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

[leftaslide]

FASTPASS TROUBLE?!?!?!​

Luckily the CM's are the best in the world. Glad there was no hiccup in your plans.

The cupcake was awesome (see above statement).

 

[kel585]

Hi, Rob, loving this trip report so much, and probably because you sound just like me! I too am also a "lurker", love reading everyone's reports, and have yet to write one, maybe one day. I also recognized your first DIS meet when I was there last October, but didn't really want to go up and say "hi, I guess I've kinda stalked you" lol! Can't wait to read the rest of your report!

 

[katt789]

Hahaa, fingers crossed for a real MiSi costume by then! Lol!! Haha though after this week, our Wendy opinions have changed, and I *think * we might love that one….I can’t really tell with the angle of the picture! Lol, defs meant my stilts friend lol!

Ugh, the useless fp + of fantasmic….. eck…. *sigh *

YAY FOR A CM finally realizing who’s birthday it was and how amazing she reacted the way she did, that is truly magical!

Looks like a pretty great evening at dhs, the lights, fantasmic, great cm’s anda free cupcake, that’s a solid evening if I don’t say so myself!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi Rob, I just got caught up with your trip report. I wonder what ever happened to that alligator in the TTC parking lot pond. WDW probably has a whole pack of "gator-eliminators" who have to work around the clock down there. I've seen pictures of gators in the water by Tom Sawyers island.

Anyway, we were at the MK the same day you were, Dec 5th. I remember it being the most gorgeous day, sunny and warm. Sadly, it was our departure day, too. I have to admit that I scanned the crowd photos to see if we were in any of your pictures, but we weren't. We loved the Dream show at the castle. It is a nice blend of princesses and pirates with just the right amount of Mickey and Minnie.

We ended up walking away from the Osborne Lights at HS, too. The lines just to walk through were so slow that we decided to skip it. I liked the old days when they decorated the houses in the backlot with the lights. They even gave out these paper 3-D glasses that make it look like there were little angels around all the lights. I found a pair last December when I was cleaning out some drawers. Too bad they don't give those glasses out anymore.

 

[PopArtGal]

Awe I love random acts of kindness from cms! I understand your excitement. It rarely happens to me too.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

So I caught up on your whole TR last night (when I should have been sleeping so I could've been fully functional at work today

So I had this whole response of comments and WOMP.

The window closed while I was gone today.

Moral of the story: I'm all caught up and enjoying the report! And the only comment that comes to mind at the moment is how much I sympathize with your LACK OF STACeY IN POP CENTURY.

When we arrived in September, OUR STACEY WAS BROKEN TOO. Everything esle worked. Just not Stacey. The front desk had no sympathy. They sent someone and told me everything else worked. Luckily, I found some alternate Stacey channel like all the way at the end of the channels. I think it was like supposed to be the spanish version but it was still in English so all was right with the world again.

Aww Courtney, well despite the fact that you should have been sleeping (and given your recent work schedule, you definitely should have been sleeping), I am so delighted to WELCOME YOU!!

Ugh, the DIS has been wonky lately. Sorry that happened to you.

OMG the Stacey debacle. That just crushed me!!!! I didn't even end up complaining since it did eventually come back sporadically. Plus, all the other channels did work, so I really didn't expect them to do much, like you said. And YES, I heard about the alternate "Spanish" channel. But of course I heard about it after I was already home. WOMP!

You are NOT having good luck with the FP+
Thank God the CMs can over ride that tho! MY stomach would drop otherwise.

Ok, glad to know that it wasn't just me being weird thinking that my Fantasmic FP was useless. I thought there were be something else to it. I didn't get the early entry time either! Isn't the purpose of a FP+ to not wait around for the attraction? But if you wait longer to enter you won't have a prime seat. Am I right...?

YAyAYAYAYAyayaYAAY CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE!!!

Love the pic of the boat!

Oh God Meg, I had no luck at all. They just never worked. BUT, thankfully I did have wonderful CM's there to almost always set me free. I did get lucky in that respect.

Nope, pretty much completely worthless. The only thing it gets you (at least that I can figure out) is IF the theatre is full and they're no longer accepting anyone, if you have a FP, you get in. Your seat will suck, but you'll get in. A complete waste of a Tier 1 FP. And trust me, the CM's hate it too.

OMG Meg I loved that cupcake!!

Aww thanks. That just really brings out all the feels doesn't it?

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

FASTPASS TROUBLE?!?!?!​

Luckily the CM's are the best in the world. Glad there was no hiccup in your plans.

The cupcake was awesome (see above statement).

Bahahaha, you never fail to crack me up. Yeah, while it was frustrating, thankfully it never really affected me too much. The WONDERFUL CM'S always had my back.

Oh it was too thanks yet again to the WONDERFUL CM'S!!!

Hi, Rob, loving this trip report so much, and probably because you sound just like me! I too am also a "lurker", love reading everyone's reports, and have yet to write one, maybe one day. I also recognized your first DIS meet when I was there last October, but didn't really want to go up and say "hi, I guess I've kinda stalked you" lol! Can't wait to read the rest of your report!

Well hello right back and WELCOME!!! And all the way from Ireland. Love it! You absolutely should have said Hi to her. She really is incredibly friendly and you wouldn't be the first to stop her like that. Of course our meet was totally planned even before the trip, but still. I did run into some that weren't planned. Next time make sure you do too.

Hahaa, fingers crossed for a real MiSi costume by then! Lol!! Haha though after this week, our Wendy opinions have changed, and I *think * we might love that one….I can’t really tell with the angle of the picture! Lol, defs meant my stilts friend lol!

Ugh, the useless fp + of fantasmic….. eck…. *sigh *

YAY FOR A CM finally realizing who’s birthday it was and how amazing she reacted the way she did, that is truly magical!

Looks like a pretty great evening at dhs, the lights, fantasmic, great cm’s anda free cupcake, that’s a solid evening if I don’t say so myself!!

OMG how awesome would that be??????? And then maybe you can get a hold of some leftovers to pass out, lol. She's a great Wendy for sure.

Yeah... Ugh is right.

OMG Katt she was AWESOME!!!! I could tell it meant so much to her which meant so much to me. My God it was just beautiful.

It was for sure. Unfortunately I didn't get to see a lot of the lights that night (but I will), but it was critical that I get somewhere to wrap this day up with a nice shiny bow.

Hi Rob, I just got caught up with your trip report. I wonder what ever happened to that alligator in the TTC parking lot pond. WDW probably has a whole pack of "gator-eliminators" who have to work around the clock down there. I've seen pictures of gators in the water by Tom Sawyers island.

Anyway, we were at the MK the same day you were, Dec 5th. I remember it being the most gorgeous day, sunny and warm. Sadly, it was our departure day, too. I have to admit that I scanned the crowd photos to see if we were in any of your pictures, but we weren't. We loved the Dream show at the castle. It is a nice blend of princesses and pirates with just the right amount of Mickey and Minnie.

We ended up walking away from the Osborne Lights at HS, too. The lines just to walk through were so slow that we decided to skip it. I liked the old days when they decorated the houses in the backlot with the lights. They even gave out these paper 3-D glasses that make it look like there were little angels around all the lights. I found a pair last December when I was cleaning out some drawers. Too bad they don't give those glasses out anymore.

Welcome back Sue!! You know, he may well still be there. I know what you're talking about with the gators near Tom Sawyer Island. Haven't seen them myself though. BUT there is a video on Youtube of one in the water around Splash!!

Awww, departure day sucks! It was a gorgeous day though. In fact I had nothing but gorgeous days so no complaining from me. Haha, how funny would it be if I was in a photo??? OMG I really do love that show. A perfect blend, you're so right.

Oh my it was ca-razy at that point. When I saw them 4 years ago, you just walked in. Now it's kind of a queue in a way. I did get back on another night though. But I had no time to spare this evening.

Awe I love random acts of kindness from cms! I understand your excitement. It rarely happens to me too.

Oh God it was just wonderful. I loved the cupcake, but her excitement is what I'll remember.

 

[cheekypoppins]

oddly enough I ate that very same cupcake in Dhs just days after you unfortunately I didn't care for it as much as you did,which really threw me off because i love Gingerbread everything.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Holy moly look at that cupcake! So awesome especially how it came to be in your possession. Some of those CMs behind the CS counters can be surprisingly energetic and a pleasure to talk to especially the DCP CMs.

I've been neglecting Fantasmic over the years. In fact the last time we saw it was 2008 and we've never made it back. Like you, Wishes ranks highest on my list of night time spectaculars. Fantasmic ranks somewhere near the bottom for me. There was too much water projections and not enough pyrotechnics. Oh well. Plus DD who was 2 at the time completely freaked out when the dragon showed up. We'll give it another try in 2015 when I take the inlaws over but I'll definitely tie it to a dinner package.

 

[khaleesi]

Yay!! All caught up! Life has been hectic, but my reward is leaving for Disney in one week!!!!!

I'm a little sad that more people didn't know it was Walt's birthday

 

[DisKH]

That cast member who gave you the cupcake is the on of the big reasons why Disney World is such an amazing place! That would have made my day. AND the cupcake looks incredible.

 

[DisneyParkLover]

Following along! I really love your trip reports! Because of you and others on here I have been inspired to start my first trip report. I am hoping someday to have some DISmeets of my own!

 

[joleen76]

Great updates Rob!!

You always have some of the best pictures. Minnie's close up in the parade was lovely.

Boo for fastpass plus not working well for you. I am encouraged that of late reports are it is working better.

That cupcake was awesome, I bet it was so good! I can't wait to be eating Disney food again.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Interesting with the way the FP's are working at Fantasmic!. I really like how they do it for World of Color at DCA. You get a legit section that no one else can go in. Works for me.

I'm glad you got a great CM that redeemed all other CM's that had no idea it was Walt's birthday.

CM's and desserts are so funny! I had a Ghirardelli sundae and was walking through DTD with it, and every CM I saw literally said "you better start running, because I will chase you for that and tackle you!"

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

oddly enough I ate that very same cupcake in Dhs just days after you unfortunately I didn't care for it as much as you did,which really threw me off because i love Gingerbread everything.

Interesting. While I do like Gingerbread, I really didn't think I'd like that cupcake, but I LOVED IT! Maybe it had something to do with the price I paid, lol

Holy moly look at that cupcake! So awesome especially how it came to be in your possession. Some of those CMs behind the CS counters can be surprisingly energetic and a pleasure to talk to especially the DCP CMs.

I've been neglecting Fantasmic over the years. In fact the last time we saw it was 2008 and we've never made it back. Like you, Wishes ranks highest on my list of night time spectaculars. Fantasmic ranks somewhere near the bottom for me. There was too much water projections and not enough pyrotechnics. Oh well. Plus DD who was 2 at the time completely freaked out when the dragon showed up. We'll give it another try in 2015 when I take the inlaws over but I'll definitely tie it to a dinner package.

That's it too Dave. It was the circumstances more than anything. That's true too. The DCP's are generally there because they love Disney. For others, it's a job; no more, no less.

I totally get your feeling on Fantasmic. There are some slow spots. But I really do love the whole thing. And that finale... Fagetaboutit. Pure Disney magic that gets me every time.

Yay!! All caught up! Life has been hectic, but my reward is leaving for Disney in one week!!!!!

I'm a little sad that more people didn't know it was Walt's birthday

Haha, yeah I'd say that's a pretty good reward!!!! Oh my goodness, have a blast!

I know it was to me, but then I may have been expecting too much. That young lady CM and what will be in the next update totally makes up for it though.

That cast member who gave you the cupcake is the on of the big reasons why Disney World is such an amazing place! That would have made my day. AND the cupcake looks incredible.

It really did make my day too, at least up to that point. But I have to save the best for last.

Following along! I really love your trip reports! Because of you and others on here I have been inspired to start my first trip report. I am hoping someday to have some DISmeets of my own!

THANK YOU SO MUCH and WELCOME!!! Aww that's so wonderful to hear. DISmeets are the best, they really are. To spend some time with other people who share that same level of Disney love is without words.

Great updates Rob!!

You always have some of the best pictures. Minnie's close up in the parade was lovely.

Boo for fastpass plus not working well for you. I am encouraged that of late reports are it is working better.

That cupcake was awesome, I bet it was so good! I can't wait to be eating Disney food again.

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks Joleen!

Aww thank you. I particularly loved the Minnie shot mostly because of her flirting, lol.

Yeah, I had no luck with it at all. I probably could have gone to Guest Relations to maybe get it fixed, but it wasn't a huge deal this trip, and the CM's I dealt with were great.

It was excellent but made even better by the pixie dust surrounding it.

Interesting with the way the FP's are working at Fantasmic!. I really like how they do it for World of Color at DCA. You get a legit section that no one else can go in. Works for me.

I'm glad you got a great CM that redeemed all other CM's that had no idea it was Walt's birthday.

CM's and desserts are so funny! I had a Ghirardelli sundae and was walking through DTD with it, and every CM I saw literally said "you better start running, because I will chase you for that and tackle you!"

Ugh, it's pretty pointless. Honestly I feel bad for the CM's who have to deal with it. Yes, I've done the WoC FP. You still have to get there early, but your section is your section. I can live with that.

OMG Danielle, I really wish there was a way to truly explain her reaction. She was so overjoyed at the thought of Walt's birthday being celebrated. It was just the sweetest thing.

Hahahaha, they know their desserts!

 

[khertz]

It is such a great show and does have the added bonus of seats while you wait. I don't think I could miss it on a trip. Pax will LOVE it I think, apart from maybe the loud noises.

Ahh, thanks for that *packs ear muffs for DHS day*

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahh, thanks for that *packs ear muffs for DHS day*

Yes, it might be a good idea just to take a little of the loudness away. In particular, there is a canon fire and the final pyro blast can really make you jump. I know exactly when to plug my ears.

 

[JulieODC]

I loved hearing about your CM encounter! She sounds so sweet --- and exactly the type of CM Walt would have been proud of!

Oh, and an amazing Christmas-themed cupcake sounds pretty delicious!!

We haven't been to Fantasmic in years....that needs to be fixed STAT!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I loved hearing about your CM encounter! She sounds so sweet --- and exactly the type of CM Walt would have been proud of!

Oh, and an amazing Christmas-themed cupcake sounds pretty delicious!!

We haven't been to Fantasmic in years....that needs to be fixed STAT!

She really was too Julie, and that's a wonderful point too. Someone Walt would have been proud of.

Honestly, it's probably not something I would have gotten for myself, but after having one, I can see myself having another. It really was GOOD!!!

Oh My YES YOU DO!!!! I couldn't go a trip without seeing Fantasmic!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"ALL OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE
IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM"
Day 3 – December 5, 2013 Part 5



After leaving DHS, I hopped in the car and drove over to my third park of the day, and the only park I had yet to see.

Since the centerpiece of the Florida Project was Epcot (and even though the Epcot we all know is not what was originally intended),
I thought it only appropriate to get a photo here for Walt’s birthday as well.

I immediately headed directly towards World Showcase, stopping only for a quick photo of the Epcot Christmas Tree.

World Showcase, however, was not my end goal, but merely a means to an end… a gateway if you will.
I hoofed it on through Canada without stopping at all, but then I arrived in England.
Here I had no choice but to stop because I adore the chalk writings they always do here.

I thought this was really cool and a neat way to count down to the big day, but it was not the main reason for my stopping.
I had spent a good portion of the day proudly celebrating the man who started all this.
I was also somewhat disheartened when I saw very little in the way of acknowledgment of what I felt was a very important day.
Heck, there was even those CM’s who didn’t even know it was Walt’s birthday or seem to care at all.
Maybe I’m naive, but I really expected more.

I did hear days later that the audience at one or all of the Festival of the Lion King shows sang a chorus of Happy Birthday which is awesome!
I was absolutely certain the pre-show guys at Fantasmic would start such a chorus, but it never happened.
I even tried to get their attention to make that suggestion, but frankly, it was useless.

But it wasn’t a completely lost day.
I was beyond moved by that young lady at Rosie's for her sheer enthusiasm for this day, which renewed my faith a little.
And finally, a great big HUGE THANK YOU to the CM’s of the UK Pavilion for restoring that faith completely…

For being the reason I had absolutely no choice but to stop…

… And for bringing a tear to my eyes AGAIN on this trip.

I stayed there for a bit and just... smiled.
Finally there was something public acknowledging this day and it was simply one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

I still had a bit of a walk ahead of me, so I continued on through the International Gateway.
I was running a bit late if everything was still on schedule so I picked up the pace,
As I walked along the boardwalk and over the bridge, arriving directly in the middle of the Swan and Dolphin.
Now I had a dilemma, as I wasn’t sure which one was the one I wanted.
That became completely irrelevant as literally seconds after I arrived directly in the middle of the two hotels, I received the following text.

“Hi There!!! Are you at DHS? We are done at Bluezoo. No plans now.”
I responded, “I’m actually just outside the swolphin, but don’t know which to go to?
The reply came quickly, ”Dolphin… we are by the fountain… outside”

This would be the same fountain that I was literally no more than 30 feet away from during this entire text exchange.
I guess my timing was pretty good after all, especially considering this was all planned months before with no prior communication on this day.
I walked the very short distance when I noticed a pair of lovely ladies sitting in front of the fountain…

…And when they moved out of the way, I saw Brenda and Emily.


*******THAT… WAS… A… JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!*******

Let’s rewind…

I walked the very short distance when I noticed a pair of lovely ladies sitting in front of the fountain…
And I was SO SUPER DUPER EXCITED to finally be meeting Brenda (emmysmommy) and Emily (JustEmmy) in person!!!!!

This honestly was just so incredibly surreal.
I really truly felt like I already knew them forever, and just simply hadn’t seen them for a while, and there were hugs all around.
They sure do know how to make a person feel welcome.
Thankfully, Brenda had the presence of mind to get a photo first thing as I just totally blanked on that.
I think I was just so excited to be honest.

Amusingly, one of the first things out of BOTH of there mouths was “Do you have an accent?” “Do you say EH?”
They will swear to the contrary, but I don’t believe I have or do either.
That was followed by “Say… ABOUT”… “Say it again”… “Again!”

Yeah… This went on for a while.

The most amazing thing to me was I felt absolutely no awkwardness at all; It really did feel like I was just meeting up with dear old friends.
They are both such incredible people and sadly I don't think there are enough adjectives to truly explain them properly.
Brenda's personality really is exactly as I'd imagined, completely warm and personable,
And Em is probably the most mature and charming young lady I've ever met.
I still have a hard time believing she only recently celebrated her 18th birthday.

But I will add that dear old friends who bring presents are in fact the best kind.

We talked for a bit before Brenda mentioned that she had a few things to take care of at Guest Relations, but figured they would be closed.
I had just come through the Gateway, and was sure there was a booth open, so we headed off towards the Gateway.
Incidentally, the walk back to the Gateway was much more pleasant and relaxed than the power walk I was doing to get to the Swolphin.

I even stopped to grab a photo of the famous Admiral Suite window from the “These are NOT the rooms that I paid for!” Trip Report,

Made all the more exciting since the upgrade recipients were standing right beside me as I took it.

We arrived at the open booth just outside the Gateway entrance,
And I continued chatting with Em while Brenda took care of whatever business she needed to take care of.
“Say… ABOUT” may have continued here as well.
Once that was done, we figured since Illuminations was starting shortly, why not go and watch;
A dry (land) run in preparation for the Illuminations Cruise just a couple days away.

Amazingly, we found a spot near the Yorkshire Fish Shop which was fairly un-crowded, even just minutes away from the start time.
Granted it wasn’t a perfect spot, as there was some tree overhang, but there was a railing to lean against, and it still was perfectly acceptable viewing.

I also just realized that I had seen Illuminations AND Fantasmic on the same night!!!

That was the only photo I took as I was just content to enjoy the show and the company I was blessed to have.
After the show and the AMAZING holiday finale, we continued to chat before Brenda’s quick thinking got a CM to take a photo of all of us.

Proving that Em was indeed there as well.

After meeting them in person, I am honestly even more convinced that they are in fact sisters and not mother/daughter.
One other thing that truly impressed me was Brenda’s addressing any and all CM’s directly by name.
They do wear those name tags for a reason, and I just adored that she took the time to add that extra personal touch.
It became less and less surprising why these two receive all the pixie dust they do.

We made our way out of Epcot through the Gateway as Epcot was technically now closed, but spent another long while just talking.
These are truly two of the most wonderful, engaging, funny, and easy to talk to people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
They had only just arrived earlier that evening, went directly to drinks at Bluezoo with some DIS Dining Board members,
And then directly to meeting me outside by the fountain.
I can’t even express how truly honored I felt that they would make time after such a long and busy travel day to meet me.

I even commented out loud on how much enjoyment I was having just walking and talking and hanging out with them.
Em, being the remarkable person she is, didn’t miss a beat. “Good”, she replied, “So are we.”

Eventually I realized that I still had to get back to the car... which was in the parking lot of the now closed Epcot.
It probably would have made way more sense to have stayed parked at DHS and walked over from there, but hindsight and all.
Thankfully, the park hadn’t been closed that long,
So there was certain to still be a few stragglers inside and I would have no problem getting in and traversing the park to get to my car.

I said my goodbyes for now, thankful that this was not the last time I would spend with them, and headed back into the park.
I know most would use this opportunity to go on a photo tour, but there really was a fair amount of people still in the park, so it wasn’t like it was completely empty.
I only took one photo from the entire trek because, the "street lights” are awesome.

I arrived back at POP and prepared myself for another early morning and late night to come…

But not before taking some photos of the extremely thoughtful gift(s) given to me by Brenda and Emily for my birthday.

Happy Birthday Walt, and THANK YOU for inspiring this wonderful place that allowed me to have such a wonderful and magical day.



UP NEXT… CHARACTER MEETS AND HOLIDAY TREATS, THAT'S WHAT MVMCP IS MADE OF
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