YES, touring Cinderella’s Dream Suite was Amazing!+14 Other Magical Days* Dismeet & Wrap

[Miss Potts]

I added that book to my Amazon wish list! Hope Santa sees it!

We have a small collection of Disney Parks ponchos.. That we buy bc we forget to pack ours and then as if magic when we leave the store the rain is gone! Not a bad price to pay to be rain free!!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Welcome Home!!
Great update. Of course, you know that had you not stopped for those completely unnecessary purchases in that moment, they would have been completely necessary in the next one and you would have arrived soaking wet for dinner. That is how Disney rolls (and makes their poncho money-they should donate that money to Give Kids the World!)

Headed off now to check in on the dining review.

 

[emmysmommy]

How lovely that you got to meet up for dinner with Dean! He sounds so interesting, I bet he made for an awesome dinner guest.
Let's face it, if you hadn't bought the rain gear, it would have rained harder. :rofl:
Glad you had a great meal.

Last but not least, welcome home!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Hi Wendy! I finally got caught up with your TR and your photos are stunning!

We were thrilled to hear from Dean and get to spend time with him.

Oh yes. I think you nailed it. If we didn't have the rain gear then I'm sure it would have been the great flood for sure.

Thanks! Like you I love Christmas-time. Unlike you, I have not had an opportunity to bake.

Glad you all made it home! Boo that your trip is over but that mean we get updates to this TR!

How cool that Dean wrote a book, I so want to read it. Is it available now?

Glad to hear you and a certain Frenchman made-up.

Christine

Thanks Christine! It's good to be back home in some ways but you immediately miss the wonder and excitement of Disney. I suppose that's why they have bounce back offers in the rooms. It's medicinal for people like me.

Thanks for asking about the book. Yes, it is out now. It was released in August when we saw Dean during that trip. The link in the last update should take you to the site through which you can make the purchase. It's 100% Disney stories.

I have so much catching up to do. We were without a proper computer during November.

I hope you had a wonderful December trip!

I love the new (to me) badge! Definitely earned.

My thought exactly. You paid $45 to make the rain stop.

Going back to try and catch-up. I have about 45 minutes of nap time left.

Hi Ashley. No worries, I'm glad to see you here and catching up.

We did have a wonderful trip thank you. And thanks, the top thread thing is really more about the great Disers like you who still follow along.

Preventative rain gear. I'm sure that's pretty scientific!

Haha, I already complimented Em in person on her exercise dedication, but since you mentioned it, I will do so again here.

Well, you know the old saying... What happens in Disney, Stays in Disney... Unless you post it on Facebook.

And guess what!!! I read the DR portion as you recommended.

Wow, Philippe REALLY wants to make amends doesn't he? Nice to see that you're now BFF's.

Hi Rob! Em was back at the gym today so she didn't waste time following the trip. Darn I wish I had more time to run but maybe I can make that my New Year's resolution!

Ha ha! I'm glad you ventured outside the walls of the trip reports board. There's usually a story or two that accompanies some of the dining reviews. In fact, there's one that I'm almost ready to post once some of my photos upload. Em will kill me but I live life on the edge that way some times.

Ahhh Philippe. My French buddy. I'm sure he has other ladies that he welcomes with smooches and cocktails but I'd like to think that we forged a special relationship built on overcoming adversity.

 

[emmysmommy]

You made it again Brenda!! Number 9 on the top ten threads for November.

Neal

Thanks for letting me know Neal! I thought this was moving so slowly that it's losing everyone's interest.

Those ponchos...and umbrellas...and flip flops always suck us in. I'd say you made the right choice even if it didn't end up raining on you guys. The long & twisty halls of the YC would be more maddening than spending money.

I'm so glad you made it back safely. I hope this trip was fantastic & magical!

To make me even more of a sucker, they have the umbrellas, ponchos and flip flops all within arms reach. It is a conspiracy I tell you! Agreed though, it was likely the right choice.

Thanks it was a great trip since we were able to meet up with some many Disers!

Good for Em for going to the gym on vacation I actually saw a ton of people jogging at POR over Thanksgiving and was impressed. I jog to Toy Story Mania and that's about as much exercise as I get.

The same thing has happened to us, actually: suck it up and buy the ponchos, and then the rain stops. Of course! At least it didn't mess up your hair!

I am glad to hear Philippe played nice! I can't wait to see how your relationship grows over your next few WDW trips...next time your meal will probably be comped

Ack! Those joggers put me to shame. I even brought my running shoes again this trip but nope, didn't make it out there. Ha ha! That jog to TSM is a group exercise I believe.

Exactly, no hair messing up for me. Can't have that after the 3 minutes that it took to get it just perfect!!

Too funny Courtney. I imagine I may have to buy Philippe a cocktail at some point since the relationship is all tilted in my favor.

I added that book to my Amazon wish list! Hope Santa sees it!

We have a small collection of Disney Parks ponchos.. That we buy bc we forget to pack ours and then as if magic when we leave the store the rain is gone! Not a bad price to pay to be rain free!!!

Oh Amy I'm so glad to hear that. You will love the book. Just warning you that you'll need to have some tissues handy.

I think with an AP discount the ponchos are less than $8. I just love the smell of new vinyl so I don't mind new ponchos.

Welcome Home!!
Great update. Of course, you know that had you not stopped for those completely unnecessary purchases in that moment, they would have been completely necessary in the next one and you would have arrived soaking wet for dinner. That is how Disney rolls (and makes their poncho money-they should donate that money to Give Kids the World!)

Headed off now to check in on the dining review.

Thanks Linda! Lesson learned - better to be prepared and not need the rain gear rather than be unprepared and soaked. We didn't learn our lesson this last trip and was completely unprepared for a soaking one night.

What a great idea for the GTKTW donation. They could expand have little cards at every register where you can add it to your purchase to donate $1-$10 to GTKTW. That would be a great option at the point of purchase.

Thanks for sticking around and doing the tandem updates/reviews.

 

[MEK]

Welcome Back.

Sounds like your most recent trip was lovely.

Speaking of lovely - nice dresses ladies.

I really have to stop over and read your dining review because I have wanted to eat at that restaurant since they did the refurb. I've read of some delightful dining experiences there.

Always nice to walk out of an empty park!

 

[SAT887]

Sometimes don't you wonder if they "schedule" the rain to increase sales? Well good thing you stayed dry and without the poncho they are not my favorite piece of outerwear I can tell you that!! In the end bribing the Mickey rain gods with a $45 purchase was well worth being dry right??

Sounds like dinner at Monsieur Paul's has become a less frustrating affair than that one time

Glad you safely arrived home!! I absolutely can not wait to read your TR for this trip! Also so curious of all the holiday things you may have done!

 

[goofy4prez]

Ahhh Philippe. My French buddy. I'm sure he has other ladies that he welcomes with smooches and cocktails but I'd like to think that we forged a special relationship built on overcoming adversity.

I would certainly say you forged a special relationship with Philippe. I mentioned you and Emmy when we were there a few weeks ago for dinner. Philippe was very hospitable and talked for several minutes at our table and preceeded to tell me the story of the adversity you two overcame. After our dinner Philippe brought my wife and I a dessert wine compliments of the house with the instructions to say hi to you (HI, LOL). Unfortunately I don't drink but the gesture was very nice. I was so impressed with MP that we have another ADR for our visit in June.

 

[amazingact21]

I don't believe I've ever commented on your report before, but I am reading and following along! I love mother/dauther trip reports; there's such a special element when you visit the world with a close family member.


I think it's standard procedure for all frequent Disney visitors to have to buy those plastic ponchos at least once. I know I have a small collection of them in my closet at home.



I love Disney books, so I just went and added the Dean Gaschler story to my To Read list.

 

[khertz]

Oh my gosh, I had to laugh at your poncho story! After a surprise downpour soaked our stroller at AK one afternoon last year, we went in this year PREPARED. DH and I each had our Disney ponchos, plus about 6 or 7 cheap ones just in case, plus we purchased DS a poncho and a stroller rain cover too before our trip this year, and not a single drop of rain was seen!! Of course, not having any rain is a total blessing on any Disney trip, but we both knew it was simply a cosmic joke in reaction to us having put so much money out ahead of time on rainproofing our vacation.

You both looked lovely at your dinner!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Welcome back Brenda!!

You know I love all of the stories involving Philippe! He looks so much more relaxed and happy in these pictures compared to the ones from your last trip.

I'm going to have to put Monsieur Paul in our to try list of restaurants. Sounds like a great dining experience.

 

[Linda67]

Hi Brenda
Just sitting in Starbucks in Kensington and my Magic Band didn't work - what's with that!
Yep back to reality but great to have another update to catch up on
Glad you had such a wonderful evening at Monsieur Paul

 

[Lisann]

Have I missed the Cinderella's Suite tour?

 

[JulieODC]

Sounds like a nice dinner!! We need to put MP on our list of places to try!

 

[scottny]

I would love empty world showcase photos. Maybe one day.

It was a short meet but so happy it happened.

 

[emmysmommy]

Welcome Back.

Sounds like your most recent trip was lovely.

Speaking of lovely - nice dresses ladies.

I really have to stop over and read your dining review because I have wanted to eat at that restaurant since they did the refurb. I've read of some delightful dining experiences there.

Always nice to walk out of an empty park!

Thanks Mary Ellen! Last week was our first trip during the Christmas season and I'm in danger of having to return every year now to enjoy all the lovely decorations and special events.

Why thank you. We must wear cheap dresses well.

There have been a couple Disers that don't normally frequent the dining boards that ate at Monsieur Paul was great! It is such a beautiful restaurant too.

That strange but wonderful feeling of walking through WS when the park is closed is still something that makes me smile.

Sometimes don't you wonder if they "schedule" the rain to increase sales? Well good thing you stayed dry and without the poncho they are not my favorite piece of outerwear I can tell you that!! In the end bribing the Mickey rain gods with a $45 purchase was well worth being dry right??

Sounds like dinner at Monsieur Paul's has become a less frustrating affair than that one time

Glad you safely arrived home!! I absolutely can not wait to read your TR for this trip! Also so curious of all the holiday things you may have done!

Hi Sarah! Ha ha! Yes, it sounds like our bribe was accepted. We could have gotten away with just $14 in ponchos it sounds like but I was into overkill with the rain proofing.

Definitely better than that last 10 minutes of that one trip. Now Philippe appears to actually welcome us.

Thanks for anticipating the next TR.... That one is pending getting through the holidays and hopefully making time to get beyond the Dream Suite update which will be a couple updates from now. I promise to do it as quickly as possible.

I would certainly say you forged a special relationship with Philippe. I mentioned you and Emmy when we were there a few weeks ago for dinner. Philippe was very hospitable and talked for several minutes at our table and preceeded to tell me the story of the adversity you two overcame. After our dinner Philippe brought my wife and I a dessert wine compliments of the house with the instructions to say hi to you (HI, LOL). Unfortunately I don't drink but the gesture was very nice. I was so impressed with MP that we have another ADR for our visit in June.

Hi Bob!! I was hoping to hear how your trip went. I know you were one of the lucky ones that had travel dates about a week before us so you had a big meet up.

That's too funny that Philippe is now engaged in the great mixed up bill debate with all these Disers. He probably wonders what I wrote and why do all these people mention it. That was a nice gesture on his part - my hubby doesn't drink at all so any complimentary cocktails are met with an uhhhh thanks but please don't be offended if I don't drink this. I really want to make it back there next trip as well.

I hope you are having a great week.

I don't believe I've ever commented on your report before, but I am reading and following along! I love mother/dauther trip reports; there's such a special element when you visit the world with a close family member.

I think it's standard procedure for all frequent Disney visitors to have to buy those plastic ponchos at least once. I know I have a small collection of them in my closet at home.

I love Disney books, so I just went and added the Dean Gaschler story to my To Read list.

Hi there amazingact! Thanks for reading along and now commenting - it is appreciated!!! Hopefully this mother/daughter TR reflects exactly what you noted - that special element when family are together.

Seeing as how I love that new plastic smell I don't mind collecting new rain ponchos. Sounds like they are little mementos of Disney trips for many of us Disers.

I really think you'll love Dean's book. He's got some great stories written from the heart.

Thanks again for chiming in.

Oh my gosh, I had to laugh at your poncho story! After a surprise downpour soaked our stroller at AK one afternoon last year, we went in this year PREPARED. DH and I each had our Disney ponchos, plus about 6 or 7 cheap ones just in case, plus we purchased DS a poncho and a stroller rain cover too before our trip this year, and not a single drop of rain was seen!! Of course, not having any rain is a total blessing on any Disney trip, but we both knew it was simply a cosmic joke in reaction to us having put so much money out ahead of time on rainproofing our vacation.

You both looked lovely at your dinner!!

I rather expect those downpours in the afternoons in summer but every once in a while I throw caution to the wind and then have to have a plan B. Sounds like you live by the Boy Scout motto of "be prepared" now! Even if the investment is a guarantee of no rain.

Thank you for the kind compliment!

Welcome back Brenda!!

You know I love all of the stories involving Philippe! He looks so much more relaxed and happy in these pictures compared to the ones from your last trip.

I'm going to have to put Monsieur Paul in our to try list of restaurants. Sounds like a great dining experience.

Hi Dave! It's good to be back. At least until I get obsessed and miss Disney so much that I can't stand it anymore. Oh wait, did that sound a little pathetic?

Ha ha! Philippe is becoming a Dis star! He really should keep those cocktails coming our way. (Which he did this last trip as well if you saw my FB post.) MP really is a great place - try it sometime. And then you'll have to let me know if you see Philippe.

Hi Brenda
Just sitting in Starbucks in Kensington and my Magic Band didn't work - what's with that!
Yep back to reality but great to have another update to catch up on
Glad you had such a wonderful evening at Monsieur Paul

Hi Linda! Oh man! Reality is no fun outside Disney!

Thank you, it was a lovely evening. (Say hi to Philip for us!)

Have I missed the Cinderella's Suite tour?

Hi Lisann! Not yet. The tour took place on Day 8 and I'm just starting Day 7. You can hang out and wait or pop back in in about a week. Either way, I'm thrilled to see you are interested in reading.

Sounds like a nice dinner!! We need to put MP on our list of places to try!

Hi Julie! It really was. I'm not a huge French food fan but this really was perfect.

I would love empty world showcase photos. Maybe one day.

It was a short meet but so happy it happened.

I'm so glad that we had a few minutes together as well Scott. Em said that Vinny reminds her of Jack Nicholson. Has anyone said that before? I can kinda see it.

 

[emmysmommy]

Thurs. August 22, 2013: Day 7, Part 1 ​

In what seemed to be a repeat of the prior morning I was up at 7:30 due to the sounds of landscaping equipment outside. I had the feeling that I wasn’t going to be sleeping late at this resort! That and awaking with a slight headache didn’t make for a morning that’s off to a great start.

I retreated to the sitting room to catch up on some Dis’ing and cancelled our Captain’s Grille breakfast ADR that we would not be keeping since I wasn’t feeling so well and Em was well, she was still snoozing. We had a FP+ reservation starting at 10:30 at Epcot for Soarin’.

We ended up heading to the CL lounge for a quick breakfast before walking over to Epcot.

Breakfast in case anyone was curious how we started our day....

Again, it was HOT and humid - no surprise there for mid August in central Florida!

The listing of movies on the beach in August:

When we entered Epcot our MBs worked. Keep that in mind...

Where is everyone?

We were looking for any shade to duck under the entire walk. Even the squirrels are laying low in the heat. And then we noticed that the water was drained from the water bed giving a desert look to the landscape.

​

We finally ducked into the refuge of the a/c in The Land. Ahhhh!
See? Don’t we look cooler already?

We made it to Concourse 1 with no problems from the good ole MBs for our FP+ reservation - bypassing the 80 minute stand-by line. Awaiting our flight in “B” terminal, Patrick made sure that we knew to stow our gear and to be prepared to soar at heights that may cause concern for those who if you didn’t look down you may believe you are actually soaring over the great sights of California. (Actually being 30+ feet off the ground can be unsettling too – just don’t look down.)

We were seated I row 2 which meant that we only had one set of feet dangling down in our vision. It’s just so much more realistic being in row 1 don’t you think?

While we were in The Land, Em wanted to go on Living with the Land. Do they have FP for this? I don’t recall but the line always moves so quickly. I love to read the “save the earth” quotes on the walls from the kids. When I was a kid I wasn’t thinking conservation I simply wanted to roller skate and spend my allowance on candy bars. I suppose that shows my character.
My collection of non-flash photos:

Are the alligators raised as a sustainable food source? If so, I don’t think they like that.

How would you like people peeking in the window and watching you work all day? Seriously though what do they do? Do you think they ever go on Facebook while they are working and update their status as “another boat of tourists taking photos of fruit.”

Next up we had a FP+ to use for the Character Spot. Note our destination is the Character Spot and not the restrooms.

The MBs worked once again so all was well.

Our photos with Mickey, Goofy and Minnie reflected all the joy that someone stuffed into a character suit could bring. Oh wait, they ARE the characters. I’m still miffed that there’s no Donald or Goofy any longer. How many opportunities do we have to harass Donald about not having pants?
You want to see what happens when you ask him that? See below.

Prior Character Spot encounter with Donald - Where's your pants?

Come back, it's ok, I won't say anything again...

We only had 35 minutes before lunch so our window to accomplish an attraction was narrow and dwindling when we realized that Ellen’s Universe of Energy at 45 minutes was too long and the stand by line for Mission Space was 30+ minutes. We ended up just moving on to lunch early since the skies looked like a storm was a-brewing. And where was lunch?? Teppan Edo in Japan.

We made it as far as Norway before we found our ride! Malestrom was walk-on – even better. This time I was fully aware of the hole in the wall.

Not quite Splash Mountain but you can't say you were not warned

Oh Laila! I will own you one day. Oh wait I do now. You'll have to see my next TR to see who signed my bottle and gave me a Norwegian hug!

One last dry photo...forebording

Continued next post

 

[courtneybelle]

I noticed the water bed was drained too, and asked a CM why. He had no idea Definitely did not help in the heat but maybe they were preventing people from jumping in

I too wish Donald was still at Character Spot, especially because there are so few opportunities to meet him in the classic blue outfit now. Sombrero Donald rocks but I love the blue. I laughed out loud at his reaction to realizing he was no longer wearing pants!!!

I love Teppan Edo so I'm very excited to hear what you thought. I'll have to jump over to the DR!

 

[KatMark]

Slowly catching up again, Brenda.

Love the pictures around World Showcase and at your dinner. But my favorites of are with you the characters. Where's your pants? Too funny!

 

[Miss Potts]

I love that part of the MB's... So nice to walk into the park and use your FP+'s!!

I have NEVER been in the Character Spot... I don't know why or how... Maybe I'm boycotting bc Donald isn't there anymore?! (I know it wasn't this trip but those Donald photos were great!)

 

[IheartDDuck]

First off, welcome back! I hope you guys had an amazing time visiting WDW during the holidays.

And now your updates!

Good on Em going to the gym on vacation. That's my plan for my upcoming trip in January! Let's hope I stick to it!

I have been rainproofed for no reason before also. It happens.

Froot loops is a great way to start the day! Mmmmm.

Hahahahahaha. That squirrel picture is incredible. I think you walked by and he was like "aaaahhhh!!! Duck and cover!"

Epcot when it's hot is the worst, because there is literally no where to hide except inside the attractions.