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

[nannye]

We'll Brenda I did say I'd have to catch up on your TR.

Thanks again for your help on fb trying to get the book!

So far we gave not been in the park on the same day thus trip. WeLl see if that changes. So excited to hear about your tour

 

[emmysmommy]

Going back to your reply to my question about overly friendly characters- thanks so much for posting the pictures and story of your visit with Sorcerer Mickey. Too funny!



I have to say, The Mayor looks much happier when he has his arm around a pretty lady than he does shaking hands with Dean.

You have a favorite Photopass Photographer! I love that!

Thanks for the backstory on the picture and video. I thought maybe you were getting into the zombie craze that seems so popular.

The Haunted Mansion coasters are fantastic. Of course, if I purchased those, I would have to go full-theme and stop dusting the room I was using them in.

Dee, your responses are so hilarious! I enjoy posting so much because I look forward to your responses! Seriously funny!

You know, the Mayor is a ladies man so I am going to agree with you. Put any lady on his arm and you'll see him smile.

Yes, Alex is awesome! If you see him on Main Street ask him if he's bringing sexy back. Then sit back and watch the show.

Hmmm I dare say that I've got a head start on my room décor with the lack of dusting lately. I think those coasters are a necessity in my home now.

Hi Brenda! I've been MiA since we got back from our December trip... I'm sorry we never bumped into each other. I loved the HM coasters so much, my DH bought them and gave them to me for Christmas. I also wanted the Tomb Sweet Tomb pillow but DH said it wouldn't be appropriate in our room. can't wait to see the suite!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed your trip. We ended up only having 1 of the last 3 days of our trip being a park day so my chances of running into anyone were severely limited. Bummer though because I would have loved to have said hi.

ha ha! I can see where the pillow may be a little creepy in your room. What a guy to get you those coasters. They also had the hourglass that I thought was cool.

How awesome about the book! And with an endorsement from Lee Cockerell. I love reading Disney books sooooooo much.

I love PP Photographer selfies. So awesome.

One person wave = amazing.

Danielle you must be a true Dis fan to know who Lee Cockerell is!

Good thing Alex is so adorable and entertaining that I don't mind Alex's selfies hogging my camera.

If I have to be skilled at something it may as well be the unique one-person wave.

I've been a long time lurker but I finally had to break my silence and say I'm excited to see the photo of Alex. We're heading down to WDW in 2 weeks and I'll definitely be looking for him to get some great, fun shots.

Also I'm going to have to pick up those HM coasters for MIL. She works at a funeral home and would find them hilarious.

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. Helps pass the time until mine starts.

Hi Tulles! I'm so glad that you left lurkdom and made an appearance. Seriously, thank you for letting me know that you have been reading.

I saw your ticker which is quite exciting to see so close to your trip. That's awesome. Look for Alex up by Casey's corner on Main Street.

Oh my gosh! Those coasters or any of the HM swag would be the perfect souvenir given your MILs job.

Thanks again for joining.

Looks like a lot of awesome meetings that morning! I love it when the pp’s take selfies!! BARBRA!! LIKE THE DANCING BARBRA!! I LOVE HER MORE THAN WOOOORRRRDDS

Ahahahaaha I’ve never thought of someone non Disney using those coasters and being like “what?” though I’m sure anyone that knows me would just assume it was something Disney! Lol. Great shots of the tangled area, I loved finding pascals!

Great stories with the Tremaine’s! Love them so much! Definitely not my favorite friends though! Although we have running traditions and jokes with them now, they’re just so amazing!

Obviously I’m super excited to read about lunch and what comes after!!

Hi Katt! Wishing you all the best right now as you are living the dream for the next week! Enjoy your AKL stay. (definitely jealous.)

Say hi to Barb when you see her. She's completely awesome.

I'm sure those non-Disney types by now they know us pretty well to know that most things that excite us in life are Disney related.

Oh man. You are the one that did so good photographing the Pascals. I wish I could remember where all of them are located.

I think that the "evil" characters have so much more of an opportunity to shine. The Tremaines were brilliant!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Brenda! I saw you over on Rob's trip report along with a few others, so I thought I'd come check yours out! I am LOVING it so far! I haven't been able to read as much as I'd like, but I just wanted to comment before the baby wakes up again.

Going back to read more!

Hi Lauren! I've seen you around the TR boards so I'm honored and thrilled that you have dropped by! No worries reading between baby nap times. Im just glad that you are here.

About those coasters...I have them and I use them daily. I also bought the three pack of headstones and they've been out since October.

I remember buying them and asking my mom if she thought it would be strange if I left them up year round and she said no. So the coasters are being used, their coffin box is being displayed on our large bookcase, and the headstones are atop the bookcases as well.

You're right, house guests who have never had the HM experience may not know what the deal is with them but I love them so much

I loved this whole update

Hi there! I'm glad to see my fellow Mark Anthony fan here! Seriously, I think I'll always think of you when I think of him. We actually gave up a lunch reservation to see him last month ... bummer!

That's so awesome that you have more of the HM collection. I like the hourglass and the serving tray as well. The entire collection is adorable.

How cool that you were able to get a sneak peek at the book from the author himself!

Your morning, so far, sounds very nice. It's great when you take your time and aren't running from attraction to attraction.

I discovered the Tangled bathrooms last month. They are fantastic! You feel a little crazy taking pictures of a restroom spot, but how can you not with theming like that?

Your character interactions must have been hilarious. The stepsisters probably loved having a teenager to talk to.

Hi Alicia. I was pretty excited that he called me for a meet up. I knew he had a book being published but hadn't seen him since he retired last year.

I wish I had more days that were less structured like that. It is nice to go at a slower pace.

As amazing as those Tangled bathrooms are, it's so funny to see other ladies inside with their cameras documenting it.

I've read other great interactions with the step sisters and Lady Tremaine so I was glad that they delivered a solid "performance" in our presence.

Thanks for taking the time to read along since I know having a baby doesn't give you unlimited free time.

Your time with Dean and his wife sounds just lovely. I'll have to look into getting that book! I am always on the lookout for a good Disney read. To think of all the people he has met and all of the families he has given such a special memory to is really just incredible.

I always feel like face character meets will be awkward, but they are SO good at what they do and always make the meets feel very casual and smooth. So sweet that the stepsisters were able to get Em into it!

Hi there! It was a great morning... even without what was to come. Honestly, I would love the book even if I didn't know the author. It is the essence of what makes Disney magical and glimpse behind the scenes at some of the people and things that make it that way.

I know what you mean about that face character meets. In fact, at one point Em only wanted to do fur character meets since it is easier to gesture and give hugs than to have to talk with them and worry how that would turn out. But I do agree, for the most party they deliver great interactions. Life your little guy and Spiderman and the goblin dude.

Love the new update. I agree with Phil's comment how walking down main street is like a reunion for you.

I am going to get Dean's book, thanks for the Link. I am sure that it will be one of those feel good books and I love to read stories of how much more magical a families day can be with an extra dose of Pixie Dust.

I love your one person wave!! It's so awesome that you have so much fun while you are at Disney.

Lady Tremaine and the step sisters are SO much fun. They are such great characters to interact with. Glad that Em joined in on the fun.

Looking forward to the next update.

Ha Ha! I wouldn't mind being an alumni of Disney U! Those Main Street characters and such are awesome. They can never retire!!!

Oh, Dean will be so honored if you order the book. It definitely is a feel good book. Just have some tissue handy as well.

The goof ball in me escapes sometimes but I'm just crazy enough to share it here so it's all good.

I'm glad that the step sisters used just the right lines to get Em to join in. I think if they had tried to guilt her into it she would have refused.

Thanks and hang in there for the next update....

I definitely will pick up the book! Looks like something I would LOVE!

I also love the sense of humor you and your daughter have together Brenda. Your silly pictures are just really fun.

Hi Kelli! Thank you from Dean, that's awesome. (I actually did talk to him tonight so I'm not just making this up! )

Oh my! We do have fun together. Thankfully, she has an awesome sense of humor like her daddy and doesn't mind being silly.

 

[emmysmommy]

I'm definitely going to have to pick up that book after i'm done with 'Walt Disney: An American Original." What used to take me about a week to read a book, is now 2 months Didn't know having a baby could do that to you

Oooh sooooo excited to read about the suite!!!

Your reading sounds very Disney centric - I love it! I have a couple Disney coffee table books that I've never read since I just flip through and look at the photos!

Believe me, I completely understand the whole mommy reading time is limited! You probably read more Elmo books than adult stuff. But what a great trade off though huh?

Thanks and I'm looking forward to sharing.

Just found your trip report. Haven't had time yet to read it all, but I'm loving what I've read so far and can't wait to see the next update in the Castle.

Hi sarahkate! I'm glad you found this! Thanks for joining in and letting me know that you are here. Hopefully the chapter links make it easy to get caught up and read through the updates.

The actual Dream Suite will be here soon....

I'm disappointed that the Mayor did not go for the reach around with Dean!

Great one person wave!!

I need to get those Haunted Mansion coasters! Especially the one about brother Dave

Hi Dave! Yeah, If the Mayor did that to Dean I'd want a photo. That takes being a pal to a whole new level.

Thanks! It only took one take to get that action shot!

You should definitely get those coasters. Seeing as how you will be in WDW in mere weeks...

Augh! The suspense! I thought that with my long absence from reading your TR that you'd be past the part about the suite tour. So close! I suppose I can be patient a little longer.
Oh, and I love your pictures of Epcot at night. It is so beautiful then.

Hi there! I'm glad that you are back and caught up. Ha ha. Hang in there a little longer. I'm so close now.

Fun times in the park.
The reference to the sisters made me laugh.

Yes indeed! Those sisters were awesome! Truly spot on in their characters.

We'll Brenda I did say I'd have to catch up on your TR.

Thanks again for your help on fb trying to get the book!

So far we gave not been in the park on the same day thus trip. WeLl see if that changes. So excited to hear about your tour

Hi Erin! Sorry I couldn't be better help. I spoke with Dean and the company that he uses to distribute and ship the books doesn't ship to Canada. I can be a filter for those requests. He did confirm that he received the order through your friend so thank you for the extra effort. He'll sign it for you this way.

Oh man! I will have 7 more days to compare notes and see if we were in the same parks at the same time.

 

[JessM]

Hi Brenda! I'm a little late but I'm all caught up on your report! It sounds like you two had a wonderful trip! I've always wanted to go to Disney with just my Mom but I think my Dad would be upset if we left him at home, maybe someday

I actually met Alex on my last trip! I agree his is fabulous and hilarious. So nice to see someone really enjoying their job!

My parents made fun of me the entire trip because of how badly I wanted to see the Tangled bathrooms and then how much I liked them after I finally saw them. I don't even care, I agree with you they are so fabulous and perfect!

The Tremine's are too funny. I missed them my last trip, but I definitely want to stop and see them sometime!

 

[distripplanner]

I'm still here reading each update and doing my best to stay caught up w/ both your reports. Thank you for posting the link to Dean's book! He/you just sold another copy and I can't wait for I to arrive (I put a note in my order comments that I got the link from you and thankful for you doing so and for dean sharing his stories). Anywho, back to work I suppose. Can't wait to read more from your trips!

 

[foodrocksluver]

Hi there! I'm glad to see my fellow Mark Anthony fan here! Seriously, I think I'll always think of you when I think of him. We actually gave up a lunch reservation to see him last month ... bummer!

He is so dreamy

 

[Woth2982]

Oh a cliff hanger! Grrrr lol. I am going to have to look up that book! Sounds like a good Disney one. Looks like you all had a fun day in Fantasy land!

 

[DisneyJo]

Dean's book sounds great, I'll have to keep an eye out for it as doubt whether it's on Amazon.co.uk yet! Before you said I thought the red headed lady on the front cover was you

I love the interaction you had with the ugly sisters, they're always such fun

 

[courtneybelle]

Great pictures meeting with so many MK celebrities! And what a great one-woman wave in Casey's

I really wanted those HM coasters, but my roommates are not the Disney fans that I am so I wasn't sure how they'd react...

Sounds like a super fun interaction with the stepsisters! They're always great.

 

[Lisa29]

Great update as usual. You know a hell of a lot of cast members at disney.....!

 

[jecskc]

All caught up !! Loving your warm looking photos. We are in SC, but it is still in the teens here - brrrr.

 

[nannye]

Your reading sounds very Disney centric - I love it! I have a couple Disney coffee table books that I've never read since I just flip through and look at the photos!

Believe me, I completely understand the whole mommy reading time is limited! You probably read more Elmo books than adult stuff. But what a great trade off though huh?

Thanks and I'm looking forward to sharing.



Hi sarahkate! I'm glad you found this! Thanks for joining in and letting me know that you are here. Hopefully the chapter links make it easy to get caught up and read through the updates.

The actual Dream Suite will be here soon....



Hi Dave! Yeah, If the Mayor did that to Dean I'd want a photo. That takes being a pal to a whole new level.

Thanks! It only took one take to get that action shot!

You should definitely get those coasters. Seeing as how you will be in WDW in mere weeks...



Hi there! I'm glad that you are back and caught up. Ha ha. Hang in there a little longer. I'm so close now.



Yes indeed! Those sisters were awesome! Truly spot on in their characters.



Hi Erin! Sorry I couldn't be better help. I spoke with Dean and the company that he uses to distribute and ship the books doesn't ship to Canada. I can be a filter for those requests. He did confirm that he received the order through your friend so thank you for the extra effort. He'll sign it for you this way.

Oh man! I will have 7 more days to compare notes and see if we were in the same parks at the same time.

No worries thanks for taking the time to help me and signed too. I'm excited I haven't bought a book in......

We'll yes.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Brenda! I'm a little late but I'm all caught up on your report! It sounds like you two had a wonderful trip! I've always wanted to go to Disney with just my Mom but I think my Dad would be upset if we left him at home, maybe someday

I actually met Alex on my last trip! I agree his is fabulous and hilarious. So nice to see someone really enjoying their job!

My parents made fun of me the entire trip because of how badly I wanted to see the Tangled bathrooms and then how much I liked them after I finally saw them. I don't even care, I agree with you they are so fabulous and perfect!

The Tremine's are too funny. I missed them my last trip, but I definitely want to stop and see them sometime!

Hi Jess! Glad you are caught up!

Awww that's really sweet that your dad doesn't want to be left behind. I have the opposite problem with my DH, I have to bribe him.

Alex was awesome wasn't he? We watched him pose other families and was hilarious. He's a one man show on Main Street.

I'd NEVER mock you for seeing the Tangled rest rooms.. in fact I may have another update featuring them.

Ahh the Tremaine's - Just look at their antics in the MSEP!

I'm still here reading each update and doing my best to stay caught up w/ both your reports. Thank you for posting the link to Dean's book! He/you just sold another copy and I can't wait for I to arrive (I put a note in my order comments that I got the link from you and thankful for you doing so and for dean sharing his stories). Anywho, back to work I suppose. Can't wait to read more from your trips!

Oh, thanks for hanging in there - for both reports!

On behalf of Dean, thank you so much for ordering the book. (I spoke with him last night and he was very thankful for anyone who took the time to order a copy.) I really hope you enjoy the book.

He is so dreamy

Oh a cliff hanger! Grrrr lol. I am going to have to look up that book! Sounds like a good Disney one. Looks like you all had a fun day in Fantasy land!

Sorry about that...I reached my photo maximum so I HAD to put a pin in it. I'm glad that you are still hanging in there and reading.

Dean's book sounds great, I'll have to keep an eye out for it as doubt whether it's on Amazon.co.uk yet! Before you said I thought the red headed lady on the front cover was you

I love the interaction you had with the ugly sisters, they're always such fun

Unfortunately, I can confirm that the book is only sold/shipped in the USA. I hadn't noticed the gal in the car before. Ha ha! Nope, not me.

Those sisters were absolutely perfect.

Great pictures meeting with so many MK celebrities! And what a great one-woman wave in Casey's

I really wanted those HM coasters, but my roommates are not the Disney fans that I am so I wasn't sure how they'd react...

Sounds like a super fun interaction with the stepsisters! They're always great.

Hi Courtney! You liked my wave skills? You should see my one woman teeter-totter.

What? You have roomies that are not Disney fans? They obviously didn't match you up well.

Of the 3 times that we have interacted with the step sisters, this was the best.

Great update as usual. You know a hell of a lot of cast members at disney.....!

Thanks Lisa! Just goes to show you that I don't make if far from Main Street sometimes!

All caught up !! Loving your warm looking photos. We are in SC, but it is still in the teens here - brrrr.

Wow! I didn't know it gets that cold there. You need to return to the sea on another cruise!

No worries thanks for taking the time to help me and signed too. I'm excited I haven't bought a book in......

We'll yes.

I'm glad that worked out. Your book should have been sent out today. I confirmed with Dean that Square does not ship to Canada or anywhere outside the USA. It has to do with the shipping that they charge back. I'm glad it worked out though.

 

[emmysmommy]

Friday August 23, 2013: Day 8, Part 3​

Backing up a little since there were a few photos that I forgot to include in my prior update. I know.. so close and then I go backwards.

When we were posing on Main Street the following moments were captured by our lovely PP photographer:

It was actually their anniversary that day:

The Mayor was once again getting friendly. He tried to pull off the ole kiss on the lips but I narrowly avoided that by my turning my cheek. That was close!

Still trying

I didn't notice the lady smiling in the back ground until now. Apparently it was quite the show.

Posing with Hildegard

Ok, moving forward again....Meeting back up we were checked in and seated for lunch at the Plaza Restaurant. My dining review has the details of what occurred to reveal this surprise. However, I will recap here since this is the preamble to the actual Dream Suite tour.

While we were waiting for the food to arrive, the VP of Media at MK came over to our table and greeted Dean. They were not only former colleagues but he is THE GUY that all media requests go through for the park. They had been working together early that morning for filming of the book promo. He casually said, That thing you asked about earlier is a go. Hmmm whatever could he mean? Since we dont read minds someone had to explain it to us. Dean offered an interpretation of their covert conversation and said that we had been given permission to tour the Dream Suite inside the castle. What? Did he just say that we were going to be INSIDE the DREAM SUITE of the Cinderellas castle??? THAT CANT BE.

Euphoria, utter joy and excitement occurred all within seconds of that announcement!!

I believe this is an accurate representation

I HAD to hug this kind man he didnt stand a chance of avoiding it when I leaped from my chair and went in for the hug and thanked him.

Photo evidence:

Needless to say, we were pretty excited that it worked out. The only down side was we were so giddy that we didnt eat much of our lunch.

Recreating my reaction

While we were still eating Mayor Christopher Weaver came over to the table to give us love and attention. We kept chatting and took it outside where we took more photos. These photos were from the photopass guy that was shadowing the Mayor. Maybe he was there to keep tabs on him Mayor Weaver who was a bit on the frisky side!

And yet another smooch.

The Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Parade was starting soon so we decided to watch it together. In the mean time there was another meet up planned with a CM who had worked with Dean in Entertainment at MK. He wanted to share a shout out that he had in the acknowledgments section of his book with her. It was a very touching and personal moment between the two of them that we were privileged to share. There was yet another PP photographer who stayed with us for the parade and took a LOT of photos of our meet up.

The best backdrop to this happy scene was the Celebrate You soundtrack playing with the parade that was passing down Main Street.

Barb and Dean were clowning around with each other and seeing Dean try to dance like her was hilarious!

We had about an hour before we were to meet for our castle tour so we decided to take some time to shop on Main Street since a.) it was inside with a/c and b.) it was inside with a/c! Actually, I had my eye on a little Dooney bag. I think the euphoria of being able to tour the castle affected my judgment since I'm the type to ponder and deliberate the necessity and analyze the usefulness before I drop my hard earned cash on a non-essential accessory. No impulse purchases for me... too often! I'm also all about finding a way to get things cheaper and when I considered that I'd at least get the AP discount I had completely justified the purchase.

Whoa! I didn't realize that there were different prints (characters) for the Dooney Charms bags. For someone who is indecisive giving them more choices is not a good thing... especially since I analyze things beyond reason. However, I love Marie and there was a version that had her prominently displayed on the front of the bag so decision made. I wasn't the only one in a shopping mood, Em picked out a cute CZ Mickey ring.

We greeted more Citizens of Main Street outside.

Bea Star is one of our favorites since she is such a sweet lady. She was hanging out down by the Emporium.

Next Up....It's now 2:00! Let the tour begin!

Continued Next Post
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[emmysmommy]

Friday August 23, 2013: Day 8, Part 4​

Ok guys, it was time to meet up for our Dream Suite tour. Even condensed theres zero chance that I will get this updated in only 1 or 2 posts. I think the best way to share the Dream Suite tour is to break this up into several parts. Each part will feature different rooms of the suite since I have a lot of photos and details to share.

I will try to stick with what I think is relevant and interesting although I will say up front that every detail of the Dream Suite (DS from here on out since its just so much easier!) has a purpose and a meaning and ties so perfectly to the Cinderella story. I cant possibly remember every one of them but what I recall I will share. Since I wrote all the details right after the tour I pretty much guaranteed that I would be able to share this here without time erasing many of the details.

The tour included our official plaid tour guide (Caroline) and a park photographer (Joe) who works with global media (I cant remember his official title but he was talented.)

Remember this photo in my earlier update....

The gentleman on the right was our official photographer for the tour... Joe.

We started by being introduced to Joe on the back side of the castle where he showed us where the windows for the DS were located. Way cool! Wed not really taken notice of those windows before but you can bet that just like the turret that houses the Admiral Suite at the YC we wont pass the castle without looking up at those windows and remembering the details of the suite ever again.

​

The entrance to the DS is located in the corridor where the Mary Blair Cinderella mosaic is located. Youve walked by this door many times  not sure how many people know what is behind that door. Before Caroline opened the door we were registered as guests of the DS and provided our information  I used my real name! Very official! Joe started taking photos right away.

Caroline shared the Mary Blair story for the mosaic in the castle walkway

Although I took a gazillion photos many of them just dont capture the amazingness of the DS. I was on sensory overload and trying to just take it all in. My initial strategy was to go through each room and do a sweep with my camera and capture all the details. However, 60 seconds into the tour I abandoned that idea as unrealistic since I kept bouncing around the rooms as someone would call out a new detail that I had to observe. Plus Caroline was giving a running commentary on all the details and I didnt want to stray far from her until I had heard the entire spiel. Realistically, this was the only time that I would ever be in the DS so I wanted to see everything even if I didnt have a photo. This site; Disney tourist blog dot com has some awesome photos that capture the DS in beautiful detail! (Apparently Disboards doesn't like the link since it removes it.)

All this commentary and I havent even shown you an inch of the DS! Shame on me! Lets officially get this started. Please feel free to ask questions along the way. Just raise your hand first. J

And here's a glimpse behind the door..

Continued Next Post (don't send hate mail.... I have to stop here because it's a) really late and b) the Disboards poops out on me at 1am so I need to post this before I lose it. At least I'm throwing this much out here for now...

Tour continues next post

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[MEK]

Wow! Wow! WOW!

I can only imagine that you must have been out of your mind with excitement at this point. Not only getting to meet Dean and his wife and get tons of wonderful PP pictures, but to tour the DS! That is truly beyond a dream! I imagine that it was pretty hard to focus and take pictures. The whole experience must have been beyond amazing.

I love your new bag. It's gorgeous and good for you for having a spontaneous purchase without a lot of deliberation! You'll always have it to remember this special day!

 

[DMGeurts]

So, so, so exciting!!! I am giddy in my chair just waiting for it!

I loved the photo of Dean trying to dance like the other CM in the parade (her name excapes me) - I watch her every single time there's a parade, she is so funny - and she just screams "happiness"!

Anxiously awaiting another update!

D~ <---- BTW... The book is awesome - thank you! I love that it's broken up into many stories, so I can pick it up and put it down on a whim - however - I find it hard to put down! LOVE IT!!!!

 

[teekathepony]

Oh that Mayor! He's awfully frisky, isn't he?
Wow, I think my heart would have just stopped when learning I would get to tour the DS. Now that's a heck of a surprise! Those pics in front of the parade are adorable.
Nice purchase on the Dooney bag! Like Mary Ellen said, you'll always have that to remember the special tour.
Oooooh I can't wait to see the rest!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[littlenellbell]

So excited to read about your tour! What an amazing - unexpected surprise!!! You are so right............your eyes will be forever drawn right to those windows every time you walk by the back/side of the castle. It is such a special place!!