Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy Hey again Happily Adventures After friends! We are back to discuss part 2 of our April 2024 trip; Magic Kingdom!

The Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom day was such an adventure, we had to split it into 2 different blog posts. 

After the weather and soaking wet storm we encountered, we had blue sky and sunshine (Princess and the Frog anyone!) guaranteed for our Magic Kingdom day. The day started with some crazy, but ended in such happiness; it was one for the books!

The MAGIC IS CALLING!

Dried off and ready for what seemed like a new day, our drive from Animal Kingdom to Disney’s Magic Kingdom was approximately 25 minutes with traffic . We didn’t mind this ride as we listened to our trip song September by Earth, Wind and Fire and Disney Hits on SiriusXM. 

Pulling into the Parking Lot at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, we used our Annual Pass to receive complementary parking, like we had done in the other parks. As we drove through the lot, minimal vehicles lined the spaces. This was excellent to not only receive a close parking spot, but also allowed us to hope that there would be minimal crowds. Making our way to our parking space, we noticed Cast Members directing approaching vehicles to the Preferred Parking section; a very wonderful complementary upgrade yet again provided by Cast Members!

Jumping out of the vehicle, we walked over in bright sunshine to the Ticket and Transportation Center to go through security; which is when my cousin’s bag was flagged. My cousin is quite funny, and while she was getting her bags checked, she kept the security guards and us laughing in hysterics the entire time . 

Once her security pat down (only kidding) was over, the Resort Monorail to Magic Kingdom called our name! Ready to see the beauty of Magic Kingdom, we approached each Deluxe Resort on the monorail line with the excitement palpable! Pulling into the Magic Kingdom station, we exited the Monorail, approached the  turnstiles, and scanned in. We were back home! The Magic Called us here! 

ALEXA, play “The Magic is Calling”! 

Of course, we had to take a moment to grab a photo commemorating the crazy day yet again. Stationed outside of the Magic Kingdom, the Photo Pass Cast Members took some excellent shots. 

Once completed, we were welcomed into a a world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy; leaving the world of today behind!

He’s a Tramp, but They Love Him

Immediately headed towards our Tony’s Town Square dining reservation, I was excited. My cousin had unknowingly chosen what everyone calls the “worst restaurant in Walt Disney World” for our meal tonight. I was honestly looking forward to seeing firsthand if it was really that bad. We will have a full review on this restaurant coming to the blog soon. 

Checked in, and headed to our table, we were promptly greeted and seated. So far, we are off to an amazing start!

Once at our table, our server greeted us, taking our drink orders. At the same time, we also ordered our appetizers.

Quickly coming back with our drinks, our dining order was taken. We all ordered Fettuccine Alfredo – one with chicken, one with shrimp and one without.

The Cost breakdown of meal was as follows: 

• Tony’s Garlic Break for the Table for $13 USD/ $18.33 CDN plus tax which is listed asToasted Ciabatta with Roasted Garlic-Butter and Parmesan Fonduta

• 2 Caesar Salad for $12 USD/ $16.92 CDN plus tax which is listed as Crisp Romaine tossed in House-made Caesar Dressing with Parmesan Croutons

• Insalata Caprese for $12 USD/ $16.92 CDN plus tax which is listed as Heirloom Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella topped with Arugula and White Balsamic Pesto

• 3 Fettuccine Alfredo for $28 USD each/ $39.48 CDN plus tax which is listed asChoice of Roasted Chicken or Shrimp tossed with Fettuccine in a Parmesan Cream Sauce

Our meal, totalling $142.31 USD or $200.66 CDN. 

The 10% AP Discount, our meal ended up at $128.08 USD/$180.60 CDN not including tip.

The meal itself, we all agreed, was actually not that bad. The service, during peak dining time was very good. Our wait staff was very kind. The restaurant ambiance was well done, with a hint of Lady and the Tramp theming. We all accepted our meal and our time at Tony’s Town Square. 

I would not call it the “worst table service” restaurant in Walt Disney World but I will not say it was great. The meal was very expensive for what we had. 

Though this restaurant has negative reviews, I do not think it is that bad. I will say, some reviews state that this restaurant is an over priced Olive Garden, which is fair to some. I will say, we had a great experience with food and service. 

Into the Grid!

Upon the conclusion of our meal, we quickly moved to our Tron: Lightcycle Run Individual Attraction Selection.

Approaching the Lightening Lane for Tron, my cousin and I noticed no one was around; so much so, we were the only individuals in the Lightening Lane Pre Show! With doors wide opened, we walked right out to the lockers; choosing the locker numbers that resembled our birthdays for easy memory.

Walking into the attraction’s line, we asked Cast Members to sit in the accessible seating. My cousin was nervous of riding the motorcycle style vehicle which is very valid. The next ride vehicle with this seating came very quickly and we hopped in. On the ride,  we had a spectacular time!

My cousin was nervous but excited (so she started singing a song called nervous but excited… there was 0 choreography… 0! Does anybody know that Saturday Night Live reference from Zac Efron? No? Just Me? Ok…). I had been on this attraction before but we both agreed that we have a lot of fun. As a whole, my mom (who’s been on this ride before), cousin and I agree with the general consensus; the ride needs approximately 30 more seconds to feel fulfilled. Overall, we had an amazing time!

Once off, we made it and regroup we got to our lockers, retrieve our belongings , making our way to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland. 

Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It’s Off to Fun We Go!

On our walk over to Fantasyland, we saw on the My Disney Experience App that Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train was actually experiencing some downtime. That was ok! It seemed to be for a short period, therefore, we needed to find something quick to do. What do you do when you need 15 minutes? Have another photoshoot (can you sense a theme with my cousin? HAHA).

At the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, we headed into the attraction’s queue, taking photos of and with some very fun, interactive elements of the queue, and jumping on the attraction. This is such a fun and sweet ride! After a few moments, we saw that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had returned, and went over get in line.

Moving quickly through the attraction’s queue, we were lucky enough to be seated in the front row! This was quite the treat! Even though my cousin has ridden this a few times before, she was still nervous. 

Pulling down our lap bars, we were launched into the ride. Taking the first turn quickly, we put our hands up in the air ready for a great time. At the top of the first lift hill, we suddenly stopped, sitting for about 2 minutes. As the Cast Members made an announcement that the ride would be stopped for a moment, I opened the My Disney Experience App and notice the Virtual Queue (VQ) was still open for Tron: LightCycle Run so I grabbed a VQ spot for later this evening! 

Sitting on the first lift hill for about 15 minutes, my cousins worst fear come true; being stopped on a rollercoaster. To make the time pass, I had her tell me about her the paper. She’s an incredible writer and incredibly gifted. she told me all about her thesis on animal testing for cosmetics and personal care. Mid sentence, our ride vehicle was launched forward as we continued the ride. 

Making it to the indoor mine,  we were stopped again, only for about two minutes before continuing. At another break station, were stopped for about five minutes before the ride concluded. As we exited the mine train, we could hear guests and Cast Members alike, chatting that the ride was down, which stayed down for the duration of night.

It’s ICE CREAM TIME (But not without a trip to Neverland!)

Getting off of Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, my family and I walked through Fantasyland,  towards Peter Pan’s Flight. 

As I said in the Epcot blog, one of my cousins favourite Disney movies and characters is Peter Pan. She LOVES him, and has since she was very young. Knowing this, of course we have to take a trip to Neverland! 

High in the sky over the cities of London, we were soarin’, and flyin’ (the High School Musical references have not stopped) with Peter, Wendy and the crew!

Exiting our ride vehicle, the Neverland map outside of the attraction called our names. Due to the time of day, Peter Pan was not greeting guests so this was the next best thing. Years ago, my cousins, mom and I met Peter Pan and loved every second of it. It was one of the best character meetings we have ever had, and serves as a highlight one of the best memories of my Disney experiences. It was fun to go back to this place, and get to relive the memory again!

Fantasyland completed, we walked through Adventureland with one thing on our mind:”swirly twirly ice cream” aka the Citrus Swirl from Sunshine Tree Terrace. 

This is my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE ICE CREAM! No questions asked. 

Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience App, I pre-ordered: 

• 3 Orange Cream Soft Serve Cups which Disney says is dull whip, orange and vanilla swirl for $5.29 USD each; totalling $16.99 USD/$23.96 CDN with tax. 

Once we arrived at Sunshine Tree Terrace, I clicked the “I’m Here Prepare My Order” button on the App, and was called to pick up my order. 

Sitting outside of Swiss Family Treehouse, we people watched, and ate the most delicious treat I will ever have.

Jokes and Boats, More Boats, and Pirates OH MY!

With full hearts and tummies, we marched our happy selves over to the World Famous Jungle Cruise, where they are World Famous for being World Famous!

Let me tell you, this ride DID NOT DISAPPOINT! 

Our Skipper was absolutely hysterical. We laughed at every single joke this Skipper had. She was phenomenal. Between the standard script jokes, and off the cuff ones, this Skipper did an excellent job! 

I think my mom’s favourite joke was when our skipper noted to laugh at her jokes because she needs all the love and praise she can get since she is a middle child (my mom is a middle child, who I think couldn’t stop laughing for 5 minutes at that joke). 

That was one of the funniest Jungle Cruise rides I have been on!

After we ventured through the jungle, we disembarked (or as our skipper said… GET OUT!) and moved on over to Pirates of the Caribbean. 

With this attraction being a walk on, my cousin and I hopped in line. My mom sat in Touruga Tavern and waited for us. Though it did not have nay food or drink service at the time, my mom raved about how lovely it was to sit in during the evening. 

As a pro tip! If you’re looking for somewhere to relax or eat lunch, this is a great place!

Walking through the stand by queue of Pirates of the Caribbean, we reminisced about the live actors we saw during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party years ago. 

Boarding the boats, our ride on Pirates was very pirate-y which is nothing out of the ordinary.I will say pirates is not my favourite ride (don’t come for me) but it is nice. I know some people absolutely adore it, but it’s not 100% for me, which is A-OK! It is still a fun attraction to go on from time to time.

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

Off of Pirates of the Caribbean, we walked out to darkness in the sky! Only fitting to come out of that attraction

Meeting my mom, at Tortuga Tavern, we headed over to Frontierland. We decided to ride “the wildest ride in the wilderness” ! This is without a doubt my mom favourite ride in all of Walt Disney World. She doesn’t know why, it just is!

I sat this out on this ride, to be named the unofficial bag watcher . I just enjoyed the time being in an empty Frontierland and chatted with some lovely Cast Members outside of Big Thunder Mountain. 

I also attempted to take a sneak peak at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the ride vehicle testing that was going on! I am looking forward to riding this new attraction!

I’m honestly glad I sat out of Big Thunder Mountain as I was able to walk over towards the Entrance to Frontierland from Main Street and watch Happily Ever After fireworks. I will own it. I cried. This show means so much to me (hence the blog name) as it got me through quite a few rough years!

Back on The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, my mom and cousin waited about 45 minutes. They thought it was going to be a posted 30 minute wait but the line stretched a little bit longer! My mom made sure my cousin had a great time. They were screaming and . Mom made her throw her arms up in the air, filling the air with laughter the entire time. It is so sweet to have those memories; something Walt Disney made sure we could do as family and friends.

At this point, our virtual queue for Tron had been called. We moseyed back to Tomorrowland but once we got to Main Street USA, we  realized how tired we were. We decided to call it for the evening, and make our way back to the comfiest bed I have ever slept on at Reunion Resort. 

As we turned around, I waved to the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Castle and then I’ll see you real soon. 

Exiting the park, we walked to the Resort Monorail bound for the Ticket and Transportation Center.  Upon arrival, Cast Members greeted us waving with Mickey hands and a bright smile always. This is one thing I love about Disney Parks; they always bring magic to the smallest moments in the day.  

Back at our vehicle, we quickly piled in the car laughed about how soaking our belongings were still in vehicle. Starting the vehicle, my mom looked down at the dash, to see we were out of gas – we meant to fill up before we left for Walt Disney World, but our excitement got the best of us. Off on another new adventure; Walt Disney World Speedway Gas station!

Speedway Or No Way

Pulling into the Speedway GasStation at Magic Kingdom we ran into the physical station to realize they sell Mickey Premium Ice Cream! What an amazing surprise! Thinking about picking some up for the trip home, we thought it may be best if we did not. On our way back to the vehcile, we saw a tour bus. My cousin and I sat in the vehilce, speculating who it may be. Showing my mom the bus, she began to think about who it could be! We never found out who the artist was, or  if the bus was really a tour bus. We had a fun time laughing and thinking about it; the best part of any memory and moment! 

Home Time!

After Speedway, we drove to Reunion Resort. Unpacking our bags, we went though all of our soaked clothing, and enjoying the memories we made. We got a good nights sleep ready for wonderful resort day at Reunion Resort! .

That’s for today’s post but more will be to come on Reunion Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Springs and What We Love to Do Around Orlando.

Thanks so much. I’ll see you real soon!

London

Note: Tax in the Walt Disney World area is an additional 7% on your bill

Note: The Canadian Exchange rate quoted above is 1.41 CDN on 1 USD. This is what we paid at the time, not including credit card fees added, if applicable