Thursday, October 16, 2008

Day Four: MNSSHP, a giant black horse, and a smoking crocodile!

Totally dazzled by fireworks, we continued through Fantasyland for a fitting trip through the Haunted Mansion. It's our second time through since the big rehab last year, and we do love it so! Doombuggies totally rock!

One of our biggest disappointments last year was that we missed the parade. This year, we made our way to the route early for the second parade. We were hanging out around the Liberty Tree Tavern and Christmas shop, when we spotted one of our favorite costumed groups of the evening. They had fantastical costumes from Peter Pan. The little girl, a toddler, was Tinkerbell, Grandma was Mr. Smee, Dad was Captain Hook, and Mom was Tic-Toc Crocodile. Now, when I say she was a crocodile, I mean it. A full out plush costume complete with long tail and a snout that stuck out almost two feet in front of her face. It was amazing. But, what made my night about their costumes was that when we passed them, they had stopped for a smoke break. It's just not every night you see a smoking crocodile. I did stop and ask them if I could take their picture, and they said yes, but sadly the flash didn't fire. We were in too big of a hurry to try and fix it, but I can assure you it was awesome. I think the crocodile was relieved. When she had said yes to having her picture taken, she had said "Only if this doesn't end up online." Of course I lied to her. If that shot had come out, I would've posted that baby in a heartbeat!

Tee was sitting in the roped off area for the handicapped guests. Now, she may have a tag in the car, but she wasn't on a scooter or in a wheelchair. So, the Cast Member had asked her to move if anyone else needed the area. We went ahead and moved to an extremely sweet spot near the Liberty Bell replica. We were right on the corner where the rope line makes a small row right at the bend in the street. We didn't have to wait long either.

At most WDW parades, the Cast Members try to keep you behind the ropes, but a little late maneuvering is usually allowed. Not at Mickey's Boo to You Parade. Nope. You stay put and there's a dang good reason. About 10 minutes before the parade begins, there is a huge surprise, even if you've waited years to see it, and you know it's coming, it's still a huge surprise. The Headless Horseman gallops down the street on one super huge black horse! You can see a picture of him here, about halfway down the page. It was amazing. The rider can't really see, so the horse is totally trained to run the route. He came barreling right at us, then he had to take that turn and we were literally closer than four feet from him. Honestly, if I didn't know what was going to happen, I probably would've peed myself. After he was gone, you could see the prints from his horseshoes on the pavement and they were way bigger than a dinner plate.

One of my favorite moments of the parade was during the Pinocchio segment. Honest John and Gideon were out and about walking around. (You may remember them from the story, Honest John, the fox, and Gideon, the cat, convince Pinocchio to ditch school.) Tee was watching the parade advance to her left, when Honest John came up behind her on her right and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and he offered her his hand. As she reached for it, he pulled it back. He managed to psych her out three times in a row. I was howling!

My other favorite moment was the dancing gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion. The danced along with their shovels, and would strike the ground in unison. The metal hitting the street would give off huge sparks. Then, they would drag the shovels and give off even more sparks. Oh, how I do love villains and spooks!

Of course, when Goofy came by at the end and they filled your trick or treat bag, that was pretty awesome too! We didn't do as much trick or treating as we could, but there's still a fair amount of candy in the bag on top of the fridge.

Before we knew it, we were all bushed and heading out of the park. It was a fantastic night and Hoot wasn't the only one whining that it was over! But, here is a list of the most memorable costume sightings from the evening:

  • A poor little boy in a vinyl Buzz Lightyear costume. It was hot and I'm sure he was roasting in his own juices.
  • The aforementioned party from Peter Pan.
  • A super tall and skinny couple that pulled off Jack Skellington and Sally incredibly well.
  • A woman in a Queen of Hearts outfit on her scooter which was made up like a throne.
  • A herd of Dorothy's in identical, perfectly made dresses, complete with aprons, and when you got close to them you could tell that half of them were men.

For next year, I think I am going to make all of us Wal-Mart type vests with the Buy N Large logos from Wall-e. However, Tee did say that if I made her a Queen of Hearts dress, she would wear it... Hm, I may have to rethink that!

Up Next: Day Five: Ohana means trouble!

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