DLP with the Baloos Day 3

[davewasbaloo]

Given the earlier bedtime, we dragged ourselves up at 6:00 awakened by Goofy, so we could be sure to in the park to enjoy Extra Magic Hours (2 hours before the park opens up to the rest of the general public). We got the kids dressed up as Cinderella and Buzz (thanks to a tip from friends, these 45 euro, £36, $72 outfits were available at TK Maxx for £12, 15 euro, $24). wow, what a difference it made to our enjoyment.

We were at the park for EMH and enjoyed Peter Pan, Dumbo, the Teacups times 2, the Carousel, Pinnochio, Buzz x 4 and Space Mountain all before the park opened. Cool thing is, because Mikey was a Space Ranger, we were escourted through the fastpass line each time.

We then queued for Autopia (a 70 min wait, 10 min before park opening). But the kids loved it.

We enjoyed the park a little while longer and then went out for a swim and nap.

We then had a great late lunch/early dinner at King Ludwigs. I had White Sausages and a pretzel, followed by schnitzel and fries, accompanied by a very large Dark Beer, followed by apple strudel and coffee.

Sarah had a beer flight with a mixed grill of sausages and pork on saurkraut, followed by a gorgeous Cafe Gormand. The kids had hotdogs and fries, with ice cream.

As usual great food and setting with ok service. It came to 140 euro (£112, $224) but it was very good.

Afterwards we watched the parade (am I the only one who thinks that 7pm is too late for the afternoon parade?). We enjoyed some attractions and then the very last train around the Magic Kingdom. Sarah insisted I stay and enjoy the night time festivities (the kids were too tired). After a debate, I obliged. I found an ok place near Discoveryland but there was aweful guest behaviour until they found out I could speak French. I came to the conclusion that we had a better fireworks view from the room. But it was nice to enjoy the vibe.

Here are the pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/I.jsp?...localeid=en_GB

[fizzog]

7pm is too late, 4pm is more suitable! I've heard about the buzz fastpass costume thing before, I might try it next time, though I'm not sure it'll work if it's the adult that's dressed as Buzz... I love the buzz of WDS more than anything, it has a real bustling atmosphere, but it's just too compact.

[Zarniwoop]

Taking into consideration bad behaving guests jumping on the lawn, park operators could start the irrigation system anytime the want.. so why not? ;-)

[nathan detroit]

I have yet to see the 'new' parade due to the timing of it. 7pm is a ridiculous time to have it particularly now that WDS doesn't have one.

[davewasbaloo]

I know, it's crazy. the cynic in me says it's because they only have to pay the characters once on the same shift, whereas between 3 and 10:25 is quite a long gap.

[TDLFAN]

Ok.. petpeeve. I hate hate hate it when CMs allow guests to trample the gardens and traspass fences, especially when safety is compromised. This is something that DLP staff needs to improve on and work on to prevent it. On my recent visit, I noticed that efforts have been done to beautify the gardens that surround the Hub, but yet.. most flowers there looked trampled to death and there are dirt trails where green grass should grow. Bad show DLP.

Also Baloo... never ever fight with someone (especially a spouse) when given a chance to enjoy the parks at dusk, which is the best time to be there. You know how I feel about bringing kids into the parks.. so take the time away from being a proud parent and enjoy what you can.. remembering you paid for the chance to visit. Of course, if I was your child and you dragged me out of bed at 6am just to enjoy extra tragic hours in the park and dressed me up in a very restricting and uncomfortable costume just to gain faster access onto a ride .... I would not be very happy with you!!

Question.. where is that Ludwig restaurant? Disney Village?

[nathan detroit]

King Ludwig's Castle is in Disney Village

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Ok.. petpeeve. I hate hate hate it when CMs allow guests to trample the gardens and traspass fences, especially when safety is compromised. This is something that DLP staff needs to improve on and work on to prevent it. On my recent visit, I noticed that efforts have been done to beautify the gardens that surround the Hub, but yet.. most flowers there looked trampled to death and there are dirt trails where green grass should grow. Bad show DLP.

Also Baloo... never ever fight with someone (especially a spouse) when given a chance to enjoy the parks at dusk, which is the best time to be there. You know how I feel about bringing kids into the parks.. so take the time away from being a proud parent and enjoy what you can.. remembering you paid for the chance to visit. Of course, if I was your child and you dragged me out of bed at 6am just to enjoy extra tragic hours in the park and dressed me up in a very restricting and uncomfortable costume just to gain faster access onto a ride .... I would not be very happy with you!!

Question.. where is that Ludwig restaurant? Disney Village?

Actually, I was very impressed with the number of times I saw cast members telling people off (the problem was the ignorant masses would get off the lawn and then get back on once the cast member had move on grrrrrrrrrrr.

As to arguing with Sarah, I was trying to convice her to enjoy her time in the park and I would take the kids back (all the while secretly glad it worked the other way around).

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by davewasbaloo

Actually, I was very impressed with the number of times I saw cast members telling people off (the problem was the ignorant masses would get off the lawn and then get back on once the cast member had move on grrrrrrrrrrr.

You see, that does not happen in Tokyo, simply because OLC has the park staffed with enough CMs to make sure they can hold a position 100% of the time to avoid guests who choose to disobey repeatedly. That is also the problem I see at WDW... not enough staffing anywhere, especially during parade times, and the few who are called upon to do crowd control choose (or are made to as I've been told) to waste time playing stupid games on main Street with kids. Let me ask you this Baloo... as a parent, do you have an expectation from Disney to cater to your children by offering games (like hoola hoops and jumping rope) and similar activities? Reason I ask is because there seems to be a notion that most parents feel it's Disney's job to do this. I guess I would not have a problem with it IF such activities didn't cause a cutback in another area.. like crowd control or safety related positions at the park. On a simialr observation... its like the overabundance of photographers all over the park (sometimes 5-8 on Main Street along) but you would be pressed to find ONE custodial CM in the same area... see what I mean?

As to arguing with Sarah, I was trying to convice her to enjoy her time in the park and I would take the kids back (all the while secretly glad it worked the other way around).

Reverse psychology. I like that.

[davewasbaloo]

I am a devout follower of Walt, I believe in the 5 keys. Safety comes first - maintenance, cleanliness, all of those are more important, and at the same time, I believe the cast can and should also entertain all types of guests!

But no, I am not there for my kids to play with hulahoops.