As Grandma Terry, Uncle Steven, and I had visited Walt Disney
World 10 days ago, Steve and I was able to pick up our Annual
PassHolder magnets at Disney Springs already. We returned today so
that Tara, Drew, and Jayden could pick up theirs from the Disney's
Wonderful World of Memories shop. We browsed a couple of other
shops, including The LEGO Store, before heading off for today's
destination day, Disney's Magic Kingdom. After leaving Disney
Springs we headed off to Transportation and Ticket Center. We left
our official transportation method to the park up to Steve, and he
opted for the monorail today. Once we arrived at the park and rented
Steve's wheelchair, we decided to grab a bite to eat. We got a later
start than planned this morning, and combined with our stop at
Disney Springs, it was getting late and we were getting hungry. We
found a table at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in the shade,
where we ate our packed lunch.
Since we signed up for Steve's Disability Access Service (DAS)
pass during our visit on the 10th, all we needed to do today was
make a reservation. As the line is usually long, we opted to use our
first pass on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. We had some time
to kill before we could use this pass, however. We were already in
Tomorrowland, so Drew decided it would be a good time to visit
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. Although I'd love it if the
Disney Imagineers would update the final scene of this show, I still
enjoy the chance to see it.
Jayden picked our next ride, and she opted for the nearby
Tomorrowland Speedway. Tara was Steve's choice for a partner,
and the rest of us rode alone. I was lucky enough to get a fast car
today, but it was one that I could barely steer! I spent the entire
ride bouncing off the center rail! At least I got some nice views of
the new TRON Lightcycle Power Run ride.
It was finally time for us to take our turn on the Seven
Dwarfs Mine Train. On our way to Fantasyland we made a quick
stop at the Chesire Café so that Drew could pick up one of his
favorite snacks, the Cheshire Cat Tail donut. Once everyone got
their taste and the donut was gone, we took our turn on the the
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. As always, a short buy enjoyable time
was had by all on this roller coaster.
From here we decided to head off to Frontierland for a spin on
the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster. As we made
our way out of Fantasyland towards Frontierland, we found ourselves
passing the Liberty Square Riverboat in Liberty Square just
as it was about to depart. Since it had been a long time since we
had ridden it (if ever, for some of us) we decided to give it a try
today. Obviously this isn't much of a thrill ride, but it was an
enjoyable excursion and a break from our usual routine.
After departing the riverboat, we finally made it to Big
Thunder Mountain Railroad. We had failed to make a DAS pass for
this ride, but the cast member on duty was nice enough to let us on
anyway. Once again we had a great time on the ride, and only wished
it had lasted longer.
Our final DAS pass of the day was used for the Jungle Cruise.
Although I miss some of the old scenes from the prior version of the
boat ride, I understand why the changes were made and I find some of
the new scenes humorous as well. And of course, we still get the
corny puns along the way. The backside of water!
It was a hot day, and we decided that some Dole whip would be a
good way to cool off. Unfortunately, there was a long wait for our
preferred items from the Aloha Isle food stand. We decided to use
some of our time waiting to take in the show at Walt Disney's
Enchanted Tiki Room. Again, I realize that this version of the
show is closer to the original than the prior version, I do miss
elements of The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)
show. Regardless, it is nice that an original show still exists and
it is a nice break from the Florida sun.
We finally got our Dole Whip at Aloha Isle. While we enjoyed our
frozen treat, we also decided that it was time to call it a day. We
were getting tired and still had quite a drive in front of us
(especially when factoring in traffic).
We made one last stop on the way home for dinner, at Chili's
in Champions Gate, which seems to be part of our normal routine now!
We enjoyed our meal, but not the explosive situation that Steve had
afterwards. Regardless, it was a great day spent together with
family. Until next time! |