later. Because of RideMax and Fastpasses, we have FP for 4 of the best rides: Buzz Lightyear, Space mountain and another round of Splash Mountain and Thunder Mt. Railroad. We will also enjoy the electrical parade tonight.
I'm a little sad to see our last day in the parks together end but it has been a truly memorable weekend. We all had fun and the adventure was worth all the inconveinences. I would really like to return someday and spend a week here. there is so much to see and do.
Tomorrow I report to ABC for my meeting and Steve has a few hours on his own with the kids. he has to catch the bus by 3:30 so he has a good chunk of the day to play with the kids in the parks. We'll see what they decide to do.
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