First, we found our stone on the Walk Around the World out in front of the main gate at the Magic Kingdom. Our dad bought it way back in 1994, so it's right up close to the entrance, just off to the right. It's stone number E06 - 135, look for it next time you're there.

Cinderella's Castle. It's huge. I'm so used to puny Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland that this one just shocked me. It really looms above Main Street. Everything about the Magic Kingdom is similar to Disneyland, but just a little bigger and more well done. Not that I'm knocking Disneyland, it's my park of choice now (because I live so close to it now). But I grew up going to Walt Disney World, and that's just a better park.

Anyway, we got there around 4 pm, and walking down Main Street the weather was sunny and warm and beautiful. However, by the time we got to Splash Mountain to get a FastPass, the heavens completely opened up on us. I forgot about the afternoon rain storms in Florida, and how the rain is so big and heavy it actually hurts to be hit by it. Not that I really had a problem, it cleared the street of crowds (just look at the photos below!) and cooled everything down.

So anyway we did everything in the park in close-to record time. Sure, we waited forty-five minutes at Space Mountain because we already had a FastPass at Splash, but at Disneyland waiting under an hour for Space Mountain is almost unheard of. On the topic of FastPasses, I originally was against the idea ("We fear change.") but after using them non-stop in Florida, it seems to work well. I don't really get the mathematics of it all, but I'm sure there's advanced formulas needed ("It's physics, you wouldn't understand.") I don't know, but whoever came up with it is one smart cookie.

Nighttime at the Magic Kingdom is so much fun. And this year they've revived the Main Street Electrical Parade instead of my personal favorite, SpectroMagic. But I guess any parade that ends with Elliot from Pete's Dragon is fine by me (all the kids in the audience are all, "Who's the big dragon? Did they color Mushu wrong, Mommy?")

Also I have to mention the statue of Roy O. Disney at the head of Main Street. I forgot that they had added that, so it was a real treat. I also just finished Bob Thomas' biography on him, so that was kind of fitting. Not to improperly align myself with greatness, but I always associated with him. I guess it's just because we both have genius little brothers.

(see this picture at a watery 600x400 resolution)

You know, I take that back. That kid is no genius.

(see this picture at a watery 600x400 resolution)

You have to love the WEDWay PeopleMover.

(see this picture at a watery 600x400 resolution)

One of my favorite photos I've ever taken. I love my camera.
No PhotoShop needed when you have a orange YA2 filter!

back to day two - pt. 1 | or forward to day two - pt. 3

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Last Updated on: July 9, 2000

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