Once we arrived at the Transportation and Ticket Center we debated between the Monorail and the boat, and we opted for the boat because the line was shorter. We headed upstairs for a change of scenery, and enjoyed our ride across the lake. We even got to use the second level stairs for the first time when we disembarked today!

We entered the park near the Town Square Theater, and I noticed that two of the Main Street Vehicles were parked nearby, a jitney and an omnibus. A quick inquiry let us know that we had a chance to take a ride on the omnibus, which is another first for us! Jayden and I were the first guests onto the omnibus, and we opted to sit on the upper level, grabbing the only front facing seats on the omnibus. During our ride to the front of Cinderella Castle we were afforded some unique views of Main Street, U.S.A. as well as the castle itself.

After our omnibus ride we headed over to Tomorrowland and TRON Lightcycle / Run to meet up with the rest of our group. Erica (who, along with Dwayne, would be joining us later) got us into an early boarding group, but Dana wasn't able to get in until a later group. We went to discuss with the cast members at the queue our options, and they were nice enough to move us all into the later group (except for Erica and Dwayne - they had to be present to scan their bands). With some newfound time on our hand, we wandered through Tomorrowland and decided to stop at the Tomorrowland Speedway, where Jayden joined Dana and her kids for a spin around the track.

We had booked a Disability Access Pass (DAS) for Jungle Cruise, and as we made our way to Adventureland we made a pit stop at my favorite Magic Kingdom food location - at the Spring Roll Snack Cart for the pizza spring rolls! I wasn't the only one who enjoyed them today, though I probably had more than my share! We continued on to the Jungle Cruise for our boat ride through the many rivers of the world, with many laughs to be had along the way.

While we were in Adventureland we debated taking in the Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room show, but it appeared to be closed at the moment. We instead opted for the Pirates of the Caribbean, which is a ride that I enjoy a lot (though I do miss some of the old scenes that have been removed over time). Everyone else seemed to have a good time on this as well.

Once we wrapped up our ride with the pirates, I had to head off to Disney's Hollywood Studios to pick up the newest Star Wars popcorn bucket - a Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet (it is May 4th, after all - May the Fourth Be With You!). While I can't comment too much on what everyone else did while I was gone, I do know that they rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (which we had booked with the DAS pass) and they took in Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. I would have like to have enjoyed this show with them, but alas, I was running from park to park. I was cutting it close, and I didn't really plan out my transportation to minimize my travel time. I had planned to take the monorail from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot, and then taking the Skyliner over to Hollywood Studios, but that ended up being too much. I ended up doing the monorails to Epcot, but rather than running through the park to get to the Skyliner, I opted for a bus ride instead. I should have just taken the bus from Magic Kingdom direct, but I didn't really think of it in time. Thankfully I made it to the park, but I missed my pickup window. I was offered a new time - nearly two hours later! I decided to just go to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and see what could be done. On my walk through the crowds I was able to secure a new window, only 20 minutes after my original time ended. I was early for that one, but I got in line anyway and spoke to one of the cast members. She was great, assuring me that I'm just picking up popcorn, and that I could go look for "really tall Ryan" at the mobile order line (and indeed he was really tall). He was nice enough to let me right in, and I grabbed my buckets and popcorn, and started the whole process over again, only this time in reverse. This time I was smart enough to just take the bus back, since our boarding group for TRON Lightcycle / Run was called while I was gone.

I rejoined our group, along with new members Erica and Dwayne, in Tomorrowland, and we finally got to ride TRON Lightcycle / Run! Although Jacob and Juliana weren't fans (and Julie and Dwayne skipped out altogether), the rest of us had a great time! It was getting late, and we hadn't eaten anything other than the spring rolls and some popcorn, so we decided to grab dinner at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café. I wasn't impressed this time around - my hamburger bun was almost as hard as a rock. It did feel good to eat, though!

After dinner we wandered over to Cinderella Castle through Fantasyland so that Dana and the kids could get a look at the walkway through the middle. While we were in Fantasyland, we decided to hit up a few of our favorites. We first stopped at Mickey's PhilharMagic to let Dana and the kids (particularly Juliana, as the youngest) take in the 3D show (she was in awe of the effects after questioning the need for the 3D glasses).  We next headed over to "it's a small world" so that they could take in this iconic, yet highly repetitive ride. We remained in Fantasyland for one more attraction - Enchanted Tales with Belle. Jayden wanted to take Juliana to see this show, hoping that she would be chosen for a part. Of course I was one of the earliest selections, chosen to be a knight. This was my second time being chosen for this part, and I probably could have done without it this time (or last time, in all honesty!). Juliana was also selected to play the part of a shivering Maurice, Belle's father. Of course everyone got a kick out of us in the show, laughing at me frequently.

After the show was over, Jay and I decided that it was time to head out. We were both tired, and I had to be to work at 7am the next morning. We said our goodbyes before boarding the bus once again to make the return trip to the Transportation and Ticket Center. We made our way to the car for the drive home, which thankfully was uneventful save for the long wait at the McDonalds in Champions Gate where we stopped to use the restrooms and grab a drink.

I sure hope that we get another opportunity to spend time at the parks with Dana and her family. It was a very enjoyable day for all of us, as we love the opportunity to share our love of Disney with others, especially first timers! Until next time...