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#1516 |
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I make lists about my lists
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,590
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The One With the Ruiner of Innocence
Many, many moons ago I left off with our heroes boarding the monorail and heading for the Magic Kingdom. For once the monorail didn’t stall, and we made it to MK 5 minutes before the Welcome Show.
The Welcome Show had been on my wish list for this trip as none of us had ever seen it in person. It did not disappoint. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Once we were welcomed, we made our way into the Magic Kingdom. We made it about 50 feet before we stopped again. Having missed Rapunzel on both of our previous MK visits, we had to see her on our last morning. Unfortunately Maddie had declined to wear her Rapunzel wedding dress on our last morning, so we wouldn’t be getting any Rapunzel/Rapuzel pictures. The view from the line ![]() The princess didn’t begin greeting the public until 9:20, but we had a pretty good spot in line. We were done meeting her by 9:30. I have to say that I’m very relieved that they no longer have Rapunzel M&Gs in this area (poor Aurora) because the lighting in the early morning is awful, and the backdrop pretty bland. I can’t wait until the official Princess M&G area is open. Maddie seemed to have a pretty good time, but she wasn't wowed. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Up next on the little princess’s agenda was a visit with Ariel and Eric. We buzzed on over there as quickly as possible because they began greeting at 9:35. Along the way--One of my favorite photos of the two of us ![]() ![]() We got into line at about the same time that they came out. The line wasn’t too long, but there was a very chatty young lady of about 10 years old lined up in front of us I believe that her name was Ruiner of Innocence. She overheard Maddie talking about who she’d met and who she still needed to meet, and decided to join in our conversation. She told Maddie that she’d just met Mary Poppins and Snow White in the Town Square. Maddie very maturely said “Ohhh, that’s nice. Sometimes they are hard to find!”. The Ruiner replied that it was kind of fun but she didn’t really care since “they are just people in suits anyway” Well folks, you can imagine how my daughter reacted. Her face fell and her eyes filled with tears. She turned to her dad and I with question written all over her face. I immediately went into damage control mode and said everything a bit more loudly than necessary hoping that the Ruiner of Innocence and her father would overhear and get the hint that the Ruiner of Innocence should keep her mouth shut henceforth. I told Maddie that of course the RoI was mistaken. I asked if she believed that she’d been meeting the real princesses, mice, etc, reminded her that the princesses knew way too much to be imposters, and hugged her very tightly. I could tell that Maddie really really wanted to believe me, but was on the fence. We were gonna need a miracle from Ariel and Eric. Soon enough it was our turn. Maddie had a burning question for Eric so she got that out of the way immediately. She really needed to know where Max the dog was if A & E were out in the park all day. Eric asked Maddie if she’d been to DHS. Mads of course said “Yes, I love your musical there. It’s my second favorite musical in all of Walt Disney World”. Eric valiantly fought back laughter and told Maddie that Max waits at DHS until they got there to do the show with him. Mads had a few more questions about who takes him for walks and plays with him, but was basically pleased with the answers she got. The three of them chatted a bit more, well the royalty did more listening than talking, and then it was photo time. After hugs, as Maddie was moving away (and still talking) Eric was doing his best to get Maddie’s attention. He was holding one of her hands and just before she left them, he leaned down and kissed her hand. Maddie stopped mid-sentence, stared at him, and then began to grin. She floated back to us. I happened to glance back at Ariel and Eric as we walked away, and they were both grinning ear to ear. I like to think that Maddie had made there day as much as they’d made hers. ![]() ![]() ![]() Trying to get her attention ![]() ![]() ![]() That M&G went a long way to restoring Maddie’s faith, and she was ready to power on. We made an attempt at meeting Peter Pan, but once again missed his line (he’s going on the must meet list for next trip). Since we’d missed Peter, we made our way deep into Frontierland to find Woody and Jessie. Along the way Mads declared that she was starving and had to have popcorn. None of the carts were open yet, and she was not pleased about having to wait. We found Woody and Jessie and got into their line at 10:15. The day was getting warm, and I was starting to feel even worse. Maddie was getting grumpy, and Bryan was getting sick of both of us. He left us to wait and went off in search of popcorn. Luckily he came back before Maddie met Woody and Jessie because they turned out to be some of the most fun characters we’ve ever encountered. They were having such fun “competing” over who was the most popular, sticking their hands in front of each others face while photos were taken. Maddie ate it up. She came away with good humor restored, and another notch closer to forgetting about the Ruiner of Innocence. From the line ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#1517 |
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I make lists about my lists
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,590
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The One In Which the Ruiner of Innocence Will Not Win
We headed back toward Main Street where the popcorn is a given, but along the way Maddie spied a Mickey shaped pretzel and changed her mind. She declared it the ‘best pretzel ever’.
![]() A few feet away from the pretzel cart Maddie spotted Frontier Donald and insisted that we stop. His line was only a few people long, so we were meeting him within a few minutes. She loves hugging Donald since he’s so soft, and she made sure to remind him that she’d be seeing him that night at dinner. ![]() ![]() ![]() Good spirits fully restored, Maddie declared that it was time to do one of the “scary rides” that she’d been putting off. She was now brave enough to give Pirates of the Caribbean a whirl. ![]() There was absolutely no line, and before we knew it we were on a boat. Maddie giggled during most of the ride and told us often that none of the pirates were real. Once the ride was over she was thrilled with herself, and spent the next hour or so saying “Arrr me hearties, I’ll make ya walk the plank” As luck would have it, Pirate Goofy was waiting just outside the Pirates dumpshop. Obviously we got in line to meet him. He was fun as usual, and Maddie reminded him that we’d be seeing him later too. He nodded as though he already knew that, and Maddie later told us that she assumed that he’d talked to Donald. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Mads was on a roll, and declared it to be teacups time. On our way to Fantasyland, we popped into the Christmas Store to buy another ornament that I'd decided I couldn't live without. I swear the best CMs work in Liberty Square, and this one did not disappoint. She was a joy and spent a ton of time talking to Maddie and giving her stickers. Then she suggested that she take Maddie outside to see Santa's 'real sleigh' and told her all about how he stores it there during the off season. Maddie loved it, and the magic had been officially restored. I have photos of the real Liberty Bell, yet I still photograph this one. ![]() The lovely CM suggested this photo with the castle in the background. It's too bad that Mads wouldn't look at the camera ![]() We made it to the teacups, and while we waited in line Maddie saw that Alice and the White Rabbit were out. She could not wait for a chance to meet them. Sadly Alice was gone by the time we were through, but Maddie jumped at the chance to meet another new character. Waiting in line for the teacups-self decorating with stickers ![]() ![]() White Rabbit thoroughly entertained her by putting her book on top of her head to sign it. She giggled the whole time and still talks about that meeting today. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() It was nearly time for our lunch reservation, so we decided to slowly make our way toward the front of the park. For those keeping score that's 2 rides between rope drop and lunchtime, but I guess that’s how we roll . |
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#1518 |
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dimples
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: chicago area
Posts: 5,609
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for the ROI and her parents!!! sheesh!!!!(when our oldest, Todd, was about 6 he lost a tooth, and we put it under the pillow. we went out that night, and the babysitter told him that there was NO tooth fairy, his parents put the money there!!!!!! I was FURIOUS!!!!!) I'm happy her faith was restored!!! she is just darling!
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#1519 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 4,052
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Love the update!
Y'all got in so many character meets! It's so interesting to see a different take on touring since Reid is all about rides and rarely wants to meet a character. As for that ROI! I'm glad you were able to do damage control and that the characters that morning helped to restore her belief in the magic.And that's great that Maddie braved Pirates! Love that ride so much!
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2012 Trip Report: Well, this trip was...different. UPDATE - 4/3!
![]() Link to Pre-Trip Report: I finally figured out how to get DH excited about Disney! WE'RE BACK! 10/7 What's for dinner? ADR CHANGERS: Because there are just too many good options! My first ever trip report: We Survived! 9 days of land & sea with a 3 yr old! |
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#1520 | ||||||||||
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I make lists about my lists
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,590
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Thanks. It was a sucky cold. Quote:
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'Ohana was tons of fun! Not too crowded either. Quote:
I tell you, that was one of the moments that keep me coming back. There's just nothing like it. Quote:
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I wish that you'd get a chance to meet Mickey in his Hawaiian gear, cause that's really adorable, but I totally understand. The food wasn't the greatest, but we're resigned to not always having the best food. Once we're out of the character phase we'll start seeking the good food. ![]() She had such an amazing time. It was the best morning. Quote:
It was most certainly a magical morning. One we won't soon forget. |
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I make lists about my lists
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,590
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Thanks. I wasn't feeling great at all. Quote:
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We should know pretty soon if we'll be able to go this year or not, so keep your fingers crossed!Quote:
We LOVED our experience at 'Ohana. It was so much less chaotic that Chef Mickey. And, I loved the Hawaiian gear on the characters. Maddie loves the free leis too. Quote:
Thanks so much Amanda. Quote:
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It was amazing-you should definitely put it on your list. Quote:
I haven't seen that commercial! I'll have to look it up on youtube! Thanks for being a part of it Karen. It means so much to have all of you sharing the memories with me. Quote:
I'm glad that you guys have had great experiences there too. We loved it! Quote:
Ohana was great fun for breakfast. Quote:
LOL! She loves Pluto so much! You're right-he's always great. The way he signs is what won her heart from the beginning. Quote:
It was! I would recommend it to any one with character loving kids! Quote:
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You are too, too sweet. It is a great joy taking a little princess to WDW. I can't imagine anything better. BBB is especially great! I promise to finish this up in a timely manner, and hopefull we'll have a summer trip to report on too. Thanks so much, it's the lovely people like you that make these TRs so much fun to write. |
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#1522 | ||||
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I make lists about my lists
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,590
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Take your time, I'm slow even when it's not Christmas time. ![]() Quote:
). Bryan and I visited Mesa for Spring Training for our first anniversary. We LOVED IT.Hope that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. Will you do a TR for the most recent trip? I'd love to hear about it. Thanks! I hope that you had a great Christmas as well. Quote:
Cali Grill and Ohana were both amazing. You have to try Cali Grill one of these days though. It's awesome. Quote:
Sorry Carey, but don't worry. You know I don't move very quickly.Thanks! You too! |
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#1523 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,979
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Ugh. What a shame about that Disney Magic Non-Believer. I sincerely hope that the adult(s) in her party told her to not say those kinds of things to other children that really do believe in the magic.
![]() HOWEVER, it sounds like the characters that you guys met that day were awesome!!! Yay for them resorting Maddie's faith in the magic! ![]() ![]()
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Cakes and Napoleons and F&W, oh my! Planning our Disney wedding!! October '12 TR AGLET - We're Gonna Tour The World Together! January '12 TR A Stringbean, a Wingnut, and a Plan! January '12 PTR A Post Open-Heart Surgery/Anniversary Trip Report!!! December '10 A Post Open-Heart Surgery/Anniversary Dining Report!!! December '10 |
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#1524 | |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 825
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I can't believe the RoI said such horrible things to Maddy. Just people in suits..unbelievable. My dd has been saying that to me lately, and I keep saying "That's not true..where did you hear that?" because I want to get to the bottom of it. I am thinking that it was said in reference to something else..like a spooky costume on halloween maybe, and she is applying it to all characters/costumes now. Hopefully when we are in WDW again the magic will take over, because this past May she truly believed that she was meeting the REAL Mickey/Cindy/Etc. Hmm...I always have a billion things to comment on and then blank as I am actually replying. Oh, I know, I love that Rapunzel has moved inside as well, because her outdoors line has always been so dang long that we haven't met her yet! I haven't looked at the timeline of when the official princess meet & greet will be opened, but assuming it's not yet for our next trip, we will be FPing our way in to meet her!
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1997 * August * Offsite
2011 * May 9-17 * POP Century 2012 * May 7-15 * Old Key West ![]() 2013 * May 10-19 * POP Century Current PTR |
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#1525 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Carolina Coastline
Posts: 1,581
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Great updates! We are out of the character phase, but my DD (now 11) believed up until she was 9! I loved it but she's still very magical about it. Way to handle ROI, I am glad the characters all helped to reinforce it throughout the morning.. It's like they all knew she needed that.
To your title... I officially invited my MIL (and FIL) on our Jul/Aug vacation. I said "just the first 2 days..". We moved a good 12 hr drive away and they miss the kids... We'll see! :-)
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-Deedee P "just keep swimming.. just keep swimming.."
15 trips and counting... Our family (38) (35) (12) (11) (8)July/August 2013 PTR - It's gonna be hot hot hot !!! ![]() |
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#1526 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,058
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Great update! I don't understand why this father would just stand there and let RoI talk to your DD like that. If your child doesn't believe, that is fine, but teach them not to ruin it for other children. I'm glad that you had so many wonderful character experiences that restored Maddie's faith. The pictures are all so cute and really caption how she must have been feeling.
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Dec 1988 - First Trip! * 1989 * 1990 * 1992 - Polynesian * 1996 - ASMu - Dance Trip for Disney's Magic Music Days * Dec 2002 - DCL Wonder & ASMo * March 2004 * March 2005 - Pop * August 2007 - ASMu * September 2010 - Grand Floridian - Wedding/Honeymoon Trip! * August 2011 - AKL Kidani Village * December 2012 - CSR ![]() |
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#1527 | |
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DIS Dad #460
You should always make room for a loophole when you need it Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 8,079
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Oh well, even with only 2 rides, you got to see a lot of characters and see the welcome show. That's not a bad morning at all!It really is a shame that someone had to try to ruin the magic for Maddie, but that was a good save on your part and a lucky meeting with a very good Ariel and Eric. Thank goodness it wasn't one of those subpar character interactions right after she heard those comments.
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Andy
DW DS(3) DD DIS Dad's Club Member #460 Test Track Dummies - 2012 Disdads Fantasy Football Dole Whip Cup Champion They Should Really Put a Bar in Here - Dec 2012 TR That was fun! Let's do it again! - Update 11/15 Let's turn around. Magic Kingdom is open till 1AM! - My first ever trip report - Complete I will never go to Disney World pushing a stroller! - My effort at a first time PTR.Complete |
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#1528 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: QC, Canada
Posts: 3,464
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I got so upset reading about Ruiner of Innocence. Then I cried at Maddie's encounter with Ariel & Eric. Finally, I smiled at all the other great character (and CM) interactions she got. Yay! The magic prevailed!
That shot with the castle in the background is so interesting! |
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#1529 |
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These boards have grimmer police
I have never been involved in a conspiracy before! Join Date: May 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,885
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I read your whole TR yesterday, and as a result made a reservation at 'Ohana
![]() I love your writing style and your photos! Now I have to go find you finished one from before! |
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#1530 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bayou Country, La.
Posts: 21,760
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You guys were on a roll with the character meet and greets! Why oh why did Ruiner of Innocence feel the need to tell Maddie that the characters were just people in costumes? Thank goodness there were magical moments quickly after that that restored Maddie's faith that the characters were real.
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Excuse me...you'll need to see security. What has Mickeystoontown done now? Trip Report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2940840 (includes 2 CBR stays and a Disney cruise)
Pre-Trip Report: Sit down! Buckle up! & Hang On! Mickeystoontown's Gang is going to Walley World!: http://www.disboards.com/showthread....5#post47915565 ![]() |
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