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

[PixarPrincess]

Fellow Canadian joining in Looks like an amazing start to your birthday & kudos to you for breaking your Everest record! I hope that Stacey resurfaces!!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Fellow Canadian joining in Looks like an amazing start to your birthday & kudos to you for breaking your Everest record! I hope that Stacey resurfaces!!!!!

Hello fellow Canadian. So happy to welcome you and to have you join in!! It was a perfect start for sure and I hope that Stacey will be back toooooo!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO WISH UPON A STAR"
Day 2 – December 4, 2013 Part 2



After successfully meeting my birthday goal at Animal Kingdom during Extra Magic Hours, I was back at POP.

I love doggies.

My absolutely critical first course of action was sustenance in the form of,

Seeking out a healthier option was just not a consideration, plus I didn't want to wait.
It, of course, was outstanding, and is not only acceptable for breakfast but down right essential while in Disney.
If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, then a gazillion pounds of it has to be better... Right??!!
I also grabbed another coffee, because (kinda) free caffeine is both appreciated and necessary.

I cleaned up a little bit in the room before driving to park number two of the day, which was just around the corner from POP.
I'm not what one would call a "tree-hugger", but I still wanted to hug each and every Christmas tree I came across.

I really had no agenda at all when I arrived, although I did have some FP+ reservations for later, the first being TSMM.
Since it was too early for Toy Story, I went somewhere nearby,
And somewhere that (and I know I’ve said this before) should absolutely be required upon threat of banishment for anyone visiting DHS.

I've always adored this picture, as it just screams “Kid at Heart”!! I love that man.

One of the things I love about this exhibit is that it is rarely crowded so it makes exploring it extremely easy.

One of the things I hate about this exhibit is that it is rarely crowded; That just makes me sad, as people who bypass this are so missing out.

Today, I am happy and sad to report that there was a fairly sizable crowd exploring (but more on the happy side).
But now I have a shocking and embarrassing confession to make.
I love exploring One Man’s Dream each and every visit, but I had never taken the time to see the film.

OK... You can stop throwing rocks at me now!!!

There is simply just no excuse for this level of stupidity, but alas it is true. It is no longer true.
Perhaps the absence of Stacey channel in my room was a punishment of sorts until I rectified this colossal offense.
I stuck around the scant few minutes until the next showing began, took my seat, and watched…

And felt… And smiled… And then...

I cried.

Legit.

My God I was so moved by this film and I am so deeply embarrassed that it took me this long to see it.
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT make the same mistake.

After composing myself, it still wasn’t quite time for my Toy Story FP,
So I went in to Animation Academy because I was kinda curious what character I am most like, as we all are.

The result…

Yeah... ok.

After leaving the Academy, I noticed the first instance I came across of the FP+ kiosks.

Clearly the MyMagic+ budget was NOT spent on signs.

I decided to refuel before attempting the workout regimen that is TSMM,
And since DHS (MGM) isn’t exactly know for its QS options (but is apparently known for its abbreviations),
I just settled on the ABC Commissary since the food is fine and there is plenty of seating.
Plus, it tends to not get overly busy most of the time unlike most of the other QS locations.

The food was quite good but most importantly did exactly what I needed it to do.
I made a quick washroom break (MENS washroom Brenda, just FYI), making note once again of the genius instructions provided.

But, what about the poor folks who don't speak English? Word of warning... Do not shake hands with a foreigner while in Disney.
I am delighted that Brawny and Sparkle are on the same page when it comes to hand washing procedures though.

Finally it was time to head over to Toy Story and use my very first Fastpass+… Ever.

While I absolutely suck at this, at least I beat the person sitting with me. It’s the little victories that mean the most.

And I was Best In Vehicle.

After leaving TSMM, I got in touch with a DISer that I knew was in DHS as well, as we’d been messaging earlier and before the trip as well.
After a few back and forth’s, the following message came in… “In line for mike and sully”.
That was literally just around the corner, so off I raced towards the DHS backlot.
I arrived just in time to see the group posing with The Monsters which I should have taken a picture of ... but I blanked.
I moved over to the exit of Mike and Sully, where I excitedly had my very first ever official DISmeet!!!!

But first… A little DIStory.

Back before joining DISboards, I was a lurker. I found the site to be a great resource, and then I discovered the Trip Reports.
I was instantly hooked and was an avid reader for years.
Flash forward to March 2012, and while on my very first trip to Disneyland, I actually recognized someone leaving the Princess Greet area.
She was moving quickly and no doubt on a mission, so I didn't interfere, but that was the very first DISer I actually saw in person.

And you know what… I found that really exciting.

I had actually recognized someone, a fellow Disney fanatic, simply as a result of reading DISboards and Trip Reports.
I realized quickly how powerful these boards really are, and when I finally joined almost exactly a year later,
It became a dream to actually have a real DISmeet like the ones I'd read about and not just recognize someone from afar.

Back to present (or perhaps recent past is the better phrase), that moment finally arrived, on my birthday no less.

Yes indeed, that would be the one and only Katt (Katt789), intrepid DIS TR writer and future Disney CM...


... And the very same person I'd seen almost 2 years prior racing out of the Princess Meet area in Disneyland.

It was only appropriate, and almost poetic, that she be the very first DISer I met in person, and I'm proud to call her a friend.

With her was her new travel buddy Steven, and Amanda (ahair005), also a DISer and hopefully future Disney CM as well.
It was such an honor and privilege to meet her, and them, and even though it was brief as they were on their way to the Backlot Tour,

You always remember your first…. DISmeet.



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[annie170]

Sure, I can see you as Tarzan!

I've never watched the film at One Man's Dream, either. Added to the list.

I've avoided ABC Comissary because of bad reviews, but that burger looked really good!

Great photo of you and Katt!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

First, congrats on achieving you Birthday mission of riding Everest 8 times though I suppose I could be a jerk and say - if no photo evidence then it didn't happen ... but I would never be a jerk

Also thought it was cool that from the top you could actually make out TOT and thus your later destination of MGM studios

If it makes you feel better, I cried / teared up at the end of the One Man's Dream movie as well. Perhaps we should start a support group ... which, of course, has to meet, weekly, inside One Man's Dream

Congrats also on your first DISmeet and I am sure Katt is honored to be your first .... I hope she was gentle

 

[ElenaJane]

Um, are you wearing a Stacey shirt?! So cool! I promise to check out One Man's Dream, next trip!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[Tracy161]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Rob,this was such a fab update, I found myself laughing out loud through most of it. Also, you always do such a great job of highlighting the amazing connections we are able to have through the one and only Dis. Can't wait for another update!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Ahhhh your FIRST Dismeet with none other than Katt! Very appropriate!

I would never be one to judge cinnamon rolls for breakfast - that's my idea of a great start to the day. Doesn't sugar = energy? I'll go with that one.

One Man's Dream - definitely a must to be able to wear the badge of a true Disney fan! I actually prefer the movie to the exhibit because of the emotion behind all that. Maybe I just like to cry??

You must like to eat with good people for lunch and not eat nice people for lunch if you are most like Tarzan. And it tells me that you like to need to buy some shirts!

I appreciate the confirmation that there was a symbol of a dude with pants on the door to the washroom that you entered. Whew! I don't think I could stand the embarrassment all over again if I knew that my newest Dis pal didn't pay attention to signage.

You had some pretty stiff competition at TSMM! Great job winning a cat. Is that a cat? It looks a little crazed.

 

[katt789]

Love the pics of Lady & Tramp!!

Nice breakfast! Always gotta go for the deliciousness in Disney!

Seems like a pretty decent morning at DHS so far! Baha at the men’s washroom toward Brenda! Lol.

YAY! ALSO WHAT?!? WHAT?!?! I SERIOUSLY HAD NO IDEA YOU SAW ME IN DLR!! THAT IS SO BIZARRELY AWESOME!! So glad that I could be your first dis-“sighting” and your first dismeet! That’s so cool!! Honestly, the dis has brought me together with so many wonderful and supportive and awesome people that I can never express enough love towards it, I will never forget everyone on here, how supportive of dreams they are, how everyone simply just “gets it” it’s wonderful
ONE DAY (hopefully soon) you’ll see Amanda & I dancing our way down Main Street, and Steven will be off working a meet and greet somewhere lol!

….also stealing that picture for my TR…whenever I start that…lol

 

[courtneybelle]

Pshaw, cinnamon rolls are a necessity at Disney. You need sugar to keep that energy level up.

If it's any consolation, when I went in August and November, One Man's Dream was pretty packed!

The One Man's Dream movie is SO GOOD. I'm glad you loved it! I mean, I've been a Disney fan for my entire life and I still learned a lot from that movie. Plus, I got pretty choked up too.

at your bathroom experience.

Aww, I'm so glad you had such a good DISmeet with Katt!

 

[teekathepony]

I've been known to hug trees. I definitely get the urge to hug those beauties!
Completely 100% agree about One Man's Dream. I do it (and see the film! ) every single trip. I love learning all I can about the man!
Those signs... in the washrooms... I die a little every time I think too much about who really needs them.
YAY TSM!! Love it! I never do well on that ride, but I love it so much.
Great story about your DisMeet! A wonderful birthday so far indeed!

 

[natebenma]

Fantastic update!!!

Beautiful pictures of POP, your breakfast and HS (the park formerly known as MGM and still occasionally referred to as such on Disney maps and info).

What an amazing story and story behind your first DISmeet!

I was recognized by a DISer who read my trip reports- in Atlantis in the Bahamas of all places. She was going to introduce herself to me, but 1) Didn't want to appear to be a "creeper" and 2) I was walking too fast.

Yup. That was me!

 

[ahair005]

Great update! It was nice to meet you!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I LOVE One Man's Dream and always enjoy the movie as well. I can't believe you didn't have a chance to see it before! It's also nice to know I'm not the only person that tears up in that movie!


Since I'm now caught up with all your trip reports, I also want to comment on a few things from your last report. (Is that allowed? Well, I'm doing it anyway!)

-I really need to bite the bullet and sign up for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour! I've thought about doing it before, but your fantastic description, fun tidbits, and great enthusiasm for the experience makes me want to run out and go on the tour tomorrow. I believe it might be a "must-do" on my next vacation! (See how I snuck that in there?)

-I need to try LeFou's Brew from Gaston's Tavern - you made it sound pretty tasty.

-I love your CM's from around the world challenge! I would totally take you up on the challenge, but I may run into some resistance from my travel partner. (However, I could probably twist her arm to pose with men from France and Italy...)

 

[JessM]

Good choice for a birthday breakfast! Calories don't count in Disney Rob, eat what you want.

"Tree hugger" haha too funny! I literally felt all giddy and like I was going to pop at every tree I saw.

I'm ashamed to say I've only been in One Man's dream once... I promise I'll go check it out next time!

Nice score on TSM!

So fun to read about your first DISmeet! So funny it was kKtt and the first diser you ever saw in a Disney park! Love it!

 

[gracer9977]

That cinnamon roll looks delicious. All that sugar just helps you get through the day.

I love going through the One Man's Dream exhibit. I have seen the movie but unfortunatley missed it last year since my 2 year old son decided he was not going in any dark theater. I AM going to see it again this time though. Glad you finally got to see it.

That burger at ABC Commissary looks yummy. I can't wait to eat Disney food. Reading all the TR's for the months and months that I have been waiting to go to Disney and FINALLY I will be there in 5 days and I can FINALLY eat all the good food I have been watching all of you take pictures of and talk about.

That is so awesome that you had a dismeet with Katt and even cooler that she was the first person you ever recognized from the Dis all those years ago at Disneyland. It was meant to be that you got to actually "meet' her this time.

Seems like you are having a wonderful birthday, looking forward to reading more.

 

[bstarprincess37]

Following along...

 

[shan23877]

Great update Rob!

Your breakfast looks delicious, and fitting for the birthday boy!

Every time I see one of those hand washing signs I think to myself "thank goodness they provide instruction! I've never really had it spelled out for me before!" So ridiculous.

LOL I think you're right about the FP+ signage.

Yay for your first Dismeet! How funny that you'd seen Katt at DLR! You know,now that I think about it, my first Dismeet was with Katt too!

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

Rob- Breakfast looked good