Day 3 - Sunday 1st November
No Extra Magic Hours for us this morning while we all had a lie-in. I woke at around 8 and the boys about an hour later. We took our time getting ready and we met F&A for breakfast. They surprised me with a Merida Animator Doll that I have been coveting for a long time! She's so cool, I just love her. She's never coming out of the box!
We were going to get the bus to the parks but there was a lot of people waiting so we walked instead. It was a nice day so we got some photos at the iconic spot in front of the Mickey flowers at the entrance. I was Disneybounding as Minnie today and the boys wore their Peter Pan and Pirate Costumes.
The first thing on our agenda was to get a time slot to meet Stitch in his Halloween costume. There were a lot of people queuing. We had to wait a while but we got a slot no problem. I was able to pass the time chatting to a FB friend the chairs outside Casey's were close by which was handy. It was a lovely warm day. I met another FB friend there too and we had a Halloween nail selfie!
I had been getting text messages from my friend S who was on her way to the park and I was very excited to surprise the boys with the arrival of their friend, her daughter M. I texted our location on Main St. and we waited for them to come. The kids were all delighted to see each other, it was lovely. I had plans but they parked their bums down on the kerb to wait for the Halloween Cavalcade. they got lovely hugs from Pooh and Piglet. M's face was priceless. Myself and S got all emotional! A magical start to the day.
We didn't have much time before our slot with Stitch so we had a quick look around Sleeping Beauty's story in the Castle and the lovely views of Fantasyland.
We went to meet Stitch and got some more great photos on the Photopass. Lots of fun doing Halloween poses too. I was glad we got to meet him as he is a firm favourite in our house.
Next up was Big Thunder Mountain; our last go on it before the closure. Brilliant as always, and thankfully M loved her first go on it as much as the rest of us.
This was a 6th birthday trip for M so our next stop was City Hall for Birthday Sticker. A lovely CM there brought her into a room for her phonecall from Mickey, and she gave all the kids some name badges too.
It was nearly time for our reservation at Inventions for the Halloween Sunday Brunch. Ah, the
Disneyland Hotel, such a fabulous place! I just love walking in there and taking in the smell. We went up to Cafe Fantasia and asked about the kids cocktails. They didn't have them :-/
We were a little early for our reservation but they let us in anyway. Sitting at the table next to us was another FB friend
. Se gave us some Fastpasses she had left over as they were going home after Brunch. Most of the others I thought we might see were seated down in California Grill! Lots of people at Brunch today!
The food, as always, was spectacular. There were some Halloween themed dishes which was a nice touch. I had my usual selection of seafood and re most amazing beetroot crisps with fresh guacamole. For mains they had some cute mini burgers and hotdogs which were surprisingly tasty. And the desserts were gorgeous as always, although they had stopped replenishing some of them by the time I got to them. There were still plenty of the red haribo sweets so I was happy. ;-)
Character-wise we met characters in their Halloween costumes. Mickey, Minnie (who was most impressed with my disneybound Minnie outfit!), Goofy, Pluto, Dale, Hook, Scrooge and Duffy. There were a few others that we didn't see but we were happy enough.
It was very very warm in Inventions (I always find this) and the boys were a bit overdressed and not feeling great. We decided to have a drink and a rest in the Lounge outside the restaurant while I stripped the boys of some of their layers! I managed to catch up with a few more friends as they came out of Inventions which was great. S, K & M went back to their Hotel (New York) to get their room key and have a nap before coming back later for Dreams!
After our little rest (and a Glowtini) in the lounge, we headed for the Studios.
The first stop was Ratatouille but it was a bit too busy so we decided to try again later. We went over to Stitch Live! instead. We love this and it was slightly marred by some disruptive guests, but all was well once again when little N got picked out by Stitch for his brilliant Monkey face. <3
Back over to Toy Story Playland for a go on Slinky Dog. Ratatouille was looking a bit quieter so we finally had a ride on that. Brilliant as always and I noticed things I hadn't before.
S, K & M had woken from their nap and they met us at Crush's Coaster. It was due to close the next day for refurbishment. We went on via the exit using the Priority Pass. (M was too scared so she went on Flying Carpets with her Dad instead. It had no queue). A couple came in after us, with what looked like a personal guide. There were a few families in front of us and we had quite a wait. The couple behind got very inpatient and the CM with them approached the CM at the loading area and got them straight on! Money talks!!!
Anyway we went on Crush and it was little N's first time. He loved it! He is turning into a little thrill-seeker!
It was almost 7pm and the Studios were closing so we went back to the Disneyland Park. S, K & A headed for Space Mountain with the Fastpasses we got earlier while F & I brought the kids to Fantasyland. They chose Peter Pan. When we came out of that, they were starting to close Fantasyland for Dreams, so we had to go the long way around by Small World to go back to Central Plaza. On our way, we met Drizella Tremaine (Ugly Sister) and she gave us all some sweets. We had a bit of a chat (I asked her which sister was prettier and she said that was a silly question!) but then she very politely said she had to go but would be out at Town. Square at 8:05! What a stroke of luck!
We were passing by the Royal Castle Stage and saw that the Villains show was just over and some of the Villains were doing the M&Gs. Gaston was nearby and didn't have many people around him so we chanced our arm and luckily got to meet him! He's a great character, so much fun!
We met up with the others again and headed up towards Town Square to wait for the Tremaines. I was starting to doubt myself but luckily out came lots of Villains a few minutes later! Jafar, Cruella, the Tremaines and I can't remember who else. We went straight for the Tremaines and there was just one group in front of us. They were very slow with their photos etc. and the sisters were so impatient, it was very funny! They shouted at everyone who tried to get in at the sides and sent them to the back of the queue too. They didn't need any CM helpers!!! Someone was Skyping on their phone and of course the three ladies had to investigate. They couldn't figure out what was going on and were saying 'Are they IN there?'
M was next and she told them it was her birthday. Lady Tremaine conducted the sisters singing 'Happy Birthday', which was hilarious as they were so out of tune! Anastasia made fun of the Irish accent too.
My two boys were next and they got quizzed on their eligibility as bachelors - did they have a castle? horses? They loved J's Villains shoes but he wasn't impressed with them when the said they didn't care about Cinderella.
I got in for a photo too and Drizella spotted my Alice in Wonderland shoes and picked my leg up to have a better look at them. She started called people over to see them! Meanwhile, I was losing my balance and had to hold on to Lady Tremaine so I wouldn't fall!!
F went next and she had a bit of an altercation with Drizella, who refused to get in a photo with her!
Sorry for going on about it but it really was our best character meet. The Tremaines are my new favourites!
We had time for one more ride before watching Dreams! so we went on Buzz's Laser Blast. Unfortunately we only got one of the four photos. :-/
We got a spot for watching Dreams! to the left of the Royal Castle Stage. It wasn't a straight-on view but we could see most things, including the Castle door, and the kids had a good view. We munched on some trick or treat goodies while waiting. Dreams! was fabulous. We sang and danced along to the whole thing and I really enjoyed it a lot more than I had the previous night at the Soirée. I realized that I was so much more relaxed today.
We made our way out of the park, stopping on the way to get a replacement buggy (the one we had disappeared earlier that day!). The main reason I got the buggy was for walking to/from the hotel and it was a Godsend. Both boys fit in it, one on the others knee!
We were all getting peckish by now. S&K had full board vouchers so they went to La Grange at Billy Bob's (which they really liked - I must try it sometime), while the rest of us went to Cafe Fantasia. Earlier on, we had left behind an autograph book and a pair of Minnie Mouse ears. We got the autograph book back but not the ears. The book was more important - the ears can be replaced but that can't!
We had a lovely relaxing hour in CF. I had wine and cheese, which hit the spot nicely, and the boys had hot chocolate and crepes. I love coming here for a drink and snack, it's such a peaceful place!
A quick stop in the Disneyland Hotel Boutique, where I picked up the wonderful Cogsworth.
I had been debating whether to buy him or not but I'm so glad I did.
Off to bed then, after a really magical day, ready for EMH the following morning.