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

[DisneyKid4Life]

I love that the hotel has a picture of you hanging in the lobby!

Magic Mirror?

Great restaurant choice! That is quite a buffet and they were kind enough to have Mickey shakes. Now if there were Zebra Domes at the dessert table, that might be pushing it.

Looks like a really nice hotel with a fun pool. You don't see too many indoor pool slides.

I should have asked where they got that.

Magic indeed! I guess I'm the fairest of them all.

It was amazing Dee!!! I had heard of Mandarin, but we have none locally. But yes, any place with Mickey shakes gets my approval. Hmmm... nah, I'm pretty sure they didn't have those, lol.

It was, and actually the indoor pool slide was the main reason this hotel was picked. As soon as Carrie saw that, the search was over.

Isn't it amazing how you can find Disney anywhere? I find Disney references even here in my hometown. Sometimes I even make Disney references at work. My coworkers look at me like I'm crazy. And that's ok, because I am crazy...

CRAZY ABOUT DISNEY!

Ahh...I crack myself up. Anyway, looking forward to the rest of your Canadia adventure.

It really is. Thankfully everyone I know realizes and accepts (and actually encourages) my Disney obsession. And I really do see Disney everywhere I go. And hey, there are much worse things to be obsessed about.

Thanks so much. Just one day left, but it is a big one.

That looked like a GIANT buffet! Wow!

The hotel had a waterslide? I never would have been able to drag Maddie away!

Oh Shannon, it was AMAZING!! So much food. But more importantly, good food.

It sure did, and the major reason why that hotel was chosen. The girls LOVED it!

Wow, that chinese buffet looks yummy! I'll have to keep that name in mind for some vague time in the future.
Hotel looks good! But WOW that view! Spectacular!

It was so yummy Wendy. I really wish they would open one of them here. It's pricey, but wow the food.
The hotel was good, but yup, that view is what made the difference. I know some people love staying at the Contemporary overlooking the castle, but c'mon... Air Conditioning units!!

Finally caught up. I love the cat shelter in the mall! I have two cats, a shelter cat and a rescue from the side of the road, and I just love them. I'm glad these kitties are getting lots of attention and hopefully adopted.

The disney at the mall pics were great! How cute that the disney store does an opening ceremony thing. I really wish there was a disney store near me still. Although it's probably for the best. I would spend all my money on vinylmations. They are so addicting to buy.

The zoo looked fun. Penguins are my favorite. Sorry to hear that Hailey got sick but at least she was able to bounce back quickly.

I'm not really a Chinese food person but that Buffett looked pretty good, especially the milkshake! The hotel looked nice too with a fun water slide.

What a fun mini trip!

YAY. Oh me too. My cat is a shelter cat as well so it too held a soft spot for me. And from what I was told, these cats are adopted regularly.

Haha thank you. I know!!! I really had no idea they did that, but I got kinda excited when they did. I feel your pain. We used to have a local Disney Store but like many, they closed it. I miss it so much!

It was a good day full of surprises as I did not expect to see penguins and polar bears. Very cool. I know, the poor little thing. But she bounced back better than ever.

I love the basic Chinese food (mostly s&s chicken balls) but this buffet was loaded with non Chinese selections as well. Ribs, steak, all kinds of goodies. And that milkshake was delightful.

It was. Only one day left

 

[amberg93]

Looks like a good buffet selection.

You would drop the potatoes right on the floor

With such a view, they're fools that they didn't charge you extra.

The pool had a slide?! Okay, that's cool. I'm not gonna lie.

Friendship bracelets are the best. Cars is the best. Put the two together? I don't know how you handled it.

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Loved your report!! I'm one of those Aussies that are taking over everywhere by the way (hehe I loved those little excerpts throughout the report)! I just thought i'd stop in and say hi and say thank you for taking me to Disney World for today (next trip Feb next year so still 5 months to go in reality!)

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Looks like a good buffet selection.

You would drop the potatoes right on the floor

With such a view, they're fools that they didn't charge you extra.

The pool had a slide?! Okay, that's cool. I'm not gonna lie.

Friendship bracelets are the best. Cars is the best. Put the two together? I don't know how you handled it.

Not too shabby I must say Amber.

Hahaha, yes I would. BUT you have to admit that it was impressive that not one drop landed on her. That takes talent. She was impressed at least. But then again, she's also 11.

RIGHT??!!! I wasn't saying anything lest they move me to some ocean view suite or something.

It did and was pretty much the entire reason for staying at that hotel.

I know I love mine. And I barely handled it.

Loved your report!! I'm one of those Aussies that are taking over everywhere by the way (hehe I loved those little excerpts throughout the report)! I just thought i'd stop in and say hi and say thank you for taking me to Disney World for today (next trip Feb next year so still 5 months to go in reality!)

WELCOME Rachelle!! I love Aussies!!!! I don't know what it is about the accent, but I just can't get enough. And it was one of your countrymen (or women in this case) that created "Canadia". So I will forever be grateful for that. Thank you SO MUCH for saying hello and for your kind words. And don't worry... those 5 months will fly by!

 

[RachelleBeaney]

WELCOME Rachelle!! I love Aussies!!!! I don't know what it is about the accent, but I just can't get enough. And it was one of your countrymen (or women in this case) that created "Canadia". So I will forever be grateful for that. Thank you SO MUCH for saying hello and for your kind words. And don't worry... those 5 months will fly by!

That's funny because I love Canadian accents I've always felt an affinity with the county though I've never been (we are all part of the commonwealth after all )... Additionally I have called Canada Canadia once or twice (jokingly) .. Maybe that's an Aussie thing too ....I'm hoping the 5 months fly but in the mean time it's so great to have the DIS so I can get a taste of Disney

 

[RGirl]

Hi Rob! Great updates, as usual!

The Chin-adian buffet looks very interesting and tasty! I loved the Panda-Mickey milkshakes. Mmmmm

I could tell you were at a Hilton as soon as you posted the room pics. If you had started with the pool slide, I never would have guessed. All the Hiltons we have stayed in, and we have never seen one with a pool slide - I’m not telling Willow about this anomaly, she would be very jealous……

 

[MEK]

That is one HECK of a buffet! Wowsa! That milkshake is too cute!

I am SHOCKED they didn't charge you extra for that fabulous view. The rest of the hotel looks very nice!

 

[themommy]

Wow that is a large buffet! I don't care much for Oriental food but, that looks to have plenty of other things to eat as well. (My older kids me that "Oriental" is offensive now but, that is what it is!...sorry if I offended. I still don't understand the reasoning there. I don't think anyone ever rode the Asian Express! LOL) Those shakes are so cute!

I absolutely love your room view! Shiny metal boxes with blades that spin and make noise...who could ask for more!

The picture of you with the little write up by it in the little foyer thingy...priceless!

DS would love that slide. I on the other hand would NEVER go down it. I hate tight enclosed spaces!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Wow that is a large buffet! I don't care much for Oriental food but, that looks to have plenty of other things to eat as well. (My older kids me that "Oriental" is offensive now but, that is what it is!...sorry if I offended. I still don't understand the reasoning there. I don't think anyone ever rode the Asian Express! LOL) Those shakes are so cute!

I absolutely love your room view! Shiny metal boxes with blades that spin and make noise...who could ask for more!

The picture of you with the little write up by it in the little foyer thingy...priceless!

DS would love that slide. I on the other hand would NEVER go down it. I hate tight enclosed spaces!

Not to get too serious, but Oriental is offensive to many - in part because it is associated with a time when people from Asia were discriminated against. The "Oriental Express" is from those times as well. You could just say you don't like food from Asian countries, or that you don't like Chinese/Japanese food, whatever applies.

TP

 

[cheekypoppins]

That is a really cute picture of Carrie and Hailey. You guys really hit the jackpot with those free panda/Mickey drinks. They look really good.

Awe thanks I think i look much better in pics that i'm ready for lol,Rob has some icky ones of me from Disney for sure.

Omg those drinks were awesome!! They were similar to a cookies n cream milkshake but had more ice so kinda like a cookies n cream slushie SO YUMMY!!!

 

[themommy]

Not to get too serious, but Oriental is offensive to many - in part because it is associated with a time when people from Asia were discriminated against. The "Oriental Express" is from those times as well. You could just say you don't like food from Asian countries, or that you don't like Chinese/Japanese food, whatever applies.

TP

Like I said, I did not mean to offend.

 

[jwgm2012]

Hi Rob! Just caught up on this report and like your others - it's a great read! Thanks for being so detailed and sharing all your emotions in a funny way! I'm envious of your solo trips and have often thought "someday" but then reality hits, actually my kids snap and say "no way are you going with out us" so yea, pipedreams! LOL

The cat petting zoo was interesting to see - reminds me of a trip report Lurkyloo wrote about when she went to Tokyo Disney and there are actual shops set up in Tokyo that are there just for people to come and play with cats. No, not adopt them - just come play oh and they actually PAY money to come play with cats...

That violin dude was hypnotic! I can totally see why you were so um captivated... and that woman, the nerve of her always in the way??

Can't wait to read the rest of your adventure! Thanks for writing.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Whew! That was a lot to catch up on! What a great mini-TR you have going so far! And I love Canadia's flag.

Haven't been to Niagara Falls yet and at some point we should schedule a visit there for the kids. Not having been to the Falls yet in person, I mostly associate Niagara Falls with two things: Superman II and The Office where Jim and Pam get married.

Was laughing as you pointed out WDW landmarks in the land Canadia. That photo really does look like one taken from the Africa bridge looking over the river.

And I love Bumblebee! Did it transform for you at some point to help save the city by destroying every building and structure in it first?

The zoo looks like a lot of fun! Can't wait to see what Wonderland looks like!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That's funny because I love Canadian accents I've always felt an affinity with the county though I've never been (we are all part of the commonwealth after all )... Additionally I have called Canada Canadia once or twice (jokingly) .. Maybe that's an Aussie thing too ....I'm hoping the 5 months fly but in the mean time it's so great to have the DIS so I can get a taste of Disney

Haha, see all this time we didn't even know we had accents, lol. Yes, I do love the commonwealth connection. Yes yes yes Canadia!!! This will be official someday.

Hi Rob! Great updates, as usual!

The Chin-adian buffet looks very interesting and tasty! I loved the Panda-Mickey milkshakes. Mmmmm

I could tell you were at a Hilton as soon as you posted the room pics. If you had started with the pool slide, I never would have guessed. All the Hiltons we have stayed in, and we have never seen one with a pool slide - I’m not telling Willow about this anomaly, she would be very jealous……

Thanks Roni.

Chin-adian... I like that!!! They had so much food, it was amazing. But yup the milkshake was the highlight.

Haha, yes the pool slide was the main draw for sure. They all loved it and was the main reason we stayed there. Strange that this isn't more common though. Probably a Canadia thing seeing as we only have 2 months of summer.

That is one HECK of a buffet! Wowsa! That milkshake is too cute!

I am SHOCKED they didn't charge you extra for that fabulous view. The rest of the hotel looks very nice!

It was awesome Mary Ellen. So much food. But we came for the milkshake.

I know... craziness. I'm guessing they thought the room had some lame view of a garden or something. It was a lovely hotel though.

Wow that is a large buffet! I don't care much for Oriental food but, that looks to have plenty of other things to eat as well. (My older kids me that "Oriental" is offensive now but, that is what it is!...sorry if I offended. I still don't understand the reasoning there. I don't think anyone ever rode the Asian Express! LOL) Those shakes are so cute!

I absolutely love your room view! Shiny metal boxes with blades that spin and make noise...who could ask for more!

The picture of you with the little write up by it in the little foyer thingy...priceless!

DS would love that slide. I on the other hand would NEVER go down it. I hate tight enclosed spaces!

It was a very large buffet for sure with many different selections. Definitely something for everyone. Without getting too much into it, I do believe that's correct and it is considered an offensive term today. I am sure you didn't mean it to be offensive, but I do believe it is.

That view was super. How could you ask for more?

Haha, still not sure how they got that, lol.

The kids LOVED it, so I have no doubt your DS would as well.

Not to get too serious, but Oriental is offensive to many - in part because it is associated with a time when people from Asia were discriminated against. The "Oriental Express" is from those times as well. You could just say you don't like food from Asian countries, or that you don't like Chinese/Japanese food, whatever applies.

TP

Yes, I believe that's all completely correct Teresa. But, I'm sure there was no offence intended.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Awe thanks I think i look much better in pics that i'm ready for lol,Rob has some icky ones of me from Disney for sure.

Omg those drinks were awesome!! They were similar to a cookies n cream milkshake but had more ice so kinda like a cookies n cream slushie SO YUMMY!!!

And what a nice surprise it was too. And I do not have any icky pictures of you at all.

Yeah, they were pretty heavenly. But I was kinda partial to the look of it (i.e. Mickey!!)

Like I said, I did not mean to offend.

I have no doubt about that at all.

Hi Rob! Just caught up on this report and like your others - it's a great read! Thanks for being so detailed and sharing all your emotions in a funny way! I'm envious of your solo trips and have often thought "someday" but then reality hits, actually my kids snap and say "no way are you going with out us" so yea, pipedreams! LOL

The cat petting zoo was interesting to see - reminds me of a trip report Lurkyloo wrote about when she went to Tokyo Disney and there are actual shops set up in Tokyo that are there just for people to come and play with cats. No, not adopt them - just come play oh and they actually PAY money to come play with cats...

That violin dude was hypnotic! I can totally see why you were so um captivated... and that woman, the nerve of her always in the way??

Can't wait to read the rest of your adventure! Thanks for writing.

Well hello right back and WELCOME!!! Thank you so much for reading and for your lovely words. Granted, while I do love my solo time, it's the emotion that comes from others that really makes Disney truly special. I really realized that on this trip.

Oh wow, can you imagine paying just to play with cats? Thankfully, we didn't have to pay this time, lol.

Seriously I know. Like c'mon lady, I can't see the violin guy!!! Sadly, they're leaving Epcot forever soon.

Thank YOU so much for reading and for commenting. I appreciate it so very much!

Whew! That was a lot to catch up on! What a great mini-TR you have going so far! And I love Canadia's flag.

Haven't been to Niagara Falls yet and at some point we should schedule a visit there for the kids. Not having been to the Falls yet in person, I mostly associate Niagara Falls with two things: Superman II and The Office where Jim and Pam get married.

Was laughing as you pointed out WDW landmarks in the land Canadia. That photo really does look like one taken from the Africa bridge looking over the river.

And I love Bumblebee! Did it transform for you at some point to help save the city by destroying every building and structure in it first?

The zoo looks like a lot of fun! Can't wait to see what Wonderland looks like!

Well Dave, you have been busy. Welcome home. Thank you. It's been a great time filler while awaiting the next Disney trip. And thanks SO MUCH regarding the MB. I absolutely love it.

I would LOVE you to visit there (as would everyone I assure you) for the simple fact that your pictures would be so great. Haha, and not gonna lie. I watched that episode of the office specifically right before leaving for that very reason (although I believe they were on the US side). And oh yes, that's the first thing I think of for Niagara Falls... Superman II.

Thanks and just wait until I get to Canada's Wonderland. And RIGHT??!! It looks so much like it, it's scary.

Unfortunately, there were no transformations (only at Universal I hear), but I really did fall in love with that car.

I liked the zoo, but Wonderland was much more fun!

 

[khaleesi]

Somehow, I managed to get caught up!!!!

I love the Falls. Sooo much! And the Canadian side is such a contrast to the American side. Touristy vs naturey. Which is apparently not a word. I like both... but I have a soft spot for the natural aspect. Although I would LOVE to ride in that ferris wheel!!!!

Now that you've seen the falls... can you imagine walking on a tightrope across it??? Not sure if everyone knows about this? Or if Nik Wallenda is only famous in the Western New York/Southern Ontario area?

I loved your Disney tour of the Mall. And cat adoption satellite "stores" are popular around here. I think every mall in the area has one... it's where I got my cat!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Somehow, I managed to get caught up!!!!

I love the Falls. Sooo much! And the Canadian side is such a contrast to the American side. Touristy vs naturey. Which is apparently not a word. I like both... but I have a soft spot for the natural aspect. Although I would LOVE to ride in that ferris wheel!!!!

Now that you've seen the falls... can you imagine walking on a tightrope across it??? Not sure if everyone knows about this? Or if Nik Wallenda is only famous in the Western New York/Southern Ontario area?

I loved your Disney tour of the Mall. And cat adoption satellite "stores" are popular around here. I think every mall in the area has one... it's where I got my cat!

YAY Sue!!

I fell in love with them too. I think, from my understanding, you nailed the contrast. The Canadian side is very touristy for sure, but really a whole lot of fun too. It would be a great idea to do both I think and get the full experience.

We were actually talking about that on the first day. Absolutely insane.

Haha, thank you. I loved the cat adoption "store". Interesting that it's so popular in the area since I never heard of such a thing. But clearly, it is very effective.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 21, 2014 Part 1



Today was both an exciting day, and a very very sad day.
Today we were finally heading to Canada’s Wonderland… But it was also my last day before heading home,
And I was feeling the effects of that as I basically tossed and turned all night long.

Nonetheless, we were ready.

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

A few months prior, Carrie had asked me if I would make some shirts for Riley so Carrie could give them to her for her birthday in October.
Of course I said I absolutely would.
I had pulled Carrie aside at this point so we could figure out how to get the shirts from my car to hers without Ry noticing.

Carrie told me that I should give them to her… right now.
These were meant to be a present from Carrie, so I initially felt really bad, but Carrie insisted, so…

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

Given that she does like Small World, it really warms my heart that she wanted that shirt.

Carrie had told me Riley had a little crush on Prince Charming, and always wanted to dance with him so maybe I could come up with something…

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

And a close up of the design of that last one.

See, I told you she was growing up way too fast.

Carrie actually just recently sent me a new picture that Riley wanted me to see.
She had a friend sleeping over and drew a picture when her friend asked what it was.

"It's the flag of Canadia"

Her friend asked "Oh is that one of the countries in Disney?"

Coming soon to Epcot I'm sure.

Now, off to Wonderland!!

We're finally here.

The first place we went was the Ride Accommodations window to hopefully get some assistance for Hailey.

I won’t get into it here, but Hailey does have a condition, so we were hopeful for some “accommodations”.
Thankfully, it worked out well, as we were given a sheet and were able to enter any ride via the exit, where the employee would give us a return time.
Then we could return via the exit at that time and get right on… It was actually quite similar to the old Disney FastPass.

Once we were done with that, a familiar fella walked into view.

So Ry and I jumped in for a photo.

Needless to say, this was definitely not a Disney level character meet and greet.

The first “land” we entered bore a striking resemblance to somewhere I’ve been before.

We were heading to the first ride that Hailey wanted to ride, but I have to admit… I couldn’t take my eyes of that bad boy in the background.

Nonetheless, the Spinovator was a good spot to test out the ride assistance and see how it really worked.
So we went in through the exit, and the young lady didn’t even give us a return time really; We were set to get on for the next ride!!

The decision was made that Carrie would ride with Hailey, and I would ride with Ry.

And a good thing I had Riley with me since I could not figure out the seatbelt to save my life.

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

They were ready,

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

And this is why I avoid taking self photos.

Better…

The ride itself is actually quite fun; kind of the like Tea Cups without the spinning.

The only downside… I ate a lot of Riley’s hair.



CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 21, 2014 Part 1 Continued



We continued on through Wonderland.

The group stopped around here and got a return time for Hailey, but I really can’t remember for what.

They did get one of these though while they were waiting.

(photo courtsey of Carrie)

The likely reason I can’t remember the ride in question is because my mind was still here.

No one would be riding this one with me, so I was on my own, and while I really really wanted to ride, the line was really really long.
I knew I had to ride this though, along with some others on my list because I was only here for the day.
The dilemma was I didn’t want to waste my last day standing in ride lines alone.

What to do?

Well, buy a ridiculously expensive Express Pass of course!!

How expensive? $75!! About DOUBLE what I paid to get in the park.
But you know what, I didn’t care... There was no way I was wasting my last day.
This way I could spend time with them and still get my coaster fix, and I have no regrets.

So I bought the bracelet, went in through the Fast Lane, and literally walked onto the next available vehicle.

The stats on Leviathan are as follows… Height - 306 feet, Drop – 306 feet, Speed – 92 mph.

This is the tallest and fastest Coaster in Canada and in the top 10 fastest in the world.
You would think this would be my favorite, but it was not... That came later.
But it was a blast nonetheless.

I rejoined the group and we continued on our merry way.

This is the point where I got a little angry (though it really was my own fault), as the Bat

Is NOT a Fast Lane ride, so basically NOT included in that $75 price tag.
I was buying it anyway for the reasons mentioned before, but the fact that many of my priority rides were not included rubbed me the wrong way.
So, I never did get to ride The Bat.

Continuing on…

It was around this time I went to ride another coaster.

And Carrie got a return time for White Water Canyon (like Kali).

While waiting on the return time window, we wandered around the nearby Kidzville.

TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[RGirl]

Hi Rob!

I can’t wait for Canadia to make it to Epcot!

Canada’s Wonderland looks like a blast! HOWEVER, I would think for a $75 up-charge, you would get priority boarding on ALL rides or at least all the headliner-type rides!