Day 13

We then headed for the 11 O'clock Every Day's a Holiday show, on the Castle Forecourt Stage.

We also came across a horse drawn carriage, which is one of the Main Street Transportation vehicles, so Beth insisted on going over to stroke the horse, I wasn't too sure about this because it was huge. (I suppose it wouldn't be working in the Magic Kingdom if it were a ferocious finger biter). The Cast Member who was leading the horse was very friendly, and looked the spitting image of my Auntie Betty. (We thought that she had got herself a summer job!) The horse was fine with Beth and was immaculately turned out, along with brass Mickey heads on its blinkers and its bridle.

The Every Day's a Holiday show was all about the different seasons, and included songs about Halloween and Christmas. There were appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale, with the Disney Dancers. There was even a Baddie bit with Captain Hook and Malificent. For the Christmas songs Pluto wore reindeer antlers, whilst the dancers wore Christmas tree dresses. We had stood by some flowerbeds, so I spent a lot of time swatting bees and wasps with my hat. Although the show was quite good, it would have been more comfortable in a seated theatre, as the sun was so hot it made standing for any length of time uncomfortable. I felt sorry for the dancers having to perform in that heat.

After the show, we made our way to Splash Mountain and got a Fastpass for later on in the day, then headed for Tom Sawyer Island. The raft ride over to the Island was quite scary because I thought there were too many people on the raft, and it was going to sink. This must have had an effect on Beth as well, because as soon as we got to the Island she needed the toilet. By the time we had found the loo, we had just enough time to see the play tower and go through the very dark caves. (They were even darker for me as I had only taken my sunglasses, so I had to follow San and stay close to the wall to find where I was going!)

We took the raft back over in time to use our Fastpass at Splash Mountain, after meeting Brer Bear near the entrance and getting his autograph and photo, (he was HUGE), we joined the queue.

Even after using the Fastpass, we had to wait about half an hour because the logs kept getting jammed. This continued to happen when we were on the ride but we didn't mind then as it just meant that we had longer to take in the detail of the Brer Rabbit story that the ride is based on.

We then made our first journey to Tomorrowland, in the hope of getting a Fastpass for Space Mountain. Unfortunately, the time slot that was being issued was 3.00 to 4.00, and it was only 1 O'clock. We wanted to catch the Magical Moments parade at 3 O'clock, so decided to return later on, but never did. (Peter and I have rode Space Mountain in Disneyland Paris and we wanted to compare the two, we'll just have to make sure we ride it next time! And of course, San and I will have a more recent comparison on our "honeymoon" trip to DLP for 3 days at the end of May! It's actually San's birthday present - and contrary to what a certain Chris Franklin would have people believe it is NOT her 50th birthday!!!! After all, I am only 29 - what would I be doing with such an old fart?!)

San and Beth wanted to see the Disneymania show at the Galaxy Palace Theatre, that started at 1.45, so we took in the sights of Tomorrowland and then split up. Peter and I went to the Extra-TERROR-estrial Alien Encounter, where we must have queued for about 40 minutes. Although I have to admit that it is unlike any other attraction, I couldn't understand why a lot of the audience was screaming. (Was something happening to them on the other side of the room that wasn't happening on our side?) It is definitely one for the imagination, as you don't know what is coming next. You even feel the escaped alien's hot breath on your neck, as it stands on your head, and it all occurs in the pitch black, with the occasional flash of a strobe light. I was disappointed when the show ended as I was expecting much more from this Main Attraction, but I still wouldn't take Beth on it, (or San, come to think of it!). I don't think it is the sort of attraction you could see more than once in a day, as you would know what to expect.

Whilst Peter and I were encountering Alien's, San and Beth went to see Disneymania at the Galaxy Palace Theatre. I am reliably informed, and have seen from the photographs, that this show was great, especially when the characters came on to join the dancers. Beth's favourite bit was when Winnie the Pooh sang 'Rumbly in my Tumbly'. San enjoyed the Mary Poppins segment which included 'It's a jolly holiday with Mary', and 'Step in time', with lots of jumping about. They also saw the Jungle Book characters Baloo and King Louie singing 'I want to be like You'. I'll definitely have to check this show out next time, as the shows are my favourite things at Disney.

We then went to pick out a spot for the 3 O'clock Magical Moments Parade. We got talking to an American family who wanted to know all about Liverpool - all Americans ask if we are related to The Beatles, so we always say "Yes", (hey, Steve - does anyone ask if you are related to Tom Jones?!). This passed the time until the parade began, (for further details on the parade, see our magical Day 2 Trip Report). After another excellent parade we visited a few shops on Main Street and then decided to go back to the hotel for a swim to cool down.

After tea we went to Downtown Disney so we could do some serious shopping at the Wonderful World of Disney store in the Marketplace. This was packed and we had to keep a close eye on Beth as she kept spotting things that she just had to have, and kept running off excitedly. (Just like a kid in a toyshop!) She has definitely got San's shopping genes, (or are they mine - I am The Super Shopper….San was going to buy me a trolley and headscarf for Christmas!). I couldn't keep up with her as I was pushing the pram, so I ended up dumping it at the entrance, just like you do at the rides, and chasing Beth around. We managed to get off quite lightly, but she had her heart set on a 'Baby Tigger' teddy.

This was our second visit to the Marketplace and again it seemed to be a lot hotter there in the evening than it was in the parks at night. Has anybody else noticed this, or was I sweating at the thought of spending more money? After visiting Pooh Corner and Disney at Home, we spent about an hour in Disney's Days of Christmas, just lapping up the atmosphere, and marveling at the character themed decorations. We almost added to our collection of Disney baubles for our Christmas Tree. Does anybody else hang Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and other Disney decorations on their tree? We now have the Official Disney Pooh bauble for the last five years.

I was delighted to find a Mattel shop, not because of all the Barbie dolls, (San's secret passion - she wants to be one!), but because my love of Hot Wheels was re-awakened!! We then visited the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop, mmm……….., and had a quick look at the Lego Imagination Centre, before finding to the van and returning to the hotel. No wonder I slept so much on this holiday, as the time on the till receipt for 'Baby Tigger' was 10.05PM, and we still had to get back to International Drive. In fact, all the shops had shut, and it was 12.30 as we left, dragging our feet and our shopping bags behind us! No time for a quick visit to Goodings this night - luckily the Budweiser was COOOOLing in the fridge when we got back to our hotel.

Tomorrow: - Shopping at Beltz/Epcot Illuminations