Daughter's Surprise 1st Visit; Best Christmas Present Ever TR!! Update: 8-21-12; P 10

[Bell<3Disney]

Checking in, loving how excited you guys are!!!

 

[nvsnot]

I'm in...i'm a sucker for first time TR's since I had my first ever WDW vacation in June of 2011 and loved it before I ever even got there! I can't wait to read more!!!

 

[mommytominnie]

I know EXACTLY how Princess feels! I've totally been there - hungry, hot, and tired is a deadly combination! Glad you finally got to eat and feel better, though!! I can't wait to try Via Napoli! The pizza looks delish!

Yep, I am the same way. It's funny. When Grumpy and I get into one of our "discussions", we always end with one of us saying: "Do I need to feed you again!" Via Napoli was real good. I was kind of nervous since the only pizza we know is Papa John's. But I loved their pizza.

Checking in, loving how excited you guys are!!!

Thank You!!! We were excited. Princess was still in awe that she was there. Grumpy was getting more and more relaxed as the days went by and me, well, good thing I had my sunglasses since I was constantly tearing up

I'm in...i'm a sucker for first time TR's since I had my first ever WDW vacation in June of 2011 and loved it before I ever even got there! I can't wait to read more!!!

Thanks for joining!! Hopefully, I will be able to update tonight. With the holidays over, getting back to work and school have been a roller coater. Not to mention, I am trying to edit my PP pics and the darn website keeps freezing up on me

 

[snowbell]

Great Report. I am lookging forward to reading more. Your daughter is beautiful.

 

[PirateMommy]

I'm loving your report so far. Keep em coming!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts, as a Wife of Grumpy, on the crowds and as a Texan, on the weather. I'm thinking of taking my Grumpy and kids next year the same week, and I think you live in Austin, too, based on the airport pictures. We went as a family for the first time in August, and the humidity did us in. But I'm hopeful December would be much better, and I'd thinking the first week of Winter Break would be perfect. And might help turn my Grumpy into Happy.

 

[Monknmom]

I love it so far! We are very much alike! I always thought that Disney would be too expensive, but found that its' not as much as people think it is, plus they offer all of those discounts all of the time! And the dining plans REALLY save tons of money!
I did the matching shirts too and it is so hard to find which ones to take! I did limit myself though... I am anticipating to see all of yours! Oh I'm glad that your surprise went a lot better than mine did! LOL I am laughing so hard when you talk about grumpy's looks because I have a grumpy and I get those same looks!
Oh how cute that stuff that you laid out and the letter! Every night we had something for my little guy to open as well and I feel like that made him want for th eday all that much more!
We missed the opening show on 12/16 too lol! You can kinda see the autograph book, did you make that? I like it! I have to say that the thing that surprised me throughout our trip was the fact that my DS was so up for the walking and such! He would get tired at night or right before eating and that was it! Did you take any pictures of POFQ? I want to stay there when we go back!

 

[mommytominnie]

Great Report. I am lookging forward to reading more. Your daughter is beautiful.

Thank you so much!! Glad you stopped in to read about my little family

I'm loving your report so far. Keep em coming!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts, as a Wife of Grumpy, on the crowds and as a Texan, on the weather. I'm thinking of taking my Grumpy and kids next year the same week, and I think you live in Austin, too, based on the airport pictures. We went as a family for the first time in August, and the humidity did us in. But I'm hopeful December would be much better, and I'd thinking the first week of Winter Break would be perfect. And might help turn my Grumpy into Happy.

Hello, Pirate Mommy. Yep, we are from Austin. We loved the weather we had. It would be cool in the morning and we would wear black long sleeve shirts under our T-shirt. By 10 am, we were in the bathroom taking off the long sleeve. There was one night that we put on our fleece jacket but still even then, it was comfortable. There is no way we would be able to do Summer. When we go again, I will be looking to go in December. Also, if we went in the summer, Grumpy would have been chosen as the Dwarf to replace the original Grumpy. Since he loves Christmas, I knew he would enjoy all the sights and sounds. The crowds were real manageable, not empty but not unbearable. I am so glad you are reading along

I love it so far! We are very much alike! I always thought that Disney would be too expensive, but found that its' not as much as people think it is, plus they offer all of those discounts all of the time! And the dining plans REALLY save tons of money!
I did the matching shirts too and it is so hard to find which ones to take! I did limit myself though... I am anticipating to see all of yours! Oh I'm glad that your surprise went a lot better than mine did! LOL I am laughing so hard when you talk about grumpy's looks because I have a grumpy and I get those same looks!
Oh how cute that stuff that you laid out and the letter! Every night we had something for my little guy to open as well and I feel like that made him want for th eday all that much more!
We missed the opening show on 12/16 too lol! You can kinda see the autograph book, did you make that? I like it! I have to say that the thing that surprised me throughout our trip was the fact that my DS was so up for the walking and such! He would get tired at night or right before eating and that was it! Did you take any pictures of POFQ? I want to stay there when we go back!

Ha, ha. When I read your introduction to your TR, I thought the same thing. We are Twins!! Your definition of Grumpy fit so well for my Grumpy. Deep down inside, they are both two kids itching to come out. Grumpy did not know much about Disney World. All he saw on the commercials were little girls in princess dresses, the Castle and Dumbo. He did not realize there were 4 worlds. When I kept telling him months before we were leaving I was preparing a "schedule" he was like "are you serious? We are going on vacation, not boot camp." He seriously thought Disney World was a bigger Fiesta Texas. When we got there, I was already saying "When we come back." He would give me his look and shake his head. Toward the end of the trip, he was saying "when we come back" or "We need to do it this way the next time..."

Yes, I made the autograph book and every shirt we have on are the shirts I ironed on. I was actually surprised Grumpy did not sulk on wearing matching shirts. I guess he knew I was gung ho on making them so he helped me pick out the designs and the color of the shirts. At least this way, he knew he wouldn't look like a complete goof

 

[Monknmom]

Ha, ha. When I read your introduction to your TR, I thought the same thing. We are Twins!! Your definition of Grumpy fit so well for my Grumpy. Deep down inside, they are both two kids itching to come out. Grumpy did not know much about Disney World. All he saw on the commercials were little girls in princess dresses, the Castle and Dumbo. He did not realize there were 4 worlds. When I kept telling him months before we were leaving I was preparing a "schedule" he was like "are you serious? We are going on vacation, not boot camp." He seriously thought Disney World was a bigger Fiesta Texas. When we got there, I was already saying "When we come back." He would give me his look and shake his head. Toward the end of the trip, he was saying "when we come back" or "We need to do it this way the next time..."

Yes, I made the autograph book and every shirt we have on are the shirts I ironed on. I was actually surprised Grumpy did not sulk on wearing matching shirts. I guess he knew I was gung ho on making them so he helped me pick out the designs and the color of the shirts. At least this way, he knew he wouldn't look like a complete goof

Oh wow I love the book and the shirts so far! I didn't let DH or DS know about the shirts- I just did them and those were the only shirts I packed so if we had a spill we would have had to buy a new shirt! So my grumpy could not protest against it! Or he would have no clothes

 

[mommytominnie]

Oh wow I love the book and the shirts so far! I didn't let DH or DS know about the shirts- I just did them and those were the only shirts I packed so if we had a spill we would have had to buy a new shirt! So my grumpy could not protest against it! Or he would have no clothes

ha, ha too funny! That was genious. Actually, Princess had no idea I made the shirts. She was convinced they were from Mickey. Every morning, when she woke up, she would see Mickey had left her letters letting us know where we would be going and what time we would be eating and left out the shirts for us to wear. My cover was almost blown later in the week in MK but more on that when I update my TR!!

 

[Monknmom]

ha, ha too funny! That was genious. Actually, Princess had no idea I made the shirts. She was convinced they were from Mickey. Every morning, when she woke up, she would see Mickey had left her letters letting us know where we would be going and what time we would be eating and left out the shirts for us to wear. My cover was almost blown later in the week in MK but more on that when I update my TR!!

Oh my can't wait to hear about it! Yeah Damien found them before we left so he knew right before the trip that I was making shirts!

 

[mommytominnie]

Where we left off, Princess had some food in her stomach and it was decided that we would head back to POFQ to rest before our dinner ADR. But before we could leave Via Napoli, we had desert!!

Princess ordered this:

Grumpy orders this:

and I ordered this beauty:

Oh my word... This was so good. And I don't even drink wine. I actually wish I had a glass right now

After they consumed the ice cream and I chugged, I mean drank my wine, we headed out of Italy. A few steps to the right and we see a boat that takes you across WS. This time, I got that look from Princess when she realized we could have ridden to Italy instead of sprinting in the marathon.

We took a leisure ride across the water and head out to the exit. On our way, we stopped at a Kiosk and Princess bought sunglasses and a tiara. She even asked to have her picture taken:

We were almost to the exit when she sees something that brings a smile to her face and takes Grumpy by the hand and they run to:

Stitch is her favorite and he had no line!!

She was on cloud 9. A few more pictures and then we hopped on a bus back to POFQ.

Now once we got to POFQ the plan was for us to go get the luggage from baggage room and then we would go into the lobby. We would have Princess watch cartoons and with Grumpy shielding me, I was able to get the letters and T shirt for Princess and go up to the room and set them out for her. So off I went to find our room. Oh my word.. I loved our location, it was just perfect. After helping Mickey Mouse leave a surprise, I raced back to the lobby. Princess did not even notice I had left. Told her our room was ready and for us to go.

When Princess opened the door she saw the following:

She was so excited. She believed Mickey and his friends left the letters and T shirts for her. And when we did this every morning, she never once thought it was us.

We took a nap and soon it was time to wake up. Princess took a shower and got ready. Cinderella had invited her for dinner at 1900 PF for 7:30 and she did not want to be late.

We go out to the bus stop and wait about 5 minutes for a bus to Magic Kingdom.

Once we get to MK, we take the monorail to Grand Floridian. That was a stunning hotel. We found 1900 PF and checked in. About 10 minutes later, our buzzer went off and we were directed for our picture. There was a family at the front desk very upset because they could not find their reservation. She insisted they had one but it just was not coming up on the computer. I don't know what the outcome was but we never saw them in the restaurant while we were there. Anyway, here is our family pic in front of the Christmas tree:

We were seated in the very back of the restaurant. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to be in the main dining room but I just shrugged my shoulders and follower our server. She was very nice!!! I did not get any food pics here. The food was ok. Not the best but certainly not the worst. Add a strawberry alcoholic drink and the food was nearly excellent

About half way through our first plate, Prince Charming comes to our table. Princess is just awe struck.. She could not stop staring at him.

I love the above picture. See what did I tell you. Her smile can melt any heart

Than Prince Charming asked if the "Queen" would like a picture with him as well. I took a sip of my drink, handed the camera to Grumpy and took my place next to him.

As you can see, I am short!!!

Next up was the princess herself, Cinderella

Cinderella was complimenting Princess' shirt

I love this photo, just wished my thumb did not get in the way. Must have been that strawberry drink!!

Next up was Lady Tremaine

As you can see, she is trying not to break character and laugh: On her autograph page, I had put "The Original Mommy Dearest" She had read that aloud and she almost smiled and laughed but she caught herself and returned to her stern self.

continued in next post:

 

[mommytominnie]

Next up were the wacky stepsisters. These girls are a hoot.

We loved the character interaction that we would definitely go back for dinner.

After settling the bill, we left and toured the hotel lobby and got to look at the gingerbread house. That was amazing.

After we took our PP picture, Grumpy went to the bathroom. Princess and I sat down and listened to the piano man. Out of the corner of my eye I see a CM holding a bouquet of roses and holding two just engaged pins. I made eye contact with her and she smiled. I looked over to the couple in front of the tree taking their PP and all of a sudden he drops to one knee and proposes to her. She was all excited and it seemed their families were in on the secret because they were all to the side with their cameras and video cameras. They were real dressed up and looked very nice. Grumpy returned and asked what did he missed. I told him about the proposal and he said "Well isn't that special" But this time I knew he was teasing because he had a smile on his face. I knew little by little Disney was wrapping its magic arms around him!!

Afterwards I told Princess and Grumpy we would take the monorail to Polynesian because Christmas Wishes was about to start and I knew thanks to the Dis, that we would be able to see them on the beach. They were real excited. So off we went to the monorail and by the time we got to the Polynesian and found the beach, we made it with minutes to spare. Princess and Grumpy loved the fireworks.

After the fireworks, we took a monorail back to Magic Kingdom and caught the bus to POFQ.

When we finally got back to the room, Princess got ready for bed and I went to the food court so I can get our refillable mugs. It was this time, I was finally able to get some pictures of POFQ

When I got back to the room, Princess was sound asleep and Grumpy was in the shower. I got the letters and T shirts ready for the reveal and wrote down our game plan. Took my shower and we fell fast asleep. We had an awesome first full day and was excited to see where Mickey was taking us the next day!!

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I can't decide on my favorite moment the proposal or when the step mom almost broke into a smile

 

[nvsnot]

Awesome, can't wait to read more!

 

[Susan121302]

This is such a great report! So sweet....

 

[leslie826]

What a great surprise! You are making me want to make tee shirts We are leaving for our first stay at POFQ in a few weeks. Love seeing the pics!

 

[Tinkergurl20]

I am subbing!!! This is the most amazing surprise/tr I think I have read!!! I am dreaming and planning based on your photos for our trip next December(our 1st at Christmastime)!!! I remember seeing those smiles on my cousins faces this past summer when we were there!!! Can't wait to read more about your trip!!!

 

[Monknmom]

Those desserts look so good! I'm not a wine person either, but here lately I seem to prefer a glass every now and then! It's always the characters that bring that short burst of energy back to them! Leaving that stuff must have made it that much more magical! I love it! I think that these are things that were worth time and effort because it makes them so happy! I love the prince photos and Cinderella! How funny that you almost made Lady Tremaine break character! The gingerbread house was really pretty! I had gotten some pretty good detail shots of it that I wanted to remember! And my son was in awe of that tree! We didn't get the PP done there though and I can't remember why.... Great way to end the night! And your just like me-- I got everything ready before we headed to bed because I didn't want my son to wake up without his little present!

 

[mommytominnie]

I can't decide on my favorite moment the proposal or when the step mom almost broke into a smile

Both were fantastic to watch

Awesome, can't wait to read more!

Thank you!!! I hope you will continue to enjoy it.

This is such a great report! So sweet....

aww, thank you so much. I was so nervous when I decided to write one. I am glad you are enjoying it!!

What a great surprise! You are making me want to make tee shirts We are leaving for our first stay at POFQ in a few weeks. Love seeing the pics!

Thank you!! Right before we were to leave, I almost chickened out in making them because I was afraid they would not come out right. But the more I looked at the designs I knew I wanted our family to wear them. We loved POFQ. I can't wait to go back.

I am subbing!!! This is the most amazing surprise/tr I think I have read!!! I am dreaming and planning based on your photos for our trip next December(our 1st at Christmastime)!!! I remember seeing those smiles on my cousins faces this past summer when we were there!!! Can't wait to read more about your trip!!!

You are too sweet!!! I am glad my photos will be able to help you. We came home with about a 1000 pics and 4 hours of video. I would have had more but I did not take a back up battery for my camera and it would die half way during the day so I had to be selective on what pictures I took. I could not be trigger happy like I usually am.

Those desserts look so good! I'm not a wine person either, but here lately I seem to prefer a glass every now and then! It's always the characters that bring that short burst of energy back to them! Leaving that stuff must have made it that much more magical! I love it! I think that these are things that were worth time and effort because it makes them so happy! I love the prince photos and Cinderella! How funny that you almost made Lady Tremaine break character! The gingerbread house was really pretty! I had gotten some pretty good detail shots of it that I wanted to remember! And my son was in awe of that tree! We didn't get the PP done there though and I can't remember why.... Great way to end the night! And your just like me-- I got everything ready before we headed to bed because I didn't want my son to wake up without his little present!

Half way during the vacation, I would lay down and forget to lay out the shirts. I would get up and run around the room hoping Princess would not wake up before I had time to lay everything out. In this segment, you see the T shirt all folded nicely. Pay attention to some of my pics through out the TR. You will see that I literally almost threw them up on the table

 

[mommytominnie]

After having a wonderful dinner with Prince Charming... I mean Cinderella and her family, I woke up Grumpy the next morning to start getting ready. After a little bit of more sleep, I woke up and got ready. Soon it was time to wake up Princess.

When she awoke, I told her to check and see if we had a visitor while we were sleeping.

Can you guess who's shirt this belongs to?

Mine and Princess' am shirts

Mine and Princess' pm shirts

Soon we were ready to go!!

Grumpy wearing his shirt proudly

We headed to the bus stop to wait for our bus. And wait we did.

Buses came all right, but not for Epcot. Finally one arrived and I breathed a sigh of relief since it looked like we would make it in time. BUT instead of going to straight out the gate, we were going to POR. The bus stopped at every stop and no one got on. Finally, we headed out of the resort and were on our way.

Once we got to Epcot, I was freaking because it was after 8.

Princess was saying "Oh no, not again." She was remembering her walk from yesterday. Actually, the bus stop is far from the entrance to Epcot. I wished it was closer.

We go through bag check and go to the right since that was the ADR line. There was a huge group in front of us, maybe 15 and there names were not on the list. I was hoping they could scoot to the side because I was itching to get inside. Finally, the CM asked them to scoot and we were up. Our name was on the list and we were given the go ahead to enter.

Took some pictures while speed walking to Norway

Finally we get to Norway and check in. We waited about a minute and they called our name.

Princess got out her autograph book and found Belle's page.

Belle loved her page!!