HobNobbing with Nobby (A Gnome's 1st Trip to the World) FINAL Upt: 9/23 (P.48)

[MEK]

Jen:

That was such an amazing update. How did I miss it yesterday? I am reading it without benefit of your pictures and its still amazing. How cool to be on HM at midnight. I guess the only thing cooler would be if it was 12 midnight going into Halloween.

Your meals sound fantastic! You are making me so hungry now. I am so glad you got to experience your first wishes and spectromagic. The only time I ever lined up early for Wishes was when I went alone. It is a great benefit to going solo!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

HOLY MOLY...and how does one get one of those!! I don't really do porcelain dolls either but I would LOVE to have that one!!! I'm going to go google it...thank you so much for sharing!!

It was through the Disney Insider Newsletter and you can order starting today via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. I sound like a commercial

 

[MinnieNurse]

I'm not a fan of porcelain dolls but thought you 'd get a kick out of this. It was in my email this morning:

"Haunted Mansion Hostess" costume on "Adora Bitty Belle" who is elegantly attired in the costume designed exclusively for the attraction. This elaborate costume replica consists of a bottle green skirt, lace trimmed blouse & apron, with matching jacket and is topped off with the famous "Bat Hat" which is perched jauntily atop the doll's curls. This cute little pin trader doll comes with two tradable pins that celebrate the icons of New Orleans Square which includes the Haunted Mansion and the Haunted Mansion entrance plaque.

Hijack-Sorry!

LL-theres your chance to get your Haunted Mansion maid outfit. Ooooh, you need a real one for MNSSHP.

 

[jenjolt]

What an awesome update!!! Animal Kingdom, delicious food pics from Ohana and Spectromagic, what more could you ask for! We ate at Ohana's for breakfast, but dinner is definitely on my list of must-do's for next trip!

Aww..thank you!! The food at Ohana's was simply wonderful I really really enjoyed it and there was SO much of it!!!

What a cute couple you make!!

What an awesome day, thanks for sharing it with me - I almost felt like I was there (but funny, after all that delicious food, I'm not very full)

Spectro and wishes are just magical and I'm glad you fell in love with them too!

Thanks Katie, I really do have a special love for that gnome, he's my buddy!!!!

I did really fall in love with them, Spectro the most of all that parade with the lights and music totally enthralled me!

Subbing! Hey Jen... I've been reading all about you and LL and now I'm joining in the fun here. I can't see your pics from work so I have lots of reading to do when I get home.

YAY Welcome Welcome!!!!!! I headed over to start reading about your upcoming trip!!!

What a great update, Jen! That is so exciting that you were able to ride HM twice in a row! And at midnight!! That's just great. Your meals for the day look AMAZING. I think I might have to just order some dessert fried won-tons to go...since we're not eating there. They just look sooo incredible! I can't believe you posted so much in one day! Great job--wonderful post!

Those wontons will not disappoint, if you can get them to have to go for you than do it...they are just that good!!!!!

Well I figured I would post all of Day 4, now I'm working on Day 5 hopefully this weekend LOL!

Holy update, Batman.

I hardly know where to start. First of all, thank you for all the pictures! You took so many, it gets me so excited for my trip looking at all of them!

Sounds like you had a good time at the Animal Kingdom. I've never seen the Nemo show, and I know people do rave about it. I'm glad Nobby enjoyed it, what with having his own seat and all.

I've always wanted to try Yak and Yeti, but have heard mixed reviews. I'm glad you liked it! And I would have ordered the same thing, is that funny, or what? I love honey chicken, and the dessert looked divine.

I must tell you, I get a pang in my heart when I look at your beautiful food art from Ohana's. I really had my heart set on it. I'm glad I can live vicariously through you.

And riding the Haunted Mansion at midnight! What's cooler than that!!!! What a great moment for you.

Awww TK...I'm bummed for you about Ohana's because I did enjoy it!!! But I know you will make the most of wherever you and your gang go and will have a blast...because you are a pirate its in the code that you have fun LOL!

OH Nemo was amazing and if you have time you really should consider seeing it, it was a great show and I would love to do it again soon...who knows I just might LOL!

I really can't wait for the upcoming trip...its going to be so much fun and all the pictures everyone is going to be able to share...its going to be one crazy time!!!

Wonderful update, Jen!!! I don't know if I can even pick a favorite part because you did so many fun things -- Animal Kingdom, Yak and Yeti, Ohana's, and Spectro!!! I do know that my favorite picture is the one of the Everest temple -- I love that angle!

Oh me too....I got some great shots from Animal Kingdom that morning!!! I even was having a good hair day LOL

Wow Jen!! That was a fantastical update

I think those fried wontons for dessert are calling my name.... listen.... can't you hear them????

Way too cool getting to do the double on HM!! Don't think that is a moment that could ever be topped

Paula

I think I can...they are calling my name too...we'll just have to eat there sometime together...I wonder if we can arrange that

Nope Double HM at Midnight was amazing...of course its a bit spookier at night but that makes it even better LOL!

 

[jenjolt]

It was through the Disney Insider Newsletter and you can order starting today via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. I sound like a commercial

I'm on my way over there now...that doll will be mine LOL!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Great update! I heart potstickers!!!! Lucky you, twice in one day!
Great pics!

 

[jenjolt]

Great update! I heart potstickers!!!! Lucky you, twice in one day!
Great pics!

OOOH and weren't they so good!!!! Thanks!!!

 

[sunny_stace]

Your pictures are always soooooo amazing! I feel like I'm there with you and Nobby! I'm glad none of the animals got their paws on him (or you of course!)

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wowsers! MAJOR update-and such a great one!

I cannot even remember all the things I wanted to comment on. The picture of you and King Louie is so freakin' cute. Really, really adorable. And I too LOVE your shirt! The one of you and Nobby is a great one too!

Ohana. Drool. Nuff said.

And I loved picturing you coming back around with all the empty Doom Buggies - I bet everyone in line was so confused! I'm so happy to read your dream came true!

I don't know if I realized/remembered that this was your first Wishes/Spectro experience...Isn't it amazing??? I love me some Spectro! I think I might steer our family in September to Frontierland for Spectro - we've only watched from the Hub, once right on Main Street and once in a really bad spot. I don't even think I realized it went through Frontierland!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I just found your report and have read through it (I find myself with a little extra time on my hands today-I set myself on fire when I was cooking yesterday so I'm home recuperating with 1st and 2nd degree burns and some interesting meds that render me useless for anything very productive-WATCH THOSE LOOSE SHIRTS NEAR THE FLAMES!!!) anyhow...

your trippie is really makie my day...

I love all your photos of Nobby-he is quite photogenic-the camera loves him-have you ever thought of getting him involved in professional modeling?-Does he have an agent?

You are actually a very good writer (despite your early protests that you were a science teacher-not a writer-you tell a story very well...)

I too love the Haunted Mansion but am a mere novice when it comes to the knowledge you have gathered-sadly it freaks my ds out for now-although he'll ride any coaster he can get on...but my dd loves it too...

Love your day at Animal Kingdom and we have ressies for Yak and Yeti in August-sounds great...

More trippie for the sickieplease...

 

[jenjolt]

Your pictures are always soooooo amazing! I feel like I'm there with you and Nobby! I'm glad none of the animals got their paws on him (or you of course!)

Me too...Nobby was quite sure that some sort of animal would eat him, but I told him the Lions and Tigers would have already been fed that morning.

Wowsers! MAJOR update-and such a great one!

I cannot even remember all the things I wanted to comment on. The picture of you and King Louie is so freakin' cute. Really, really adorable. And I too LOVE your shirt! The one of you and Nobby is a great one too!

Ohana. Drool. Nuff said.

And I loved picturing you coming back around with all the empty Doom Buggies - I bet everyone in line was so confused! I'm so happy to read your dream came true!

I don't know if I realized/remembered that this was your first Wishes/Spectro experience...Isn't it amazing??? I love me some Spectro! I think I might steer our family in September to Frontierland for Spectro - we've only watched from the Hub, once right on Main Street and once in a really bad spot. I don't even think I realized it went through Frontierland!

I had a front row seat for Frontierland and Spectro and it was great even characters came by and said hi! It was really magical and part of the reason I fell in love with the parade!!!

Awww thanks I really like that shirt too and it will definitely be going back with me in September!!

I just found your report and have read through it (I find myself with a little extra time on my hands today-I set myself on fire when I was cooking yesterday so I'm home recuperating with 1st and 2nd degree burns and some interesting meds that render me useless for anything very productive-WATCH THOSE LOOSE SHIRTS NEAR THE FLAMES!!!) anyhow...

your trippie is really makie my day...

I love all your photos of Nobby-he is quite photogenic-the camera loves him-have you ever thought of getting him involved in professional modeling?-Does he have an agent?

You are actually a very good writer (despite your early protests that you were a science teacher-not a writer-you tell a story very well...)

I too love the Haunted Mansion but am a mere novice when it comes to the knowledge you have gathered-sadly it freaks my ds out for now-although he'll ride any coaster he can get on...but my dd loves it too...

Love your day at Animal Kingdom and we have ressies for Yak and Yeti in August-sounds great...

More trippie for the sickieplease...

Aww thank you so much for your kind reviews!!! As you can tell I too really really love the Haunted Mansion!!

You will love Yak and Yeti it is a very good meal and good service!!!

Well I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you heal well!!! Burns are no fun!!! Take care of yourself and I will see what I can do to oblige you with more trip report very soon!

 

[MEK]

Jen,

I finally got back to look at your pictures from your last update and they are freak'n great. Your skill is really good and so is your camera. I am so jealous. I want to take pictures like that! I keep telling DH that we need to upgrade our camera and I need a photography class. I can't believe how much food they gave you at Ohana. Did they seriously think Nobby was going to help you finish it off?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Well, good gravy, where in the heck have I been? Great updates. Love, love, LOVE, the pics of you and Louie, you and Nobby and you and Simba. Adorable!!

O'Hana looks so fun- with so much food!

Can't wait for more!

 

[MrsSpratt]

Finally made it all the way through - Amazing!

 

[jenjolt]

Well, good gravy, where in the heck have I been? Great updates. Love, love, LOVE, the pics of you and Louie, you and Nobby and you and Simba. Adorable!!

O'Hana looks so fun- with so much food!

Can't wait for more!

Awww...thank you I really like those pictures too...I'm hoping I can get the hair to cooperate again in Sept LOL!!!!!

There was a TON of food...oh man I felt bad not to have anyone to share it with.

Hopefully you will have more soon!

Finally made it all the way through - Amazing!

Aww thank you so much!! And WELCOME!!!!

 

[jenjolt]

Chapter 18: Keys to the Kingdom, Relaxation in Style, and a DIS Meet to Boot!

When planning my trip Monday was one of the days I was looking the most forward too. It was going to be a full day but a most wonderful day at that. The morning began pretty early with Nobby and I getting ready and heading to Magic Kingdom to check in for our Keys to the Kingdom tour. This is one of the things I was most looking forward to on this trip. I’m a huge Disney history fan and love learning little tidbits about Disney and I was hoping I would learn a lot about Disney on this tour. Nobby and I quickly drove over to TTC and hopped on the Monorail and had a bit of a hold up at the turnstiles (of course LOL). For some reason they kept sending me back and forth to get in, one person said I couldn’t go in the character breakfast entrance, the other person would send me back, finally I was able to go in and check in.

Nobby patiently waited while I went in and checked us in and got our name tags and hearing device, I made sure to grab a cold bottle of water while I was at it. I have to say I love that they give you hearing devices, not only does this mean I can hear everything, but then your tour guide doesn’t have to yell and that is a good thing because there are some parts of the “magic” that are not meant for little ears to hear. Our tour guide this morning was Matthew.

Boy was Matthew a hoot, he was HILARIOUS!! He had such a great sense of humor and had me laughing the entire time. He was also extremely knowledgeable and knew tons of things about Disney. I was greatly impressed with his knowledge. Now I’m not going to give away any of the tour because well it’s a great tour and I would suggest if you are interested that you go on it yourself, it is well worth it, trust me!!! However a couple of the really cool things we were able to do was go backstage and see some cool things back there. We rode on the Jungle Cruise and got some really cool things pointed out to us.

We went in the back entrance of the Haunted Mansion which just added to my dream come true and boy was I giddy with excitement. Matthew who must have sensed the “I love HM so much you could leave me here forever “ vibe coming off of me picked me to touch a few things in the back entrance…suffice to say I was totally on cloud nine LOL! Then it was time to lunch. As part of the tour lunch is provided at the Columbia Harbor House, they rope off a very nice section upstairs and your order is ready for you when you arrive (You preorder that morning when you check in).

For lunch I had chosen the Fish and Chicken basket!! It was so good.

Because I was a single traveler I was able to sit at the table with Matthew and ask a lot of questions. It was a great time and I really enjoyed being able to pick his brain.

Shortly after lunch our tour was over and I was off on my own to explore. I was still a bit hungry so I decided it was time to try the one snack raved over on the DIS boards. The DOLE WHIP!

Now don’t stone me or ostracize me but this was a bit too much for me! I really enjoyed it but it was very sweet and very pineapply. I think I would have been happy with just the pineapple ice cream, but with the juice I just couldn’t finish it all. Next time I will stick with just the ice cream!

By this time I figured I would head over to the Grand Floridian and leisurely explore the grounds and get ready for my date at the spa. You see as part of my dream trip I wanted to go to the Grand Floridian spa for some treatments. What started as just a pedicure turned into a massage and pedicure and I was really looking forward to some relaxation and so were my poor footsies!!! So I headed towards the exit of Magic Kingdom when I saw her.

DAISY!! I was on a character roll so I knew I had to meet her especially since one of my dear DIS friends (Soleil) was a huge Daisy fan so I wanted to get a few pictures for her!! Daisy is just quite the lady my friends!!

Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a certain Mouse’s best friend and rushed over to meet him!!! Pluto was quite the charmer; he might have even given Nobby a run for his money. He insisted that I scratch his ears and give him a kiss on the nose and I happily obliged.

At this point I knew it was time to head to the Grand Floridian! So I waved goodbye to the Magic Kingdom for the day and headed to the Monorail.

Continued in the Next Post…

 

[jenjolt]

Isn’t she a sight to behold! This resort is just gorgeous and the grounds are just so beautiful. I really enjoyed the few minutes I had to just explore and take it all in!!

I just loved this fountain! I would like to have a mini fountain in my front yard some day! Although for me in January, it was way too cold to swim the pool at the Grand Floridian during this time was being renovated so they were inviting all the guests to head over the Poly and enjoy the pool there.
Inside was even grander and more magnificent!

Check out that light fixture!!!

And that is how window displays are done in a deluxe resort!

Well I obviously had no clue where I was going so I made my way over to the front desk and asked for directions to the spa. They pointed me out the front door and told me to follow the path along the beach and I wouldn’t miss it. On my way out I was able to see a bride and her bridal party getting pictures taken. I took a moment to observe, the bride was glowing and I could only imagine what it was like to get married on Disney property, I was very happy for the lucky couple!

The walk to the spa was very relaxing and I simply just took it all in. It had warmed up a bit, but not enough for anyone to be out laying in the sand on the beach LOL! Finally I arrived at the spa.

And this is where I become a bad DIS trip report writer, because there are no more pictures until dinner time. This was about me relaxing so I put the camera away and did just that. I went inside and boy did it smell heavenly and I changed into one of those cushy bathrobes and then waited to meet my CM for my massage. The massage was exactly what I needed. My masseuse did a great job and I felt like jello afterwards, it definitely was an enjoyable experience. Next was the pedicure and that was also fantastic, it was exactly what my poor feet needed and something I would highly recommend if you ever get the chance. From that day on my feet weren’t even sore! I had my toesies painted a bright red LOL and then it was off to make my early dinner at 1900 Park Fare!

I had chosen this dinner, not for the food but once again for the characters! I had read on the DIS (of course!) how much fun the stepsisters were! Well the food here was okay, wasn’t the best but I did enjoy the options I had chosen.

Okay this I loved…hmmm Strawberry Soup…it was FANTABULOUS!!!! I would go up later and get some more!

For dinner I had the prime rib, a tomato and mozzarella salad, mashed potatoes (which were so good), a roll, and a Caesar salad. It was all good and I enjoyed it! However I wasn’t very hungry and there were some people I really wanted to meet. The first guests of the evening were Cinderella and her Prince! They were royally introduced and then they danced, well the romantic in me swooned LOL! It was so sweet! Then they were off to meet their guests for the evening!

Both were very friendly and I loved watching the Prince interact with the little girls, it was so cute!!! Then came the comic relief of the evening!! The Evil Stepmother and her Stepdaughters!! THEY WERE A HOOT!! Lady Tremaine was the first to come by and the moment she laid eyes on Nobby she immediately yelled at her girls to come over because they had to see the little “dwarf” who ran away from Snow White LOL! Okay well Nobby was not impressed with being called a “dwarf” so he didn’t want to get his picture taken with Lade Tremaine, so it would just have to be me LOL!

Drizella however was a whole other story. She knew that Nobby was a gnome and she just adored him! She asked if she could take him home with her, but the look on Nobby’s face showed he didn’t really want to go home with her, so we had to politely decline. However Nobby did enjoy all the wonderful attention and the “kiss” from Drizella (I’m telling you this gnome knows how to get the ladies LOL)

Drizella was also kind enough to get a picture with me! Well Anastasia she wasn’t too impressed that Nobby had run away from Snow White (I tried to tell her he was a gnome not a dwarf, but she wasn’t listening, because Drizella wasn’t making things better telling her that Nobby liked her better). So she was a little grumpy when we took our picture together LOL.

After that I was ready to head out…you see this special day wasn’t quite over yet!! I had one last stop to make to meet a very special person. So I headed back to my car and made my way to DTD. I think I was running a bit behind and I was getting nervous. I was hoping this friend and her family would still be there. I quickly parked the car, grabbed Nobby, and then grabbed a couple of gift bags that I had made for her girls. Who was I meeting??? Well I call her Kim (NorthernDisneyGirl)! This was their first night at Disney and I was extremely grateful they had agreed to meet up with me. I knew the girls would be exhausted after their flight but I had wanted to give them their bags as a surprise for their arrival to the most magical place on Earth. Well I headed towards Lego Land where we were going to meet and sure enough watching her girls play with legos was Kim and her hubby Ken! I was so excited!! It was like meeting a long time friend! We were very excited and spent a few minutes chatting and then I was able to meet the girls and give them their gifts!! Kim has assured me they were a big hit!! The girls then showed me some of the purchases they had already made while in DTD. Then we asked Ken if he would be so kind to take some pictures of us so we could remember this moment, he was such a good hubby!

Kim insisted on getting one with Nobby (I told you a ladies’ man LOL) and then one of just us!

We then decided as a group to head over to Goofy’s Candy Co. I wanted to get some make your own treats and the girls wanted to get a sweet snack. Along the way the girls and Ken stopped in the fountain to play so Kim and I could just chit chat and we made plans to meet up the next night after their dinner at Chef Mickey’s in Magic Kingdom.

We walked into Goofy’s and that smell gets me every single time…it is just plain sinful! Kim and family got their trips and we said our goodbyes, it had been a long day for them and they wanted to go get some rest!! I stayed and waited while my treats were made! Okay I failed here again too guys because we all know I love pretzel rods and the marshmallows and that is what I got but I have no pictures to share I know I know I’m horrible!! After my treats were ready and boxed, I was ready for bed! Nobby and I headed back to the car and back to resort for another night of very happy Disney Dreams.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Great updates!! So much to comment on!

I've never been to Goofy's Candy Co... will have to check that off the list this fall!

How sweet of you to bring gift bags for Kim's kids. I'm sure they loved them. And how fun to meet DIS'ers you've been "talking" to online!

The spa sounds glorious. I can't wait for a pedicure in September (or is it technically Oct?) Either way, can't wait.

I am jealous of that bride you saw too. I think Disney weddings are just that much more magical!

I think it is beautiful but for whatever reason, GF just isn't high on my list of places to stay.

You didn't like the Dole Whip? Just kidding. To each his own. Here's a tip - add rum.

Keys to the Kingdom - I have been debating whether or not to add a tour to my itinerary for this next trip. Now you have me thinking harder about it. I'm sure I'd love it. And how perfect that you were the one selected to "touch things" in the Haunted Mansion!

 

[Lady Lallie]

The Keys to the Kingdom tour sounds like so much fun! That is something I really really really want to do!

Sounds like you had a great day!

Love your pictures with Daisy, they are so cute. Your hair in all of these pictures are adorable!

 

[jenjolt]

Great updates!! So much to comment on!

I've never been to Goofy's Candy Co... will have to check that off the list this fall!

How sweet of you to bring gift bags for Kim's kids. I'm sure they loved them. And how fun to meet DIS'ers you've been "talking" to online!

The spa sounds glorious. I can't wait for a pedicure in September (or is it technically Oct?) Either way, can't wait.

I am jealous of that bride you saw too. I think Disney weddings are just that much more magical!

I think it is beautiful but for whatever reason, GF just isn't high on my list of places to stay.

You didn't like the Dole Whip? Just kidding. To each his own. Here's a tip - add rum.

Keys to the Kingdom - I have been debating whether or not to add a tour to my itinerary for this next trip. Now you have me thinking harder about it. I'm sure I'd love it. And how perfect that you were the one selected to "touch things" in the Haunted Mansion!

Yes you must go to Goofy's it is so wonderful in there!!!!

I can't wait either the pedicures made my feet feel like they were in heaven!! It will be a great time!!

I really loved meeting Kim!! I loved meeting LL and I can't wait to meet many more DIS friends in the future!!!

Hmmm...rum...now that's an idea LOL!!

Oh you would love the tour C!!! It was fantastic and I had a great time. I laughed and I learned so much!! I would highly recommend the tour!!!!