"ENCHANTED TALES with ROB" - A Birthday/Christmas DISer Celebration! **NEW TR LINK**

[stinkerbell007]

Hey Rob-

About that giant crumbly foot statue......since you just really noticed it this trip, you probably did NOT notice the sign next to it stating 'No Climbing on the Statue' (or sculpture, or whatever they call it). Of course this does NOT stop people from letting their kids climb all over it AND they have photographic proof from all of the pictures they take. I'm quite sure I have at least one photo of someone else's kids climbing on that thing WITH the sign in full view.

hmpf. "those" people.

Anyhoo, carry on.....

Linda

 

[MarieLightning]

Joining in! My wife keeps telling me I should read Rob's TR, so I decided to finally follow her advice, and I'm glad I did!

Also, thank you for solving a mystery for me by sharing that BoG Cast Members find you in the dining room with your MagicBands! I was expecting to get one of the roses because I hadn't read they weren't giving them out anymore, and when we were just told to go sit, empty handed, and they still found us through the crowd and gave us our food... well, like you said, witchcraft! The thought that it might be MBs never even crossed my minds. I just thought they were magical - it is Disney after all

 

[__disneygirl]

Wow, Minnie's Christmas outfit is on POINT. And would be very easy for me to make, I might add. Well, I know what I'm wearing Christmas 2014. Though I may have to pass on those bloomers LOL.

Oh my God. Your Everest ride photo. It looks like they're in a cult or something.

Yak & Yeti CS

 

[TinksThree]

I don't know how I manage to get almost a month behind! But love that you get two Christmas parties!! I loved the Christmas Party and hope to get to MNSSHP one day soon! I just have to convince DH who is anti-MK for some unknown reason!!

I love AK just because you can walk around and never ride anything but experience so much (add in the attractions and )! Giraffes definitely deserve a hundred pictures! The Cheetah...well, that was simply genius!! And I can't believe there weren't tigers out! That would rank a disappointment since I love watching tigers!

And finally...

This is funny! We always seem to have someone cropped out at least partially. But the front two rows...Stepfords? Zombie Appocolypse? Or robots..."Yes...We...Will...Ride...EE..." (insert robot voice) Just the first thought that went through my mind!

 

[khaleesi]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. So jealous you got a picture of a bat with his wings open! I hung around for quite a while hoping to see the same thing.

Christmas Mickey and Minnie has just confirmed that I NEED to go to Disney at Christmastime. I have given up on hoping to see them as Star Wars characters because I simply would not be able to handle the heat and crowds... but with each passing day, I realize that I must go for Christmas. Soon.

The inability of people to move all the way to the end of the aisle in shows is easily my #1 pet peeve about Disney. I went to several of them this trip where it wasn't needed, but on the ones that were. OH BOY. Are people truly that oblivious or are they just rude and entitled? I go back and forth on my thinking with that.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Another great update. I'm surprised the currency board didn't show "disney dollars (I still have a few).

Your spontaneous decision to check out the character meets at the Adventure's Outpost was a stroke of genius that really paid off. It looks like you had some quality time with the christmas themed Mickey and Minnie.

You certainly see/notice alot more then I do - "maintenance issues, godzilla".
I'll make it a point on future visits to just slow down, maybe even stop and read the signs!

Wow, you know I never thought of that. Funny about Disney dollars. A local flea market often has them for sale, but they just want SO much for them. It'd be a nice keepsake though.

It REALLY paid off. It's such a great time getting to meet them together since it's so rare now. Plus, who could resist those cute sweaters.

I used to just go attraction to attraction, but that all changed when I started my solo journeys. That's the thing that stood out the most... noticing things I never saw before.

Great stuff, can't wait for more.
I'm especially loving the Christmas outfits

Thank you so much Kellea. Seriously, aren't those Christmas sweaters fabulous??? So glad I knew nothing about it beforehand.

Hi Rob! I've been MIA since February but I'm back and I'm all caught up! Great updates, looks like you had a great time! You did a wonderful job commemorating Walt's birthday! Can't wait to read more!

Hiya Grace, so glad to hear you're all caught up!!! So far so good, but the back half of the trip is possibly my favourite period EVER. And thank you on Walt's B-Day. It was necessary I think!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hey Rob-

About that giant crumbly foot statue......since you just really noticed it this trip, you probably did NOT notice the sign next to it stating 'No Climbing on the Statue' (or sculpture, or whatever they call it). Of course this does NOT stop people from letting their kids climb all over it AND they have photographic proof from all of the pictures they take. I'm quite sure I have at least one photo of someone else's kids climbing on that thing WITH the sign in full view.

hmpf. "those" people.

Anyhoo, carry on.....

Linda

Helooooo Linda

Oh I sure did notice that sign. And to be honest even if I didn't I would know it was there. For as long as I'm on this earth I will never understand people's need to put there children in such a dangerous position. The same holds true for the chains used in some line queues. Not sure why people think that because it's Disney, no harm can befall the children.

Joining in! My wife keeps telling me I should read Rob's TR, so I decided to finally follow her advice, and I'm glad I did!

Also, thank you for solving a mystery for me by sharing that BoG Cast Members find you in the dining room with your MagicBands! I was expecting to get one of the roses because I hadn't read they weren't giving them out anymore, and when we were just told to go sit, empty handed, and they still found us through the crowd and gave us our food... well, like you said, witchcraft! The thought that it might be MBs never even crossed my minds. I just thought they were magical - it is Disney after all

Yay Marie, so happy to WELCOME you!! You've got a great girl there (and smart too sending you over here, lol) and one that is truly inspiring. Not to even mention your critical role in her amazing recovery. So glad that you two can finally STAY together soon too.

Ahhh you're quite welcome. I know everyone was so excited hearing about the rose. Since they had initially given me the rose, took it back, and then scanned my band, the jig was up. BUT, I like your thought that it was just Disney magic much better!!

Wow, Minnie's Christmas outfit is on POINT. And would be very easy for me to make, I might add. Well, I know what I'm wearing Christmas 2014. Though I may have to pass on those bloomers LOL.

Oh my God. Your Everest ride photo. It looks like they're in a cult or something.

Yak & Yeti CS

Get on it Lia!!! Though since you are more tuned to dress "Mickey", maybe you could consider that outfit as well! And OMG this made me laugh. I didn't comment on it in the update, but seriously, no matter what outfit she wears, her slip is ALWAYS SHOWING!!!

Oh Lia that is a perfect summation. Total cult thing going on there. How cool would that ride photo have been on your Halloween day???? SCARY!!!!

RIGHT??!! You know!!!

I don't know how I manage to get almost a month behind! But love that you get two Christmas parties!! I loved the Christmas Party and hope to get to MNSSHP one day soon! I just have to convince DH who is anti-MK for some unknown reason!!

I love AK just because you can walk around and never ride anything but experience so much (add in the attractions and )! Giraffes definitely deserve a hundred pictures! The Cheetah...well, that was simply genius!! And I can't believe there weren't tigers out! That would rank a disappointment since I love watching tigers!

And finally...

This is funny! We always seem to have someone cropped out at least partially. But the front two rows...Stepfords? Zombie Appocolypse? Or robots..."Yes...We...Will...Ride...EE..." (insert robot voice) Just the first thought that went through my mind!

Haha, that just means you have a life. That last minute MVMCP decision was for sure a good one.
I figure if you're already there, why not? MNSSHP is UNREAL!!!! I HIGHLY recommend it. You may have to leave Keith home though. I'm not sure he'd like it so much! Maybe a good excuse for a mother-daughter trip.

Oh my goodness yes, I feel that way about Disney in general. Especially on my solo trips I've found myself completely at peace and joyful even when not actually doing anything. Just being. Yes, Giraffes do indeed rule. I can't believe nobody's seen that cheetah before. Trust me, he's there. Seriously, not one tiger.

Oh God that ride photo. This really is a case of a description not doing something justice. It needs to be seen to be believed. And heck I own the picture and STILL have a hard time believing it.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. So jealous you got a picture of a bat with his wings open! I hung around for quite a while hoping to see the same thing.

Christmas Mickey and Minnie has just confirmed that I NEED to go to Disney at Christmastime. I have given up on hoping to see them as Star Wars characters because I simply would not be able to handle the heat and crowds... but with each passing day, I realize that I must go for Christmas. Soon.

The inability of people to move all the way to the end of the aisle in shows is easily my #1 pet peeve about Disney. I went to several of them this trip where it wasn't needed, but on the ones that were. OH BOY. Are people truly that oblivious or are they just rude and entitled? I go back and forth on my thinking with that.

And I didn't even have to wait. He just totally flashed me as soon as I walked up.

Sue, you would absolutely LOVE Christmastime. I'm so glad I stumbled upon that meet and greet because those outfits were amazing. Plus you cannot beat Mickey and Minnie together.

They are just that rude and entitled. No other explanation.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Just caught up and now I can't remember all the things I wanted to say!

Oh well! I love the pictures of you with your favorite ride. And with Mickey and Minnie. So doing more character meets next trip.

Are you going to the Halifax Dis Meet/ Give the Kids the World fundraiser in Aug?

Here's a link to HockeymomNS's post. You should check it out!

 

[thornton0511]

Alright Rob just got caught up on your most recent post
Love your Jungle Trek pics.....sorry no tigers for you. Cats are lazy. We have walked through this one time, two years ago, in May, during a tropical storm, and we got trapped in the Tiger viewing area for a while and did nothing but look at the tigers until we decided to endure the downpour with our ponchos on and ran through the rest to the exit. Come to think of it, this was the first year EVER that we did not get caught in a downpour at AK....interesting. Anyways I would have cracked up if I saw you run away from the iguana yelling GODZILLA!!!! Ha ha ha! Your meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie was adorable! Kicking myself for not realizing they would be in holiday attire and getting our pic with them this time Glad to see that you checked EE one last time! YAY!!! You have the best ride pics from this ride lol! Love the enthusiasm that you and the kid had...AWESOME! Yak and Yeti......nom nom nom. Have you ever eaten at the TS location inside? It is wonderful!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Just caught up and now I can't remember all the things I wanted to say!

Oh well! I love the pictures of you with your favorite ride. And with Mickey and Minnie. So doing more character meets next trip.

Are you going to the Halifax Dis Meet/ Give the Kids the World fundraiser in Aug?

Here's a link to HockeymomNS's post. You should check it out!

Haha, I would be he same way for sure if I didn't have my trust notepad open all the time. Funny that I take notes to read a TR but not to write one.

Awww thank you on both counts. I'm genuinely shocked at how many characters meets I do solo. I would have figured none, but so very wrong.

You know I was considering it and I even already had that link bookmarked. How funny. Seeing as though it's only maybe 15 minutes away, it would be a shame not to.

Alright Rob just got caught up on your most recent post
Love your Jungle Trek pics.....sorry no tigers for you. Cats are lazy. We have walked through this one time, two years ago, in May, during a tropical storm, and we got trapped in the Tiger viewing area for a while and did nothing but look at the tigers until we decided to endure the downpour with our ponchos on and ran through the rest to the exit. Come to think of it, this was the first year EVER that we did not get caught in a downpour at AK....interesting. Anyways I would have cracked up if I saw you run away from the iguana yelling GODZILLA!!!! Ha ha ha! Your meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie was adorable! Kicking myself for not realizing they would be in holiday attire and getting our pic with them this time Glad to see that you checked EE one last time! YAY!!! You have the best ride pics from this ride lol! Love the enthusiasm that you and the kid had...AWESOME! Yak and Yeti......nom nom nom. Have you ever eaten at the TS location inside? It is wonderful!!!

Well it's about time Jen. It's almost time for the next one.

I have no idea where those tigers were hiding. They weren't even just lazying around, just... gone. I would have done the same as you for sure though. I LOVE watching tigers. Easily one of my fav animals.
It just feels so right to yell Godzilla there; of course all the while mouthing much longer words just to make it more authentic.
For the most part, the Minnie/Mickey meet was just pure luck, but I did have a feeling they'd be decked out. LOVE those outfits so much.
OMG I would have been heartbroken not to ride EE at least once more since this would be my last trip to AK.
That has become one of my favourite ride photos. I have never seen a more subdued group even in a morgue.
You know what? I have never eaten at any TS location. Not one. Mostly it comes down to time and money. Not to mention my complete aversion to making reservations 6 months out. So you can imagine how I feel about FP+.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

I haven't commented in awhile and I'm sorry! Life has become even more busier than usual... if that's even possible!

Sounds like a fun morning so far in Animal Kingdom! The Everest picture is hilarious with the 4 guys just seriously sitting there and then you & the boy in the back having fun!

 

[quandrea]

Hey Rob. Enjoying your report while hanging out in my dvc villa at animal kingdom lodge. Cool, eh? Great as always. We have some great pics with the characters in their Xmas outfits. Love Everest. This trip I'm on now is a no park trip so you are helping me get my fix. Might be my last dvc trip. Hubby gets wicked allergies every time we come down. Might be time to rethink our vacation choices. I'm thinking grand Californian?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Love the contrast of reactions on your EE photo. I don't think they were being Zen. I think they just didn't get it

I swear only Mickey and Minnie can pull off looking swell in those sweaters and no one else.

Those pictures of Mickey and Minnie along the walls at Adventurer's Outpost's queue reminded me of a moment I had in January that reminded me how fast DD is growing up. I pointed out those pictures to her and remarked how awesome they were able to explore the world. DD's response: "Those aren't real. They just pasted their pictures on top of those scenery pictures".

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I haven't commented in awhile and I'm sorry! Life has become even more busier than usual... if that's even possible!

Sounds like a fun morning so far in Animal Kingdom! The Everest picture is hilarious with the 4 guys just seriously sitting there and then you & the boy in the back having fun!

Oh Lauren, of course that's ok. I'm just delighted to hear that you're ok. I'm a worrier.

Lots of fun for sure. And that photo still mesmerises me. I've never seen anything quite like it.

Hey Rob. Enjoying your report while hanging out in my dvc villa at animal kingdom lodge. Cool, eh? Great as always. We have some great pics with the characters in their Xmas outfits. Love Everest. This trip I'm on now is a no park trip so you are helping me get my fix. Might be my last dvc trip. Hubby gets wicked allergies every time we come down. Might be time to rethink our vacation choices. I'm thinking grand Californian?

AHHHH LUCKY!!!! Cool indeed!! I'm so glad some of the characters have special outfits for Christmas. Oh God I would go nuts being that close and not dong the parks.
OOOOHH Disneyland? It's awesome. I haven't stayed at the Grand Californian, but I have been in it, and it is GORGEOUS Plus so close to all the Disney park goodness.

Love the contrast of reactions on your EE photo. I don't think they were being Zen. I think they just didn't get it

I swear only Mickey and Minnie can pull off looking swell in those sweaters and no one else.

Those pictures of Mickey and Minnie along the walls at Adventurer's Outpost's queue reminded me of a moment I had in January that reminded me how fast DD is growing up. I pointed out those pictures to her and remarked how awesome they were able to explore the world. DD's response: "Those aren't real. They just pasted their pictures on top of those scenery pictures".

Isn't that the craziest thing ever??? Next on AMC's "The Riding Dead".

OMG they sure did look sharp. However, I'd totally be willing to give the sweater a try Dave, You know, just for kicks.

OOOOOH that tough to hear. They grow up way too quick. That said, you have to admire her smarts. I hope though that she still sees the characters as real, because, well, I still do.

 

[leopardmickeyears]

"As I continued my journey, I took a quick look across at the FotLK building progress.
Hmm, not much change here since my picture from arrival that morning.
C’mon Disney, get it done!"

YEAH CHOP CHOP GET ON THAT DISNEY

Those photos of Mickey and Minnie traveling the world omg

 

[Queenofallthings]

The whole time I was reading this update I couldn't help but think "this was supposed to be our arrival day"! I need to stop living in the past and think about this summer's trip

Great time it looks like you had! I am keeping my fingers crossed that FOTLK will be open when we go but I'm not thinking so I can't imagine being in AK and not seeing it!

Hope you're having a good weekend, I did see on The Weather Network that you're getting hammered with another storm...geesh, enough already! We're supposed to get 2-4 cm tomorrow but we'll see!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"As I continued my journey, I took a quick look across at the FotLK building progress.
Hmm, not much change here since my picture from arrival that morning.
C’mon Disney, get it done!"

YEAH CHOP CHOP GET ON THAT DISNEY

Those photos of Mickey and Minnie traveling the world omg

Seriously right??!! I was expecting it to be finished by then. Slow pokes.

Aren't they awesome Meg?? How does your heart not skip a beat thinking about the two of them travelling the world, hand in hand, totally in love.

The whole time I was reading this update I couldn't help but think "this was supposed to be our arrival day"! I need to stop living in the past and think about this summer's trip

Great time it looks like you had! I am keeping my fingers crossed that FOTLK will be open when we go but I'm not thinking so I can't imagine being in AK and not seeing it!

Hope you're having a good weekend, I did see on The Weather Network that you're getting hammered with another storm...geesh, enough already! We're supposed to get 2-4 cm tomorrow but we'll see!!

Awww Jacquie, I so wish you had been arriving that day. BUT, in just a couple of months you'll be on the trip of a lifetime, so I'm sure that's some pretty good consolation.

Oh I know, AK without it seems almost bare. BUT, I would hope it will be reopen by the time you get there. It was supposed to be a 6 month closure (which would be ending around the beginning of July), so hopefully it'll be back by summer.

Yeah, we had the biggest one of the year last Wednesday (30-40 cm's), but yesterday it was +10 degrees, and today, up to 40-50 mm's of rain. Just a weird Winter.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

HAVIN' A WILD (CHRISTMAS) TIME; BY LAND AND BY... LAGOON?
Day 5 – December 7, 2013 Part 3



After finishing up lunch, I had another Fastpass coming up which was probably unnecessary but whatever.
The whole one ride per FP really takes a toll here.

On my way I passed this sign which, for some reason, I found really amusing.

A lot of people consider Animal Kingdom to be a half day park at best.
As a result, I think Disney is trying everything they can to keep people in this park longer,
Including making the absolute smallest “Park Exit” signs ever created.

If you can’t find your way out, you can’t leave!!!

I initially had matching FP times for Everest and FOTLK with the Brenda Party from Beverly Hills, but sadly other commitments got in the way.
No big deal, and we made plans via text to meet up after their lunch at Yak and Yeti for the parade.

I headed into Camp Minnie-Mickey for what would be the last time EVER.

There was still a little time before showtime, so I spent some time (i.e. killed some time) looking around at all the Christmas Trees.

I’m so hopeful that these get relocated somewhere for next year.

Most of the characters were “resting” at this time, but thankfully there was a character out greeting to fill the gap that I had never met,
So I ran quickly to jump in the very short line just in case he was leaving soon.

THUMPER!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was pretty darn excited as I think this is a pretty rare meet; We're homies you know.

After a hug from Thumper I headed in to the Lion King Theatre with my FP+.
Again, I’m sure it’s not necessary, but I had it so I used it, only of course it went blue again.
But there was an attendant there who confirmed my green-ness and I was let through into the theatre.
The only real difference I could see was the entrance you go into… Again… Pointless.

The show, however, is FAR from pointless.

Just a magnificent, jaw dropping, Broadway level show, and the fact that it’s such an intimate setting makes it even better.

Right after the show ended, as if on queue, I received a text from Brenda that they were in front of Pizzafari waiting for the parade so I made my way over there.
And HUGE BONUS, I got to meet two more DISers in the process in Barb (jabead) and Vicki (GoofySon'sMom).

We were quickly informed, however, that this particular location was off limits for the parade, so we took to walking to find another spot.

Amusingly (as long as you're not us), we almost completely circumnavigated the parade route before finding a suitable spot.
So basically, if we had walked in the other direction, it would have been almost beside where we originally left.
On the bright side, we were in the parade before the parade was in the parade.

While we were waiting for the parade to reach us, the nearby Flights of Wonder brought out a Toucan for our entertainment.

And, I also handed off my camera to a passing CM to document the group I was so very honored to be a part of.

From left to right… Barb, Vicki, (newly engaged) Em, Me, and Brenda.

CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 5 – December 7, 2013 Part 3 Continued


After a short wait, the Jingle Jungle Parade arrived.

Please pay no attention to the CM and Chip on the other side of the following photo.
I realize it doesn’t look so family friendly, but I assure it was just a small wardrobe malfunction, and at least Dale was doing his level best to distract.
Of course now that I've mentioned it, it's ALL you're going to notice.

While this parade doesn’t do a whole lot for me, it is quite unique, so I give it credit for that.
And now that it's ended it's run (Christmas or otherwise), I am glad I saw it one last time.

After the parade had ended, we all made our way out of the park made terrifically easy by those MASSIVE “Park Exit” signs.
Before leaving, however, we all stopped to get some Photopass photos.

First up, the ladies posed for a Magic Shot and I just couldn’t resist taking a photo as well.

Honestly, their reaction seemed overly exaggerated.

It's Disney... What could possibly induce that amount of sheer surprise and utter terror???

.
.
.
.
.

Oooooooooooh... Riiiiiiiight… I forgot. Yup folks, it has begun.

After that horrifying incident, Brenda, (newly engaged) Em, and I got our very own Tree of Life Photos.

PLUS we also got the following Magic Shot which was my first Magic Shot ever.

So yeah, since this was my very first Magic Shot ever, when the “situation” was described to me, I went all in.
I didn’t want the balloons to carry her away... It was my duty to protect her!!!

Unfortunately, I was so into my role that I “may” have hurt Em’s shoulder in the process, which I felt HORRIBLE about.
She swore she was ok, but I still felt really bad.

I clearly take my Magic Shots seriously!!

Then we really did exit the park.

Everyone were headed back to their resort to change and get ready for their Dining res at the Yachtsman.
I, however, had other plans, as I was heading somewhere I had (shockingly) never been before.
We said our goodbyes for now, but we would all be meeting up later for the much anticipated Illuminations Cruise!!

Of course, as had been my limited experience so far, my required bus was ready and waiting,
So I snapped one last photo of two random, having to actually wait for a bus, people as I boarded.

TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Oh I love the FOTLK shots! So made me feel like I was there!

Dis Meets! I am going to have to work on those too. I haven't had many of those at all. You are so good at them!