If Day One was brilliant, Day Two ripped the roof off. We went in knowing the layout, the rhythm, and how to work the system and we squeezed every last drop of magic out of that day. No filler. Just pure fun.
We kicked things off by snagging a Premier Access pass for Monsters, Inc. locked in for 11AM. With that sorted, we wandered down to the waterfront and boarded the giant cruise ship that loops around the park.
Now when I say giant I mean this thing was massive. Like, multiple levels, full blown old timey paddle steamer vibes. You could feel the breeze, take in the sights from the water, and get this calm, grand view of the park that just hits differently. Pure Disney serenity.
Georgia was desperate to do Jungle Cruise again —mand who were we to say no? Back we went. And you know what? We noticed heaps we missed the first time, like the bloke with the ripped trousers hanging off a tree. That’s the beauty of doing it twice it’s never the same show twice.
From there, we split up again Ali and Georgia were keen to hit the Splash Mountain water ride, while Dotty and I jumped on the train for a calm ride through the lands. She absolutely loved it. Something about those gentle turns and big views had her completely relaxed, when we regrouped Georgia could not stop talking about the big drop and splash, that’s a memory locked in forever!
We wondered over for the Disney 3D show with Donald Duck a classic Disney chaos screening while wearing 3D glasses. Great way to cool off and have a giggle, water, air smells and much more make this an immersive film.
The clocks chimed and it was time, Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek. With our fast pass, we zipped through the line and launched into one of the most interactive, brilliantly themed rides of the park. Flashlights, monster spotting, hilarious little scenes the whole thing left us buzzing afterwards.
We kept lunch low-key sandwiches we’d packed ourselves, grabbed a shady spot, and had a breather. Fuelled up and ready again, I ducked off for a solo mission Star Tours.
Even with fast access, the queue was about 20 minutes but worth the wait. It’s a wild galactic tour with a different storyline each time, and this one had a cool flight sequence. I left the show grinning like a Wookiee on pay day.
As we wandered through Gaston’s Bar, we grabbed churros that were dangerously good (crispy outside, cinnamon dusted joy inside), and caught the final Duck Parade a high energy, character packed carnival that had us dancing. Costumes, colour, confetti… it was a proper party on wheels.
By the time that concluded it was the one we’d all been waiting for. Beauty and the Beast, Georgia dressed as Belle with her lantern we arrived Premier Access in hand walked straight in, and within 10 minutes we were on the ride.
Honestly, my words don’t really do it justice it’s emotional, cinematic, and stunning from the inside out. Floating through the ballroom, the “Be Our Guest” sequence, and the grand finale… it was like stepping into the film. Dotty was wide eyed, Georgia kept whispering “This is amazing,” we lived through her and we were grinning the whole way through. Honestly worth every yen, every step, every second.
While I headed off with Dotty (who had dozed off), we pulled a sneaky bit of timing strategy queued for the mine cart ride using a ticket wait system so when Ali finished I could swap and bypass the queue with a fast track as if I queued with her, a little used useful tactic and I was on board within 5 minutes of swapping, the ride was fast, twisty, and tore through glowing mines. Such a good ride with so many screams you would think people were being murdered!
Dinner was at the queen of Hearts Banquet Hall visually bonkers small portions and not the greatest meals, but your paying for the experience we figured, was it worth it, probably not but it was well designed!
From there, it was time for the grand finale. First, the electrical light parade an absolute spectacle. Float after float gliding by with thousands of lights, massive characters waving, the whole park glowing and pulsing with music. Dotty was waving at every float, Georgia’s jaw was on the floor. Ali and I were just soaking it in.
We didn’t stop there though Georgia begged for one more spin on “It’s a Small World with Groot,” so off we went again just enough time with a mere 5 minute queue to go get on and back for the finally? And yeah… it was still a banger, but after 11 hours it feels like your mind had left your body, my brain unable to process what my eyes were seeing, again Groot dancing through every culture it was the kind of weird and wonderful that Disney Japan just nails.
And finally… we raced back to the castle for the fireworks, they were ok, not as good as expected but not bad either but then… not knowing what to expect we waited darkness fell and …
The projections wrapped around Cinderella Castle like magic paint, fireworks bursting above in perfect sync with the music. You don’t just watch this show you felt it. In your chest. In your memories. It felt like a celebration of our whole two day experience that ran for 20 minutes taking you on a joyful journey that just made you smile, and it ended with one last burst that lit up the whole sky. Pure Disney magic.
And that was that, the end of 2 magical days and my words to not do it justice, we crammed loads in, used tricks of the trade to squeeze the most and safe in the knowledge we did more than we ever expected to!
As we made our way out, the cast members waved goodbye, beaming as wide as ever. There’s something truly addictive about the joy they bring every “Have a magical evening!” felt genuine.
We left tired, yes. But also completely lit up inside.
