Thanksgiving Day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: Orlando, FL

November 23rd, 2006 in Vacations

After a breakfast at Perkins, we headed directly for the Magic Kingdom. I’ve been here a couple of times but Kim never has so it was going to be exciting to see her reaction to it all.

We arrived and took the monorail in. My parents prefer the ferry but with temps in the low 50s this morning and my being dressed for the low 70s later, I figured the enclosed transport would be the way to go.

We went through the gates and my wife and mother had their bags looked at (why they even bother with such a cursory examination I’ll never know). Several people, including people from the UK, were really grumpy about the experience in the “land of the free”.

Kim and I made our plan of attack after consulting my parents to see what they wanted to do. We headed straight for Pirates of the Caribbean and waited in the long but quickly advancing line, and rode one of our favorites.

After that we headed straight for Thunder Mountain to ride the train, woo. The first roller coaster I had ever ridden and still one of my favorites, if for nostalgia only. The line was incredibly long and those with the Disney’s Fastpass were blowing right by. The Fastpass is a new addition in the last 10 years and honestly doesn’t seem (at least for today) that it’s worth the additional wait times and structured schedule. My parents commented that the last time they were here (3 or 4 years ago) that they got stuck on Thunder Mountain and received a Fastpass for the trouble.

After the runaway train, we took the time to add to our plan of attack. I wanted to nab a Dole Whip and then wait in line for Space Mountain. Kim, never being here before, had no opinion. My parents wanted to hit the Haunted Mansion first and being that it was on the way we were up for it.

After the Mansion we stopped at It’s a Small World. My parents, understanding the utter horrendous experience passed while Kim made me wait with her. I spent much of the time writing this post or commenting on the kid in front of us trying to climb out and touch the creepy dolls singing. I’m sure this “ride” is fantastic if you are high or three. Otherwise it’s creepy, scary, and much like what I’d guess a bad mushroom trip is like.

After that we met up with my parents and had lunch in Tomorrow Land. The choices were “chicken”, “burgers” or “salad”. You couldn’t choose more than one without switching lines. My father and wife wanted burgers so I did as well :( Surprisingly, the burgers weren’t overpriced for their size and the extra toppings that you could add. I was honestly expecting $8 hamburgers with White Castle results (size, not taste ;)).

After lunch Kim made a stop for a Minute Made ice cream and then we went over to Space Mountain. We passed the castle on the way but with the crane in use for construction, no good shots were possible from the side angles over the gardens :(

The line for Space Mountain wasn’t out the door, which was a first for me. We walked a good way inside (who knows the entire distance when it’s dark and intentionally tricky) before we caught the line. Kim didn’t like the creepy organ “space” music playing and stuck some ear plugs in to help her stay sane.
After the ride we decided to head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We’ll be back tonight to see the fireworks, etc. We’ve never done the park and night and since it’s open till midnight we might as well take advantage of it :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

See all the pictures from today here (mobile) and here (camera).