A Princess Birthday Surprise at POR w/ Royal Room Included...TRex for Lunch

[2xcited2sleep]

I finally caught the opening MK show for the first time EVER last October. It was cute...but i do enjoy my sleep so not sure how often i will be seeing it.

Awesome for the Big Bad Wolf! I do miss the "old days" when you just never knew who you were going to run into and where. But not having random strangers in our vacation photos is kind of nice too.

I bet Stephen did a great job with the camera. Is he still into hidden mickeys? I bet there are a few in New Fantasyland!!

Can't wait to hear about Belle's tale!!

 

[livsmom04]

Looks like it wasn't that busy when you all went. Not compared to this past trip to Disney in June. lol. The Brazilian tour groups where just starting to arrive. Hoping you all didn't experience them this past trip.

 

[hstrickland]

Happy Monday Morning!


So sorry for the delay in posting back to everyone!! I'm not ignoring you...promise We were at the lake last week for the 4th and didn't return until last night. There was no internet service, so there was no DisBoards for me I'll be catching up this morning with my cup of coffee in hand! But before I do that, yall know I have to share some photos from the lake And lucky for you, I forgot my camera so had to get pictures with the phone....therefore significantly cutting down on the number






Jesse....busy doing nothing!




Every afternoon we had torrential downpours! I mean like super hard!!








No worries....when it rained, the kids found other ways to occupy their time...





Then the kids got the bright idea to put a bottle of hand soap in the hot tub....



















Now it's back to reality Time to catch up the TR and see what y'all have been chatting about

Heather

 

[WDWKOOK]

Now I better understand why you don't go to WDW all the time. I think I'd be going to the lake every free moment and it's so convenient, too.

Looks like baths weren't needed the night the hand soap got dumped - cute picture

 

[DisneyDoc5]

LOL at the soap in the hot tub, adorable!!!

Now I have to say, if I didn't know you were in Georgia, I would tell you that lake looks just like Michigan lakes, identical! Looks like fun despite the rains. We are recovering from 4 days of fun as well! Clean the house day here, so I will be looking for updates as my reward!

 

[jennyjinx3]

What lucky ducks! Looks like a super fun weekend for them! At least they would have been squeaky clean after that hot tub dip! Glad to see you back!

 

[Sue M]

Looks beautiful! too funny about the soap in the hot tub!!

 

[Pinkocto]

What a great getaway. I spent many childhood summers at a lake, you brought back great memories

 

[hstrickland]

CRAZY day!!! I've officially lost my mind Tried to save some money by painting the house myself. Ha! The jokes on me! Had to call a painter to come finish.....WAY too much to do. Not sure what I was thinking.

My original plan was to post some replies and make another installment...not gonna happen (the installment that is ) Replies will be forthcoming...Glad y'all are patient people

So much to love!

First - fishing pictures, just precious!

Second - early morning Heather pictures, LOVE it! Sorry you got lost on the way to the bus stop - next time try the one outside the main lobby!

Well.....that's the one we were searching for Don't ask me how we ended up on the other side of the world??!!

Third - wonder who you were texting at rope drop

I wonder Bill and Stephen gave me a hard time all day about my "Disney Texting"....

I am always curious about the whole renting points thing. Do you rent from someone you know or just someone you found on the boards? How did it go for you (obviously well since it sounds like that's what you do now)? Just wondering if you could share a bit about it. I know Heather won't mind the info either in her TR! Thanks! Erin

Of course not! I've looked at renting points 1000 times but always get cold feet.

sorry for the DVC hijacking of your TR Heather, I promise no more! But you should try it for you trip next year - renting points that is, from David's.

You first....then let me know how it goes

LOL at the soap in the hot tub, adorable!!!

Now I have to say, if I didn't know you were in Georgia, I would tell you that lake looks just like Michigan lakes, identical!

Well...almost identical. Just add alligators and a few poisonous snakes then we have identical Don't you wanna move down South??!!

Looks like fun despite the rains. We are recovering from 4 days of fun as well! Clean the house day here, so I will be looking for updates as my reward!

Hmmmm.....updates??? Well....due to some unforeseen difficulties painting, you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

 

[hstrickland]

Not a thousand! only 11 We might have made it to one on my first trip when I was 6, but I certainly don't remember so that doesn't count. One of these days I'll try to drag myself out of bed that early

Pam!! Drag yourself out of bed and make your way over to the MK for RD...just once!! I expect to see that in your next TR

What a great getaway. I spent many childhood summers at a lake, you brought back great memories

Definitely fun for the kids and a great place to relax and basically do nothing. Even with the torrential rain each day, it was still wonderful. I love sitting on the porch and watching the rain come down on the lake.

 

[pocahontasgal87]

Hello! joining in!! you seem like very lovely family and Me and my parents stay at POR last Sept, its one of our fav resorts! especially having the boat go to DTD

I hope on my next trip to go to a rope drop, nvr have from my 8 times visiting the world, I am determine to do one on my next trip!! Cannot wait to read more!!

 

[hstrickland]

Those early morning pictures of POR are really making me miss one of my favorite resorts. I have found the deal on renting DVC points, so it has been awhile since I stayed there. Not that I mind staying at beautiful DVC resorts, but POR was our favorite moderate for so many trips.
And who doesn't love the early am walk through MK. Great pictures Stephen!

All this talk about renting points is giving me something to think about I know that once we stay in a villa, we will not want to go back to a regular room.

Love all your pictures!

Thanks!

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question but I have a family of 5 and I've been trying to book a Royal room at Port Orleans but they tell us they only hold 4. Your family of 5 stayed there? Are there some rooms that hold 5?

Sorry if this is obvious and I'm missing it somewhere.

My kids are all girls and they would drool over those rooms!

Not a stupid question at all! You are correct that the Royal Rooms only have 2 beds and sleep 4....we just stuffed 5 people in the room Since we were only there for a couple of nights, one of the kids slept on the floor. We drove down and were able to pack a sleeping bag and pillow. If we were going for an entire week, that room wouldn't have worked at all. POR does have rooms that sleep 5 but not the Royal Rooms.

wow your picture of the seven dwarves mine train ride construction makes me really excited to ride it. 2014 is too far away!

Tell me about it!!! Seems like an eternity away!!! Luckily there's the DisBoards to keep me preoccupied

Subbing! Can't wait to read the rest of this TR!

Hi there! Glad to have you join in!!

Looks like it wasn't that busy when you all went. Not compared to this past trip to Disney in June. lol. The Brazilian tour groups where just starting to arrive. Hoping you all didn't experience them this past trip.

They were there! At POR!!!! But it wasn't that bad. The crowds were actually a bit heavy for this time of year. We expected it to be less, but that didn't happen. MK got crowded during the middle of the day....nothing too horrific, though.

 

[hstrickland]

I know, I know.....had some unforeseen painting difficulties today Something will be posted tomorrow .....I hope

Looks beautiful! too funny about the soap in the hot tub!!

Whatever it takes to keep em' occupied during the rain

I finally caught the opening MK show for the first time EVER last October. It was cute...but i do enjoy my sleep so not sure how often i will be seeing it.

You made it once...now you can say "been there, done that"

Awesome for the Big Bad Wolf! I do miss the "old days" when you just never knew who you were going to run into and where. But not having random strangers in our vacation photos is kind of nice too.

Bill and I always get a kick out of our pictures when random strangers appear with crazy looks on their faces I feel quite certain that I've been in other people's photos with a completely dumb look plastered on my face

I bet Stephen did a great job with the camera. Is he still into hidden mickeys? I bet there are a few in New Fantasyland!!

Can't wait to hear about Belle's tale!!

He really enjoys getting pictures...and is ALWAYS looking for those HMs. Some of his findings aren't so hidden and aren't so Mickey... but oh well....it's fun for him.

Now I better understand why you don't go to WDW all the time. I think I'd be going to the lake every free moment and it's so convenient, too.

Absolutely....and much easier on the wallet, too Lake Sinclair is only a couple of hours away, so very convenient.

Looks like baths weren't needed the night the hand soap got dumped - cute picture

How did ya know?! I actually got the shampoo and washed the kids' hair. Between the extra chlorine that Bill added and the hand soap...we were super clean!!!

 

[hstrickland]

Catching up on the TR! I had to laugh about the toiletries…that was my feeling as well…where’s the lotion??? Now if they could package the H2O in those bottles with the cute little Mickey heads it would be the best of both worlds.

Those bottles are way cute, aren't they??!! When we were at the CR, we even got H2O Aloe Gel...haven't seen it anywhere else.

(OK, I wrote this in word and go to post and now I see he’s here..don’t read this WishIwasFishin) As far as the fishing excursion for Bill the next time in WDW, you might be able to book something nearby that would be less expensive and yield better results, fishing wise, than the ones at WDW. I grew up on the west coast of FL and I remember my Dad going fishing near Kissimmee with my uncle once. He came home with the 10 pound bass and he wasn’t the fisherman! Of course this might be more of an all day thing than a few hours but might be worth looking into – talk it up as a Daddy/kids activity and book yourself at the spa!

The more I thought about the fishing thing, the more I realized that you and Kook were right...not worth the money for what you get. He grew up in Orlando, and spent lots of time over at the coast fishing, so Disney's excursion would probably be a bit disappointing

We did the AG package at the Marriott in March for a quick spring break activity. I think Addison would rather do that than anything. We surprised her last year and took her to WDW for her birthday. I think she thought we were going to go to AG in Atlanta and is still bitter that we didn’t!

WHAT??!! Are you kidding? Bless her heart! I remember yall's trip and all your planning....how funny.

How do you get the enhancements on your pictures? They look great!

Christine

Photobucket is what I've been using for several years. It's kind of irritating to use at times, but all my DisBoard pics are linked there....so it's where I will stay

Heather - I agree with Erin, at least check out renting points at BWI. Ok, DVC hijack of thread over....

Christine

Great info, Christine!! I keep getting cold feet...stupid, I know. Guess I worry about the "not being able to change" deal. Rest assured I'll be on David's site tomorrow checking out the prices

What lucky ducks! Looks like a super fun weekend for them! At least they would have been squeaky clean after that hot tub dip! Glad to see you back!

Good to be home again....just wish my house wasn't in a disarray : Can't wait for this painting to be done!!!!

Hello! joining in!! you seem like very lovely family and Me and my parents stay at POR last Sept, its one of our fav resorts! especially having the boat go to DTD

I hope on my next trip to go to a rope drop, nvr have from my 8 times visiting the world, I am determine to do one on my next trip!! Cannot wait to read more!!

Hi there! So glad you decided to join in! We took the boat over to DTD on Sunday....very convenient for sure. And we really enjoyed the scenic ride...lots to see.

 

[Sue M]

you are crazy Heather!! Last time I decided to paint the girls rooms I ended up with frozen shoulder hope your ok

 

[chattadisser]

I think painting is kinda like childbirth...you forget how hard and what a pain in was and agree to do it again. Throw in the "savings" that you think you are going to get and you are gung ho.

Then reality sets in. I just painted both girls rooms and a bathroom. I need more time for me to forget before I can do more!

Christine

 

[M&M mom]

Great trip report! Can't wait to hear more.

 

[hstrickland]

you are crazy Heather!! Last time I decided to paint the girls rooms I ended up with frozen shoulder hope your ok

You said it!!! Called the professionals yesterday evening Now I have to wait....with the house in complete shambles, a disaster! Both painters I contacted can't get here this week....could be 2-3 weeks

I think painting is kinda like childbirth...you forget how hard and what a pain in was and agree to do it again. Throw in the "savings" that you think you are going to get and you are gung ho.

Then reality sets in. I just painted both girls rooms and a bathroom. I need more time for me to forget before I can do more!

Christine

Well put! How soon we forget! When we lived in Orlando, I painted the whole house....of course I was 13 years younger and had ZERO kids! Last night I was willing to pay double for someone to come and take over.

Great trip report! Can't wait to hear more.

Hi there! Between crazy house projects, I'll get some more done on this TR...I hope Glad to have you join in.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 2
Enchanted Tales with Belle



Since this was a new attraction, this was our very first stop! Needless to say, Faith was some kind of excited – and I was, too. We were on a mission, and doing our usual Rope Drop walk…which equates to FAST!







Of course I’ve already said this once, but the weather was absolutely perfect!!!! Not too hot, not too cool….



Stephen got some great pics of the Beast’s Castle!







We’re going to have to invest in another camera…Stephen and I were fighting over the thing!






The beautiful blue sky made a gorgeous backdrop for Maurice’s cottage…not hard to get a great shot when the subject is perfect! The details that Disney incorporated into this attraction goes above and beyond!







Ok…so I’m going to bore you with a few quick facts/tips about the attraction


1. Get there early or you will be waiting in a very long line!

2. This attraction isn’t just for little girls….it’s for all ages!

3. It’s a multi-scene Beauty and the Beast experience that takes you into Maurice's workshop, through a magic mirror, and into the Beast's library where the audience shares a story with Belle.

4. You will meet and spend time with Belle, and if you’re lucky…you’ll be invited to play a part in the story.



When you enter the cottage, you will be overwhelmed by the tiny details that Disney incorporated…. You will see mementos tracing Belle's childhood, including her favorite books, and lines drawn on one wall showing how fast Belle grew every year.











There’s even a portrait of Belle and her mother – I could have sworn that the CM said her name was Rose, but can’t find that fact anywhere on the internet. Perhaps I just imagined it?!







Leave it to Stephen to find the Hidden Mickey! (wood for the fireplace)







From there you'll enter Maurice's workshop at the back of the cottage. Covering every inch of the floor, walls and ceiling, you'll find an assortment of odd wood gadgets. Take a moment to look around at those, then focus your attention on the mirror on the wall to the left of the door you entered from.







The room gets dark and the mirror begins to sparkle. With a bit of Disney magic, the mirror turns into a full-size doorway through which you will enter into a wardrobe room. Once in the wardrobe room, the attraction's premise is explained: you're supposed to re-enact the story of Beauty and the Beast for Belle on her birthday, and guests are chosen to act out key parts in the play.








Guess who was chosen to be a Knight???...







So, we have Bill as the Knight….Faith as Philippe, the horse….and then Jesse was chosen as The Beast. This is where my heart started to melt.







You’ll have to excuse the quality of the pictures….we couldn’t use a flash, and I had no time to be fiddling with camera settings.



Once the parts are chosen, everyone walks into the castle's library and takes seats. Lumiere chats with the audience a bit …








Castmembers explain how the play will take place, and introduce Belle, who gives a short speech about how thrilled she is for everyone to be there.







The play is acted out within a few minutes giving all characters a chance to interact with Belle.






When it was time for Belle to meet the Beast, he (aka Jesse) had to give his best ROAR!







And like I said, my heart was melting and I could feel a tear or two coming on ….







Now it was time to cry….my Jesse got to dance with the beautiful Belle!







Belle chatted with him in her sweet voice the entire dance ….and Jesse was all smiles, and bit embarrassed, too.








All of the actors get a chance to take photos with Belle and receive a small bookmark as a memento. Also, those who took photos with Belle received a separate PhotoPass card for those photos. And would you believe that I LOST IT!!!!???!!! Not like me to be so irresponsible with pictures!



This attraction was so special for our entire family!! A very magical experience for us….I still get choked up when I look at Jesse dancing with Belle. Another sweet moment to add to my Disney memories


Do you remember me saying that you better get there early????!!!!






This was the line when we left! Almost an hour wait at 9:45am!!!! Crazy!




Up next….lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant!





​

 

[Sue M]

What a special beginning to the day! We are going to do the Story Time this trip! Sounds wonderful! I don't know why we didn't go in January maybe we just weren't sure what it was.
And we sure will get there for rope drop! Are there FPs for it?