We Split into Smaller Groups at Disney World and You Should Too

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World with anyone other than yourself, take note of this tip....split up!  While you planned a lovely group vacation, you'll enjoy it more if you don't try to keep up with your whole gang all of the time, unless you enjoy walking backward with a small flag.  Consider breaking into smaller groups and then meeting up later for a meal to discuss the fun you all had.

On a past Disney vacation, our travel party was myself, my two girls and my parents.  I asked Mom and DisneyDad in advance to take Minnie for a morning so Tink and I could visit Magic Kingdom alone.  She was four at the time, really loved Fantasyland and, of course, loved having mama all to herself.  It was nice to spend time with just one child and focus just on her.  And speaking of focusing, I left my "big" camera in the bag for the majority of the day.  On this day, I wasn't a blogger, just a mom, but I still made her humor me with iPhone selfies.

With no stroller and a smaller bag than normal, Tink and I boarded a bus to Magic Kingdom, arriving early but after rope drop.  Since our whole goal was Fantasyland, we headed straight for the train.  I asked Tink to stand by the railing for a quick picture and this is how she posed. This is now a traditional shot for us.

Tink enjoyed the old games in the waiting area of the train station and loved the ride around the park to New Fantasyland.

Our first stop was The Barnstormer.  I am a roller coaster fanatic and couldn't wait to share this ride with Tink.  I did try taking photos of the queue and attraction however Tink was impatient so that was the end of the nice camera for the day.  The image below was before the coaster left the station.  I videoed the actual ride but Tink was scared so I won't be sharing it.  I don't think I'll be getting her back on The Barnstormer any time soon.  Admittedly, it is a little zippy for a kiddie coaster.

Next up was some playtime before riding Dumbo.  There wasn't a wait for the flying elephants so Tink was able to play as long as she liked and then we jumped into the line for the ride.

Ready to fly!

After Dumbo, it was snack time.  This was one of the best simple pleasures I've enjoyed at Walt Disney World since I became a mom.  Tink and I shared a box of the world's best popcorn while sitting on a wall in the Magic Kingdom on a truly lovely day, just watching the World go by.

Batteries recharged, we headed out to explore more of Fantasyland.  We spied Alice with a short wait.  This quick detour was part of the beauty of a smaller group.  If she and I wanted to change directions or plans, we could do so without coordinating with anyone else.  I thank the two college-aged girls who were in line in front of us for helping entertain Tink through the line.  Being a few feet from Alice but still having to wait your turn is awfully hard when you are little.  

Alice taught Tink how to drink her tea.  A skill she said she learned from the Mad Hatter.

"it's a small world after all.  it's a small world after all."

Time to meet our favorite mermaid.

Hooray for Fastpass.  We could never wait through the long lines for Peter Pan.  On this particular day, my oldest baby and I got to fly over London.

A couple of silly shots in Philharmagic.  It turns out that Tink HATED this show.  Poor thing tried to hide behind the seats as soon as it started and before long, we had to leave.

Tink really enjoyed riding in the giant honeypots...and being cool in her shades.

Once we made it to the bus back to Old Key West, it wasn't long before my girl was OUT.  I rather enjoyed holding her while she slept on the way back to Old Key West.  However, I didn't know if I could carry her from the bus stop to the villa without waking her.  I texted my dad for backup and he met us at the bus and carried Tink back to the room.

Even with a long day, a nap means we need to burn off some energy before bed.  Thank goodness for the pool/playground/sand at Old Key West's feature pool.  After some playtime, both Tink and Minnie were ready for a good night's sleep.

I had a wonderful day touring the Magic Kingdom with just one child.  And don't worry, Minnie wasn't mistreated.  She had her own adventure with Granny and Granddaddy.  We are planning a big family trip for this fall and I'll be including some time in the schedule for each girl to get her own time with Mom and Dad and also with Granny and Granddaddy.

We typically travel as a multi-generational group and it's really nice when we can split up into smaller subgroups.  It's easier to get around and to make decisions but mostly it's nice to be able to enjoy the company of the people you are vacationing with and focus on one or two of them at a time. 

Photo Flashback! Disney Side, Like Mother, Like Daughter

My Disney Side likes to be silly at Walt Disney World.  In November 2012, my family visited New Fantasyland during an Annual Passholder preview.  I knew I'd never see the area that empty again so I wanted to play a bit.  Tink was being, well, three and didn't want to play along, refusing to look at the camera.

However, my Disney Side must be rubbing off on her because when we passed the fountain in November 2013, Tink asked me to take a picture of her muscles.  That's my girl.  

How do you show your Disney Side at the parks?

Five Photos: SIGNS!

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind

Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?

"Signs" -- Five Man Electrical Band - 1970

Signs are everywhere at Walt Disney World.  We read them.  They are informative.  They tell us where we are, what the attraction is and where we can eat.  But how much attention do we actually pay to the details, the "architheming", that goes along with them?  Disney makes sure each sign fits the theme of the attraction or the area of the parks.  Below are some pictures I took recently of signs.

 Signs show you where to eat.

 Signs tell you about attractions.

 One of the new area of New Fantasyland.

 Signs show you rides.

Speedway in Tomorrowland

 I like the Cat in this one.

Signs follow the theme of the area.  

I don't think you find too much "Grog" here 

but the Taco Salads are good!

And lastly, here is one of my Favorite signs....

Dole Whip is HERE!!!

(this is the photo I have as the desktop background on my PC)

Ok.  there are a "few" more than FIVE photo's in this "Five Photo" post.  Disney World works hard to theme each sign just right.  Take time to enjoy them the next time you walk past a sign.  They are not there just to "block out the scenery".

--DisneyDad

Oh!  And one more sign.....

PhotoFlashback: New Fantasyland Souvenir

In November we were at Walt Disney World and had the opportunity to go to the Annual Passholder Preview of the New Fantasyland.  Before the trip I had to register for the opportunity to attend this event.  While registering they had some of the New Fantasyland merchandise for sale.  Of course I bit and bought a pin, a t-shirt and a hat.  I wanted to wear theses to the Preview.  Of course I was a little disappointed when I saw shipping would be in February 2013.  To my surprise they arrived the week before Christmas so I thought I'd share their pictures.

New Fantasyland T-Shirt

New Fantasyland Baseball hat

Baseball hat has the November 2012 date of the Passholder Preview

New Fantasy Limited Edition pin

Pin inside

--DisneyDad

Going Under the Sea at the Annual Passholder Preview

The Growing Up Disney family attended the annual passholder preview last month at New Fantasyland.  It was terrific to see the area with only a few other guests.  I imagine that it will be quite busy for some time to come.  In the meantime, let's take a photo tour of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid.

Very pretty signage

Prince Eric's castle

Lovely!

Queen of the World!

The queue is set-up so that you have to walk quite a way, even if there isn't a wait.  However, there is an interactive element that makes it fun.   A little crab appears in various areas and will take away the human stuff when you point at it.  It's very cute.

Hop in the clam shell omnimover, enjoy the beautiful murals, go through the shipwreck...

And then Scuttle takes guests on a journey under the sea through all the major scenes and songs from the film.

Overall, it's a fun attraction and very well-done.  I'm not one that thinks that everything has to have a movie tie-in so on one hand, I question why we need a new and expensive attraction for an old movie.  On the other hand, I rode this twice and once was was two three year-old girls.  They loved it and for them, their beloved Disney Princesses are new and fresh.  With the overall popularity of Disney Princesses, Under the Sea should be a well-attended attraction.

A quick note for parents of small children: The scene with Ursula could be scary for some kids.  Neither my daughter or her friend panicked but if your child is easily frightened, be prepared for this part of the attraction.