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

[DisneyKid4Life]

That CM Emily is adorable! Canadia!! Too cute! That spitting story is vile and disgusting. I just can't imagine anyone being that rude and hateful. Just wow! I feel so bad that she had to experience that.

Ha ha! Seeing you, Carrie and Riley in line for Jasmine and Genie was great. I almost didn't share that photo with the three of you but hey, it's a great photo of Carrie, Riley, and Duffy! I wondered the story behind the tee that you were wearing but I was too nosey to ask. Now my curiosity is satisfied.

Yeah... just a little exaggeration but 2016 sounds about right for that Dec. TR. I'll probably have 3 trips completed before I start that one.

Carrie: I love your Minnie bag at the party!

She really is Brenda, and so nice too. Haha, Thank God she said that because it really did help soften the mood. Because that story really is vile. It is just so hard for most of us to understand what would motivate a person to behave that way. So amazing the way she handled it.

I know, and even funnier that we would have been behind you for a while because I didn't move until a bit after getting in line. Haha, I almost didn't post it, but it was the only one Carrie was in, so I just sucked it up, lol. Oh yes, the shirt. Like I really even had a choice, lol.

I know you'll get it going before that, but I have to tease. Plus, having too many trips is a problem I think all of us would welcome.

I just finished reading your trip report. It sounds like you had an absolutely amazing time. I just want to say I agree with you, those singing dolls in It's A Small World are a little creepy. It's was very sweet that Genie remembered seeing Riley in the parade. I'm sure that was a very special memory for her. I can't wait to read more.

Hi Natalie and WELCOME!!!!! I'm so delighted to have you reading along. Oh my lord YES they are terrifying!!! Why are kids not scared of them???? It was, and she really loved the attention as you can see by the smile.

Hi Rob! Still following along and cracking up!

No more press for the idiot, if you know what I mean.

The photo bomb, LOL!

Canadaia, cute!

Waiting patiently for more.

Hi Linda!!! So very happy to hear that!!

Yup, I sure do.

Isn't that the most epically cute photobomb of all time??? I laugh every time I see it.

OMG the timing of that could not have been better, really and truly. It really brought our spirits back.

Awwww, thank you. It won't be too long.

I can't believe the spitter was not escorted from the park! I know they're all about a family atmosphere, but I would love to see someone like that taken down. Poor Emily!

Very cute shirts for the party and they need to make more pins.

I know, I was so surprised by that as well Annie. I'd hate to know what it would take. But Emily was a real trooper and I had to give her props.

Aww thanks. It was fun. AND YES they need to make a lot more pins!!!

OMG that poor young lady. I have to think that somewhere along the way, karma spit in the face of the despicable piece of trash that did that to her. She sounds lovely.
Great meet with Genie! Love the shirt too. So funny that you guys were in line behind Brenda and her group!
Littlest photo bomber gave me a good chuckle. That's too cute!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Here's hoping that karma did indeed repay that horrible behaviour Wendy. Just shameful. She was so sweet which makes the story even more absurd.
Aww thanks. The shirt was quite fun. And my GOD so funny to be in the line with the whole group like that.
Oh me too. Even still, it cracks me up. Little Diva.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

WOW on the spitting. First of all, it's disgusting as it is but to do it in someone else's face AND at Disneyworld??? For the love of Pete, what is wrong with society??

Love the pic of the photobomber. Way too cute.

Cute "Christmasy" outfits too!

Absolutely disgusting Marcie. I can't even imagine it. Just no class whatsoever.

OMG right??!! I can't believe I didn't even notice at the time. Just hysterically cute.

Aww thanks. I hadn't even seen Frozen yet, but I was full on Olaf, lol.

You posts are getting me so excited for December!

That castle reflection photo is gorgeous! I love taking pictures from that angle.

At not realizing you were wearing a scarf and that's what the Genie was going on about.

Cute photo with Donald and Daisy but I agree that Donald's outfit is a little strange. I really need to start doing some research for my trip as I had no idea Scrooge McDuck does a meet. I'm so focused on getting Big Al that I haven't thought of what else I'm going to do. All I know is he better be meeting again this year.

YAY!!!

You know, that is my favourite spot too I think Arianna. And mostly because of the reflection. A lot of people really miss out on that spot.

OMG I honestly had no clue what he was doing. I mean it's tough enough at the best of times. And the handler even said "He likes your scarf", and I just kept thinking Genie was drunk, lol.

Yeah, I'm not sure why that's considered Christmas themed. Still cute though. Yup, Scrooge absolutely meets with Donald and Daisy at various points throughout the night. The line at that point was just a little long for my liking. He's been there as long as I can remember, so I would imagine he'll be back this year.

Poor Emily! First to get spit in her face and then to have to wear that outfit!

Seriously though - that is just disgusting and where is that person in their life and the mind at that point for them to think that was the proper response?!?!?! And to do it in front of their kids? Way to set the example. Violence is never the answer but would have liked to see someone get that guys attention while someone else when to get management to deal with it.

Ok, at some point Brenda and Em are going to be on to the fact you are stalking them ... and to now recruit innocent Riley to help your "cover"? Very cool that you got to see Genie after the parade interaction though

And I guess since he is already meeting in Mexico he can't also meet in Canada but would be cool if they added some character in Canadia Garb for a M&G there

I certainly agree on the spitting incident, but I do adore those outfits.

Just appalling. I just can't comprehend the mindset, but I look at that as a positive. I'd rather not know. I know security was on the scene fairly quickly, but as I mentioned, to the best of her knowledge he stayed.

Haha, shhhh, don't give me up Phil. Oh yes, Genie was priority one for sure, and the results were totally worth the effort.

Well, I figure he's spent enough time in the southern part of North America, so maybe try the northern part for a change. I do remember they had a cool Meet and Greet in Canada as part of Limited Time Magic, and it was very popular, so I think a permanent greet is long overdue.

Looks like the Christmas party is off to a great start!

Gorgeous picture of the castle!

What a nice meeting with Emily. Some people are animals! Actually, that is an insult to animals. I do believe though that interactions with kind guests like you help to counteract some of the scum that CMs have to encounter.

Love the t-shirt- had you known the design, I'm sure you would have broken out in verses of "Do you want to build a snowman?" to Riley.

That is fantastic that you had "the gang" in front of you in the Aladdin line.

Oh yes, very much so Dee.

Thank you. That is my absolute favourite spot.

It was so nice to meet her. While my goal is never to make up for horrible guest experiences, if that happens in the process, I'd be thrilled. I just love talking to CM's and I was so fortunate to meet so many wonderful ones this trip.

OMG YES!!!! Of course, I hadn't actually heard the song at that point, but that's a minor detail.

It was such a funny coincidence. Wait, I know them!! I kinda like being able to say that randomly in WDW.

Is it me or does Canadia just sound more magical than Canada? Actually I think the same could be said for other countries too. Japania. Germania. Icelandia.

Ok, need to ask. Am I seeing in your pictures Genie doing a......split?!?

If not more magical, certainly more majestic. Like something out of Game of Thrones.

He did in fact come pretty close Dave. It was pretty impressive.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

oh if Donald is at the Canada pavillion now, I need to figure this out and surprise my dad hehe

Haha, it would be cool and most welcome, but sadly, not actually the case.

I did some research and was told Donald was there for only one week last year. ;(

Haha, yes, as part of Limited Time Magic.

 

[peachmermaid]

I dropped off the dis planet for a while but I'm catching up & loving hearing about all your adventures! Thanks for sharing with us!

PS, I totally met that CM in the emporium too! What a nice lady.

 

[PrincePluto]

Emily seemed like a very nice person. Neither she, nor anyone else, should have to deal with being spit at or cussed at, but sadly, not all parkgoers take the phrase "happiest place on Earth" as any part of their responsibility. Sure, maybe the guy wasn't having the best day, but the fact that his kids were present should have acted as some kind of restraint on him, but, sadly, apparently not.

Too funny about the Olaf shirt!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I dropped off the dis planet for a while but I'm catching up & loving hearing about all your adventures! Thanks for sharing with us!

PS, I totally met that CM in the emporium too! What a nice lady.

JENNIFER!!!!! So excited to see you here again!!!! Thank YOU for reading!!

OMG YAY for Verena!!! She is super nice. That is so cool!

Emily seemed like a very nice person. Neither she, nor anyone else, should have to deal with being spit at or cussed at, but sadly, not all parkgoers take the phrase "happiest place on Earth" as any part of their responsibility. Sure, maybe the guy wasn't having the best day, but the fact that his kids were present should have acted as some kind of restraint on him, but, sadly, apparently not.

Too funny about the Olaf shirt!

She was an absolute sweetheart. You make a really good point too. Disney supplies the magic, but it's up to the guests to embrace it. I think that may be what surprised me the most. You take your kids to Disney and then act like that? Shameful.

Haha, and I didn't even know Olaf at the time. But hey, I was Olaf before it was cool, lol.

 

[cheekypoppins]

oh my gosh I remember Emily and her canadia comment had us in stitches!!! I literally laughed so hard i was crying ,and the poor doll felt so bad n kept saying sorry because she was worried she may have offended us but i just thought she was the cutest little thing! That was an awesome night that I'll never ever forget now can we just hurry up n make it July so I can see you!



************ HI TRISHA *********


(sorry Rob but trisha is my High school friend who found me on facebook after reading your tr and seeing my pic so incase she's lurking still I thought i should give her a shout out)

Ha ha! Seeing you, Carrie and Riley in line for Jasmine and Genie was great. I almost didn't share that photo with the three of you but hey, it's a great photo of Carrie, Riley, and Duffy! I wondered the story behind the tee that you were wearing but I was too nosey to ask. Now my curiosity is satisfied.

Yeah... just a little exaggeration but 2016 sounds about right for that Dec. TR. I'll probably have 3 trips completed before I start that one.

Carrie: I love your Minnie bag at the party!

HI BRENDA!!!! Thanks that bag is actually really old,my mom bought it one year for Christmas.Oh and please don't wait until 2016 for the tr LOL Hopefully someday we'll be in the world at the same time again so we can have a longer meet

 

[missangelalexis]

Wow what an awful story to hear There's definitely NO excuse to do something like that.

Love the shirt!

Great pictures with Genie & Jasmine!

LOL the little photobomber

Aww Donald & Daisy, so cute!

 

[goofy's_gurl]

Hello Rob! I hope you do not mind me joining in so late in the party. I am also going in December around the same time you went, so you report had me glued to my chair for a few days!

I love how you got to meet so many Dis people! I think you officially broke the Dis meet record, to be honest. I am thoroughly enjoying your TR. You are having a great time doing things that you could only dream of!

I cannot wait to hear what happens next!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

oh my gosh I remember Emily and her canadia comment had us in stitches!!! I literally laughed so hard i was crying ,and the poor doll felt so bad n kept saying sorry because she was worried she may have offended us but i just thought she was the cutest little thing! That was an awesome night that I'll never ever forget now can we just hurry up n make it July so I can see you!

************ HI TRISHA *********

(sorry Rob but trisha is my High school friend who found me on facebook after reading your tr and seeing my pic so incase she's lurking still I thought i should give her a shout out)

HI BRENDA!!!! Thanks that bag is actually really old,my mom bought it one year for Christmas.Oh and please don't wait until 2016 for the tr LOL Hopefully someday we'll be in the world at the same time again so we can have a longer meet

Honestly, that "mistake" was so very needed at that time. Anything to lighten the mood. She was a sweetheart. It was an awesome night, but it's not over just yet...
It's finally almost July...

Haha, no worries there. I honestly think that is so ultra cool to find a friend like that. Like seriously, what are the odds?

HI TRISHA!!!!! from me as well.

Wow what an awful story to hear There's definitely NO excuse to do something like that.

Love the shirt!

Great pictures with Genie & Jasmine!

LOL the little photobomber

Aww Donald & Daisy, so cute!

Isn't it just horrendous Alexis??? It really was so upsetting to hear about it.

Haha, Thank you!!! Olaf before Olaf was cool.

Thanks! Obviously this was critical.

I swear this photo will crack me up for forever and a day.

They sure are. Another great Meet and Greet.

Hello Rob! I hope you do not mind me joining in so late in the party. I am also going in December around the same time you went, so you report had me glued to my chair for a few days!

I love how you got to meet so many Dis people! I think you officially broke the Dis meet record, to be honest. I am thoroughly enjoying your TR. You are having a great time doing things that you could only dream of!

I cannot wait to hear what happens next!

Hello Amanda!!! Not only do I not mind, I'm absolutely delighted to WELCOME you. Aww that's awesome!!! It's a great time to go. The crowds aren't too bad, the decorations are stunning, pleasant weather, just fabulous.

Oh me too Amanda. My absolute highlight of this and any other trip has been the blessing of meeting so many wonderful people. Haha, I definitely did well, and there is still one more surprise meet to come, but I can't imagine it was a record breaker. Still quite a few though, I'll give you that. Flying (mostly) solo, really does open up so many opportunities.

YAY!! Thanks again so much for reading and taking a moment to say hello. I truly appreciate it.

 

[thornton0511]

Hello there Rob! Finally got back to getting all caught up with ya!
I like your overcompensating for proof of the FP+ ressies. That is totally something I would obsess about so I understand. You poor dear, you still could not get a green mickey when using FP+ at this point. I think it's a conspiracy.
I love hearing CM interaction stories and Verena seems to be adorable! I agree about the bag of chips lol. As smart and successful as the Disney company is they do sometimes make decisions that make me . Ha I am glad to see that I am not the only one who takes pics of Disney filming or commercial picture taking while at the parks lol! Love love Casey's Corner! Give me plastic cheese or give me death!!! Although one probably leads to the other...who cares its so yummy! I swear you have the best ride photos of anyone! And I love that everyone else seems to have the opposite reaction of you on Splash, it makes the photo so funny!! Oh my I would have loved to see you and Mickey fight it out over Santa Duffy!! That is so awesome that Riley gave you a Big Al pressed penny. "Tangled Tinkle Spot" bahahahaha I like that!

Enchanted Tales with Belle....sigh. Definitely going to make this a priority on our next trip. Glad you got to experience it though! And with your new friends too!! What's up with the PG-13 Mr. Incredible? "Children shield your eyes!" lol that's disturbing. Glad to see you got to enjoy some brew in Gaston's chair but I am sorry that you guys did not get to meet Gaston himself.

Wow 2 MVMCP in one trip! You had a busy week my friend lol! Goodness I love Australian accents too! I noticed quite a few families from there when we were in Disneyland....strange. Ooh your story about the guy spitting on that poor CM got my blood boiling too. What is wrong with people really?! And the problem is that a lot of people act this way because they can get away with it...and do. Companies are so scared to stand up to people and back their employees for fear of losing a customer and money that they allow the customers or "guest" to get away with crap. The only way to fix this is for other guests to stand up when they see something like this happening and stick up for the employees who have to put up with this stuff. Most time bad people will back down if they are out numbered.....or they will stab everyone, its a gamble. Anyways my two cents moving right along lol. Love the Genie meet and greet and ha you ran into Brenda again! What are the odds? Nice toddler photobomb pic.....favorites. Seems like you had a great party night!

All caught up once again

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hello there Rob! Finally got back to getting all caught up with ya!
I like your overcompensating for proof of the FP+ ressies. That is totally something I would obsess about so I understand. You poor dear, you still could not get a green mickey when using FP+ at this point. I think it's a conspiracy.
I love hearing CM interaction stories and Verena seems to be adorable! I agree about the bag of chips lol. As smart and successful as the Disney company is they do sometimes make decisions that make me . Ha I am glad to see that I am not the only one who takes pics of Disney filming or commercial picture taking while at the parks lol! Love love Casey's Corner! Give me plastic cheese or give me death!!! Although one probably leads to the other...who cares its so yummy! I swear you have the best ride photos of anyone! And I love that everyone else seems to have the opposite reaction of you on Splash, it makes the photo so funny!! Oh my I would have loved to see you and Mickey fight it out over Santa Duffy!! That is so awesome that Riley gave you a Big Al pressed penny. "Tangled Tinkle Spot" bahahahaha I like that!

Enchanted Tales with Belle....sigh. Definitely going to make this a priority on our next trip. Glad you got to experience it though! And with your new friends too!! What's up with the PG-13 Mr. Incredible? "Children shield your eyes!" lol that's disturbing. Glad to see you got to enjoy some brew in Gaston's chair but I am sorry that you guys did not get to meet Gaston himself.

Wow 2 MVMCP in one trip! You had a busy week my friend lol! Goodness I love Australian accents too! I noticed quite a few families from there when we were in Disneyland....strange. Ooh your story about the guy spitting on that poor CM got my blood boiling too. What is wrong with people really?! And the problem is that a lot of people act this way because they can get away with it...and do. Companies are so scared to stand up to people and back their employees for fear of losing a customer and money that they allow the customers or "guest" to get away with crap. The only way to fix this is for other guests to stand up when they see something like this happening and stick up for the employees who have to put up with this stuff. Most time bad people will back down if they are out numbered.....or they will stab everyone, its a gamble. Anyways my two cents moving right along lol. Love the Genie meet and greet and ha you ran into Brenda again! What are the odds? Nice toddler photobomb pic.....favorites. Seems like you had a great party night!

All caught up once again

Well hello right on back Jenn. Super duper glad to have you back up to speed.
Haha, it's funny because I did that, yet still really never had any trouble with the CM's letting me through. But Enchanted Tales was the main reason for all the trouble because I did not want that to be the one I was denied. Honestly though, I think if I had actually taken the time to get whatever it was fixed, it would have worked fine. I booked one on a day I had none, and it worked fine.
She was so lovely Jenn. I so enjoyed talking with her. Sadly, sometimes the magic of Disney gets a little lost once you get to corp offices.
Haha, I can't help myself. I keep thinking that I'll see the commercial at some point or someone will recognize the person... something. Can you believe my first Casey's ever?
Awww thanks on the ride photo. I love Splash for ride poses, and a lot of the reason is because most everyone else is just terrified!!!
It would be tough to throw down with Mickey, but you do NOT steal Riley's Duffy. And that penny is proof positive why I would thrown down with Mickey. Just the sweetest kid.
It will forever be known as the Tangled Tinkle Spot.

I really do think it's worth seeing at least the one time. You and Sydney would love it I think even if the boys aren't interested. I really am glad I got to experience it.
Oh My Lord, this was borderline NC-17. He belonged in the club, not on Main Street. It was disturbing... But kinda funny too.
Finally finally FINALLY that chair was empty. I still haven't met Gaston, but you have to admit, our stand it was pretty darn cute.

Yup yup!! Why limit oneself? I don't know what it is about Aussie accents. Just infectious. OMG Jenn, that spitting story. So many emotions all at once. It really does amaze me what people get away with. And yet, I feel like if I'd been there and stood up for her, I'd be the one escorted out. But I just know I would have intervened.
Ah the Genie Meet was so much fun made even more so upon finding Brenda and the gang in the same lineup. It was too funny.
C'mon seriously... Is that not the cutest photobomb ever? Cracks me up still. Such a great night!!!

 

[shan23877]

Rob I'm so glad that you enjoyed ETwB. It's not something I'd necessarily do without DD, but it is really cute.

I'm really enjoying hearing about the parties. We've never been to either of them so I love all the info.

The friendship between you and Riley is just adorable. The DIS is such a great place!

 

[USAFdad]

Hello again I'm back I don't think it has been too long.... well not as long.

That's awesome hope you have fun in Toronto.

It's nice to find the people who want to be there not need to be there. Hopefully one day that will be me.

That picture of you on splash is great.

The quality of that crushed penny is really good. I like collecting military coins and I could see myself easily moving over to coins like that.

I will have to search for some Pascals next time I am there.

Moving on to the next update.

It looks like enchanted tales with bell was pretty cool.

That is a great Genie.

I know exactly how she felt with the pins I too was unable to get one of them.

That poor girl to have a grown adult spit in her face people like that need to be beat.

That Little girl said camera I know what to do.

I like the picture of you with Donald and Daisy you can see the shirt you started wearing in it.

Ok only 3 updates behind.... all caught up now looks like a good start for the party.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Rob I'm so glad that you enjoyed ETwB. It's not something I'd necessarily do without DD, but it is really cute.

I'm really enjoying hearing about the parties. We've never been to either of them so I love all the info.

The friendship between you and Riley is just adorable. The DIS is such a great place!

I really genuinely did Shannon. The effects are pretty mind blowing. Thankfully I had a kid to enter with, so it worked out well.

Oh my goodness, you absolutely need to change that. Either are spectacular, and I just know you'd love them. Start planning!!!

I just totally attached to her pretty much right from the start, which was certainly a pleasant surprise. I can't wait to surprise her in just a couple of weeks.

Hello again I'm back I don't think it has been too long.... well not as long.

That's awesome hope you have fun in Toronto.

It's nice to find the people who want to be there not need to be there. Hopefully one day that will be me.

That picture of you on splash is great.

The quality of that crushed penny is really good. I like collecting military coins and I could see myself easily moving over to coins like that.

I will have to search for some Pascals next time I am there.

Moving on to the next update.

It looks like enchanted tales with bell was pretty cool.

That is a great Genie.

I know exactly how she felt with the pins I too was unable to get one of them.

That poor girl to have a grown adult spit in her face people like that need to be beat.

That Little girl said camera I know what to do.

I like the picture of you with Donald and Daisy you can see the shirt you started wearing in it.

Ok only 3 updates behind.... all caught up now looks like a good start for the party.

Haha, can't be too long Alex, the post isn't nearly as long as normal.

Oh me too and thank you. I can't wait. 3 weeks from today.

You can always pick them out too. The "real" CM's just make all the difference., they really do.

Ahhh thank you. I do love me some Splash Mountain.

It really is. I've never been a collector, but this one just meant the absolute world to me and I will cherish it forever.

Yes do that. I still have quite a few to find.

I like Enchanted Tales, especially the effects. Cutting edge.

He was super and just what we needed from him to carry over from the earlier parade. Loved it.

It's insane. Literally sold out when the party started.

Oh yeah, and it's what probably would have happened if I'd been there.

Best (and cutest)... photobomb... ever. I swear that just killed me to see.

Haha, I know. Red shirt under thin material. I just did not plan well at all.

See I told you it wasn't that long. But, just one more left to go for the party.

Also, I know you head out soon, so I really wanted to wish you all the best my friend. Be safe... and Thank You!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"IT'S THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON, YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE AIR."
Day 8 – December 10, 2013 Part 5



One of the main priorities of this faux Christmas night was the Celebrate the Season Castle Show, as this was what Riley wanted to see most.
I had seen and done most of the main things I wanted at my first party, but had only caught a bit of this show, so it was good by me.

The plan was to find somewhere near the castle while Merry ChristWishes was going on, then find a spot right in front of the castle after the fireworks ended.
After that show, we could just turn around for the Parade.

We arrived on the Tomorrowland side of the castle, and while we couldn’t get too terribly close, we could still see a bit of the fireworks.

It was a bit chaotic as people were constantly moving in and out of the crowd, and Riley just patiently sat on the ground to wait,
Seemingly oblivious to all the bedlam going on around her,
So Carrie and I focused more on providing a protective barrier so she didn’t get stepped on.

Once the fireworks ended, we waited for the area to clear a bit before finding a comfortable spot right in front of the castle.
We didn't want to be too close because the angle to the stage can be a bit awkward from ground level,
And we planned on sitting through the show.
We took a seat on the ground and waited for the show to begin as more people joined us on the ground.

Then, right as the show started, all the people up in front started to stand.
I was going to say something, but instantly a mass amount of “NO’s!!!!!!!!” and “SIT DOWN’s!!!!!!” cascaded from all around.

Thankfully (and probably fearing for their very lives) they got that subtle hint and sat back down.

The show is long, so we appreciated being able to sit, but it also really is enjoyable.
A lovely show to celebrate the season.

Hmmm... I wonder if that's where they got the name...

After the show we did exactly as planned and swung around and moved closer to the curb for the upcoming parade.
We weren't front row, but we were in the mix.

Riley and I were both thirsty, so I ran over to Casey’s to get some drinks, and on my way I passed a familiar Australian face,
Currently owned by my new CM friend Emily.

As I was passing by I leaned in and whispered “I hope tonight has been spit free”.
For half a second she looked completely baffled, but then burst out laughing, arms in the air, and yelled “CANADIA!!”

I returned with the drinks and took a seat on the ground to wait for the parade.
However, unlike at the Castle Show, people up front DID stand, so my view was severely compromised.

For some reason when I’m already sitting and I have people behind me, I feel a terrible guilt if I then choose to stand.
But since I couldn’t really see any longer, I just got up and moved into the empty area near the castle.
I did snap a few horrible pictures though.

We still had a bit of time before the party ended, so we asked Riley what she wanted to do.
The decision was made to visit a mermaid.
The line was short, so before long we were inside the Grotto.

Since I had already met Ariel, and because I wanted to allow Carrie to have a photo with her daughter that didn’t include me,
I decided to skip out on a photo for myself.

Really… That was my plan… Until I walked in and

SAW THE MOSTY STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL ARIEL IN THE HISTORY OF EVER!!!!!

So, yeah, I changed my mind is the point I’m making.

Of course it didn’t hurt that, to me at least,
She appeared to be a little more Little Mermaid 2 adult than 16 year old Little Mermaid 1,
Lessoning the creepy factor a little bit.

I did let Riley and Carrie go together first.

And then I jumped in for my photo session with the beautiful mermaid.

Yes, I was a little smitten, but don’t worry… Stacey is still my Number 1 Disney Princess.

The party was coming to a close and it was time to say goodbye, and this is when things became rather tough and all too real.
I never expected to become so attached so quickly, but that is exactly what happened.

They were heading back to the All Stars, but I still had one more thing to do,
So after hugs, we bid our “final” goodbyes, and then something totally unexpected happened…

… As I walked back up Main Street, I had tears in my eyes.

Legit.

So much so, that I actually needed to go into the washrooms in Adventureland to compose myself.

I did not see that coming.

Upon emerging from the washrooms, I realized I had inadvertently turned off my cell service (again) at some point.
When I turned it back on a text came in from Brenda from a couple hours prior asking about our parade viewing location.

Crap.

I replied with apologies and asked if they were still in the park, and they were,
As they were in the process of doing a photoshoot at pretty much every PP photographer along Main Street.
Again, some day you will actually get to see these pictures… maybe.

I followed along and watched the photoshoot as I took a couple photos of my own.

As we made our way out of the park I went back to my locker to get out the contents and get my deposit back.
Earlier in the day I had picked up a little ornament for them as a thank you (I had given one to Carrie as well) for being so kind and welcoming.

Honestly, it was the absolute least I do.

We said our goodbyes (enough with the goodbyes already), and I headed to the bus stop to go back to POP.

I had a very strange occurrence on my bus ride back to POP.
I love Disney with all my heart, but there was a part of me that wished I was leaving the next day.

I was feeling really emotional and actually quite sad as I was going to miss all these people so very much.
I’d had such a wonderful day and night with Carrie and Riley who I probably wouldn’t be seeing again this trip,
And meeting up with Brenda and Emily at the end who I might see again, but it wasn't for sure,
I kinda just wanted to go home.

But I pressed on; Tomorrow would be my last full day, and I became determined to make it count.

… A day that had a major surprise DISmeet, unexpected tears, and an unforeseen change in plans,

… Creating an end that was as unplanned as it was emotional,

And sent me home with a photo memory that may be my favorite Disney photo of all time.



UP NEXT… "SOME PEOPLE ARE WORTH MELTING FOR"
​

 

[khaleesi]

oh who am I kidding. I would have worn a tutu.

I have a lovely orange one from the MS Walk that you can borrow if you'd like!

I still have to catch up for the bathroom faux pas.

Love the castle picture with the confetti!!!

"Goodbye" is the most awful word ever. I hate it and the way it makes me feel. But what wonderful, unexpected memories. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" is something I struggle with. But I love it.

Sent you a FB request that you can accept or decline as you see fit!

 

[annie170]

Oh, Rob! You write with such honesty. I'm sure that's why most of us love your trip reports.

I'm glad you had a great evening and you're staying in touch with Carrie and Riley.

You and Ariel do make a cute couple!

Does the Christmas Party have as many meet and greets as the Halloween Party?

 

[Wood Nymph]

What a nice night you had! Your goodbye to Riley and her mom was really sad, though. I'm glad that you were able to have a nice Dismeet with Brenda and Emily to cheer you up a little.

I can't wait to hear how your final day went.

 

[Lynzer4]

Howdy, so glad I stumbled across your TR. I am subscribing and can't wait to read it. I am taking my first solo trip (short 3 days trip but Disney is Disney! Right) before I head to Miami for a cruise. Also plan to do the Halloween party which. I have waited to do for a long time.

Can't wait to read it. Any tips for a solo travel I'm taking. Lol

Lynzer