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Hello everyone,
In this fourth and final part of my Walt Disney World trip report I'll be sharing with you everything else we experienced that was not Christmas related. To read the first three parts again or if you haven't read them at all), here are the links:
Part 1 - The Magic Kingdom, including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Part 2 - Epcot, including Holidays Around the World
Part 3 - Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
Let's start in the Magic Kingdom with the characters we met.
On Main Street USA we met Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater, and Marie and Mary Poppins in Town Square.
In Adventureland we met Peter Pan, twice!
In Frontierland we met Chip and Dale wearing their Western wear.
In Liberty Square we met the lovely Princess Tiana.
In Fantasyland we met Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall. We also saw the Tremaines and Gaston out, but we didn't meet them this time.
In Tomorrowland we met Stitch, which of course I was happy about!
We watched the day parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy, several times. I'll share pictures from all viewings in one hit.
We also watched Dream Along with Mickey at the Castle.
We saw the latest version of the street party, Move It! Shake! Dance & Play It! I usually refrain from being too judgemental here on the blog, but I have to say, this street party is pretty awful. I hate when Disney cuts things, but they could cut this and it would not be missed!
Here are some general photos I took around the Kingdom.
While we were at the Magic Kingdom we also got to ride several attractions, including Peter Pan's Flight, Big Thunder Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Peter Pan's Flight was the same as it always has been besides the new indoor queue area - and Paris' version is still the best! Big Thunder Mountain was very cool indeed. Since we last rode it they had made some major improvements to the entire attraction, and it felt fresh, fast, thrilling and just plain fun! The other Big Thunder Mountains of the world could definitely use the TLC that this one received! This trip was the first time we got to experience the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and I have to say, I wasn't overly impressed. It's fun but way too short. Just as you're getting into it, it ends. We had a FastPass for it and waited literally five minutes, if that. The line can go well beyond two hours, and yet I think now I would probably not ride it unless I could walk on in under five minutes again. Disappointing for sure.
Let's now move on to Epcot. I actually only have character photos to share from Epcot, since everything else we saw was either Christmas related or had something Christmas around it, which I have already shared in part two of this report.
We met Mickey, Minnie and Goofy at the Epcot Character Spot, and Chip and Dale just outside in Future World.
At Disney's Contemporary Resort I took this photo of their gingerbread display. I know, this is a Christmas thing, but I didn't really have anywhere else to put it, and as you'll see, it's pretty neat! My only regret from this past trip is that we didn't visit the other hotel resorts to take photos of their gingerbread houses too. I guess that means we have to visit again next Christmas, right?
At Disney's Hollywood Studios we started our day with breakfast at Hollywood and Dine, where they have a splendid buffet, and of course characters!
At the Magic of Animation building we met Sorcerer Mickey, Minnie in her sparkly dress and Hiro and Baymax for the first time!
Around the park we also met Donald Duck and Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.
We visited the new Wandering Oaken's Trading Post store. It's neat inside, with the snow play area, but it is a shame the AFA store had to close in its place since the old movie props and costumes were pretty cool (it's not like Disney don't have the space to open a new store).
Here are a couple of general shots from around the park.
We watched the 'For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration' show three times during our trip. I'll share photos from all of them together.
Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom we met Rafiki, Pocahontas and Tarzan (who had just debuted again for regular greetings that week!). We also saw Russell and Dug, but didn't meet them.
We caught the DinoLand Dance Party one day. There were only four characters - Rafiki, Miss Bunny, Br'er Fox and Timon.
Here are some general shots from around the park.
Finally, we took a trip on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. We were there early in the morning and lots of the animals were out and about, which was nice.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!
Dan.
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Want to discover the magic of all the Disney Parks worldwide without leaving your seat?! Then be sure to check out my “Grand Circle Tour”, which is currently touring Main Street, Adventureland and Frontierland, here on the Character Central Blog! See below for links.
Part 1 - Main Street USA
Part 2 - Adventureland
Part 3 - Frontierland
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