Fantasyland was probably the place where we spent the most time. The carousel, excuse me, the King Arthur Carousel, is there, and everyone enjoyed that ride. Also Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and the Matterhorn, both of which had mixed reviews depending on who you spoke with. But, the Mad Tea Party (the teacup ride) is there and that was enjoyed several times. Except by me. Spinning, you see.
The Storybook Land Canal Boats was surprisingly fun. It was a soft, gentle ride through the gardens that have been manicured to look like miniature replicas of various storybook places. We saw Geppetto's Workshop, the Three Little Pig's houses, Aladdin's castle, and the place where Prince Eric washed ashore when he met Ariel.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride seemed to be enjoyed by all. More spinning – not me. One time we got there and the ride was shut down, although there was still a line. Turns out that right below the elephants is water, and a duckling had decided that it would be a good place to go for a swim. The “pool net” was brought out, the duckling scooped, and carefully taken away toward Storybook Land.
We also went on the Alice in Wonderland ride, which was fun. I went with Munchkin, and she wasn't too sure about it until we popped out of the dark, fluorescent-lighted tunnel. That is, until she realized that we were about 10 feet in the air over the line of people waiting for the ride. Then we turned the corner and went back in the ride for the second half. It was because of things like that that we tried to alternate between “scary” rides and “not scary” rides. Still, everyone was a trouper, and tried different things.
The Bibbidi Bobiddy Boutique was one place that Keke really, really wanted to go. It seems that here you can get yourself made up in full princess regalia. Hair, makeup, dress, the whole nine yards. The downside – it cost something like $250 to do this. I don't think so. She did get to go in the shop, but didn't get the makeover.
I can't believe that I'm saying this, but, by far, the best bang for your Disney buck would have to be It's a Small World. While it may play the most annoying song ever, it also appeared to be the longest ride we went on, with the shortest line. The longest we stood in line for it was maybe 20 minutes. And the kids loved it!! Absolutely loved it, so that made it all worthwhile. However, one time, when I was taking Keke, Stewie, and Munchkin on the ride we got almost all the way through (I think we were in the second to last room), and the ride stopped. There was a big pileup of boats just sitting there. We were probably only stuck for about 5 minutes, but it seemed like much longer. But, we got out just as the clock was striking, so we got to watch all the characters in the facade do their little dances right from the exit line. It was like being in the front row!
Also technically in Fantasyland, but more nestled between Fantasyland and Toontown, is the Princess Fantasy Faire. What a racket! The only thing here is the Disney Princesses.When you get to the front of the line, you are taken in and get to visit with whichever three princesses are there at the time. That would be great, except they are all behind a big wall so if you are waiting in line you can't even see them. And the line is incredible. We waited for a half hour one day, and hardly moved at all. We bailed. The next time, we waited almost an hour before bailing. Finally, we decided that Ellen and Munchkin would wait in line while Beenie, Keke, Stewie, and I went to Splash Mountain. Naturally, at this time, the line moved very fast, and they got in in no time. Munchkin was thrilled!! She got to meet and talk with Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine.
