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

[TheMaxRebo]

ok, the Big Al beer mug is officially an 11 on a scale of 1-10 of coolness

Glad your trip went well - while it must have been tough to leave again, definitely a sign of how meaningful the time you had with them was.

Love the Canadia flag - it is NY Met colors which is great ... though, the Mets aren't very good, so not sure what that says about Canadia ... though being a fan is full of highs and lows and feelings of pride - so maybe it does fit

That is great you were able to say your goodbyes to Brenda and very cool the security guards helped you out there. Love being in the parks after official close - so for you to be there after the "all clear" must have been even cooler - though I can see it being a bit eerie too.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ure killin me here and I can't imagine how anyone else is coping because I actually know how the weekend played out lol

Awwww Carrie, haha. It's just taking a bit to get all the photos together and finally start writing. Plus, I've been in a funk since I got back so its been hard to motivate.

Oh and If anyone cares LOL I have the True canadia flag in my living room as created this morning by miss riley roo herself................... drum roll please................

That flag. I miss that girl.

Wow, that is really cool - last guest in Epcot for the day. This has been a wonderful trip report and I can hardly bear knowing it is coming to an end. So glad you have another one booked!

TP

It was pretty neat Teresa. So much activity but no guests at all... except me. Awww THANK YOU!!!! I'm glad I have one booked too, but I also know it's going to be near impossible to top this one.

Love the Canadia Flag!

How nice that you got to see Brenda before your trip was over

A September trip to Florida? Awesome!

Thank you Jessica. I'm now in love with the home made version posted above.

Oh my goodness, it was so necessary. I can't imagine not having been able to do that. She was so great to me on this trip.

Indeed. I hope it goes even a tiny bit as well as this last trip.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Unbelievable ending to an unbelievable day. The price I have to pay for living vicariously through your happiness is having also to live vicariously through your sadness. But so happy you got to experience it all at all And on your big trip announcement!!! Those are nearly the exact dates of my trip last year and it is SUCH a perfect time to go! I so badly wish I could this fall! Would love to meet you! I suppose living again through your TR will have to do...

Aww Tracy that was lovely. I just have to keep thinking "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Just a whole big ball of emotions. Thank you, I hope this upcoming trip is at least ok. It'll be tough not having everyone there. I wish you could go too. I'm gonna need some DISers to help get me through.

I love the Big Al mug! How many people can say they have a Big Al mug.

I love Riley's flag and I can wait to hear how your trip to Niagara Falls went. But I have a feeling, it was very successful.

I want to hear about that, I really do! We will be staying at the YC Sept 24th to 28th. Our trips overlapped last December, too, but that was before I had read one of your trip reports. Now we have to "run into each other" in Sept. It will be just DH and I. We plan to spend most of our time in Epcot after we arrive around noon on Wed, Sept 24th.

OMG I was SO excited for that Sue. Just loved it. AND I had never seen one before.

Isn't it fantastic? I especially love the clay version. She is such an awesome kid. I'll hopefully be getting to that very soon. I had a lot of photos, so I'm still working my way through. But it's coming, I promise.

Looks like we overlap at least for a day on the 24th!! We'll definitely have to make meet up plans.

Oh man I miss you by 2 days in September!

What a perfect way to end your vacation, one last meet and being escorted out of an empty park!

Love the idea for the new Canadian flag I think they should really consider it

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! That sucks!!!I'm hoping to meet as many DISers as possible since I have a feeling this is going to feel very lonely this time.

It really was. Brenda was so instrumental in this trip, it was only right to have a proper goodbye. Plus added bonus of being LAST GUEST IN EPCOT!!!

I do too. This was a running theme on my recent Niagara trip.

I LOVE Canadia's flag! An excellent representation of the very best of Canadia.

DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY!!! So excited for you! I want to do Disney in September so much...maybe in 2015

So glad you got to see Brenda and chat for a bit!

Oh my gosh, how cool to have a special escort through Epcot and to be the very last guest there!! THAT is a great experience.

Absolutely right??!! I could not have picked a better flag or designer.

Thanks Courtney. I wish you could go this September. I could use the support, lol. Ah screw it, just go this year!

Oh me too. It would have royally sucked otherwise.

It was definitely an experience for sure. Another one off the bucket list.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I think you should change this title to "Some People Are Worth Getting Stranded at the Boardwalk For" - Brenda would definitely fit that!! It's incredibly awesome that the security guard walked you through an empty Epcot to get to your car in the lot!! What an amazing experience to see the park LITERALLY empty.

Haha, very very true. This was the second time that almost happened (although the first wasn't quite as dramatic.) It really was a cool thing for a last night. Not many get to have that experience. But I also wouldn't recommend trying, lol.

I'm glad you were able to be escorted out of Epcot. Would it have been possible to walk from Boardwalk to the Epcot parking lot.

I'm really curious. What kind of activities and things did you see going on as you walked through the empty park? They didn't swear you to secrecy or anything, did they?

Me too Annie. It would have been awful otherwise. I'm not aware of any way to walk to the parking lot from Boardwalk without going through the park. It likely would have required a cab.

Haha, no they didn't. It was mostly trucks with ladders and the like and people cleaning and primping the park to look brand new for the next day.

I'll bet they made him promise to get Canadia's flag switched over to the Disney logo!

Haha, that may or may not have happened.

The ending of a trip is always the most dreaded part. I even hate it before I get there!

I'm glad to hear you were able to have one last meet-up with Brenda... and how cool that you were the VERY LAST guest at Epcot that night? I bet only a few people can say that.

Sept 17-25?! Our trip dates overlap! (Ours are the 13-20th!) Woo! Where are you staying?

Oh my lord this was hard. Way harder than any I've ever had. It's always hard, but I always know I'll be back. This was much harder because I don't know when I'll be back with all those people.

Me too. It was so necessary to me. Last guest in Epcot, while not something I recommend as you might not get lucky, was awesome. It really is an exclusive club I imagine.

Yup, they sure do Lauren. I definitely want to arrange a meet up!!!! That's the bad news. I'm off property. It was completely a cost thing. All the discount Disney dates were gone, so the difference was $1000. I just couldn't justify it. So I booked a hotel just off property (I've stayed there before). It was the only way I could justify going. I already have my AP, so my whole trip, 9 days, 8 nights, hotel AND flight was $585 total. That I could do, lol.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That's awesome! How cool to be the last person!!! That was splendid of them to let you go back through. Only at Disney!!

It really was Jillian. That would have been one heck of a walk otherwise, lol.

Can't wait to hear about your trip. It's probably going to give me lots of feels though. Oh well, I'll put on my feels protector

I approve of the new Canadian flag. Though it is the colors of my old elementary school, but oh well. I'm all on board if you want to present the flag to the people. I'll back you up.

Yay for getting to meet with Brenda.

And I'm insanely jealous about you being the last guest in Epcot. It must have been super amazing. What nice security guards. Good for them. (Also, love the NLV reference).

I finally got some time to start writing it. A lot of pictures to go through and whatnot, but I have started prepping.

Isn't it awesome?? I like Riley's version even better so I used it as my Avatar, lol. Sorry for the elementary memories though. The word Canadia was used a lot on trip, so it's sure to start catching on I think.

YAY indeed. So happy that happened.

Oh my goodness that was cool. That is something not many people can say. And of course he was nice... He was John Candy!

AND super excited about our plans!!!!

Beautiful flag for Canadia.

Yay, another Disney trip! Which means another trip report, which for me, is exciting. The end of September is a good time to visit, too. It's actually Alex's favorite time frame, so I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. And who knows, Landon and I could become completely bored by then and want to take a weekend trip to visit his grandparents in Orlando.

The very last guest in Epcot?! How cool is that! On your very last day on vacation, you were the only paying guest inside Epcot. That's just awesome.

The parking lot looks eerie without any cars. Really puts into perspective how big those places are.

Thank you!!! It is now official.

You know, this one was tough to book. To plan a trip and know that the same people aren't going to be there is way more difficult than I would have expected. I have started to make some DISer plans though. Hi Amber! Not that I would wish it on anyone normally, but I would be THRILLED if you get bored enough to visit Orlando Alicia. Friday or Saturday would be perf!

Seriously cool, although I really don't recommend trying it. But what a way to end a trip.

The whole park was pretty eerie. And the parking lot was even more so. But so very nice not to have to search for the car, lol.

 

[cheekypoppins]

don't mind me just stalking and waiting here lol

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow... seriously, that Big Al beer mug is the best thing I've ever seen.
I can't wait to hear all about your Dismeet trip!! I hope you will do a report on the whole thing!
Loving the Canadia flag, I wish I had that as a badge to sew on my backpack now.

YES I DO!!!!!!

I think it's great that you got to meet up with Brenda again before you left. And I'm so glad that it didn't mean a very long walk (or hitchhike!) back to your car! How lovely of the security guards to walk you through an Empty Epcot. Must have been soooooo cool!

Right??!! How cool is that thing? I love it.
I have already started writing Wendy. I just want to get a bit ahead before I start posting. There's a lot to talk about.
OMG me too!!!!! It's really special to me. Especially since Ry was the main creator.

Haha, well, you need to confirm your trip first. I'm booked, but it is offsite (because it was so cheap). I hope now more than ever that you go. You NEED to go. I'm desperate for DISmeets this time just to help me function. When you confirm we can figure out some meet times.

That was so necessary, it really was. I'm so grateful she made the time. Yes, the fact that they let me pass through the park was way above and beyond. And yup, quite cool too.

Oh Rob! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with Riley and her mom and I cannot wait to hear all about you reunion, if you want to share! I really do like the flag that you two came up with, that is really neat and special. I know that it must have been hard to say goodbye once again but I am sure that you guys are already planning for your next adventure together....or at least thinking about it!

That was so nice of you to do a video for your friend's parents. I not trying to pry at all but is that something you do for a hobby or a job? I'm just a curious cheshire cat so don't feel like you have to share, I just ask a lot of questions sometimes. People interest me. Anyways.....and how awesome was the thank you package?!!! Wow that stuff was cool and so right for you too!! Especially the Country Bear's beer mug!

Now getting back to your TR. I am so glad that you had an opportunity to see Brenda one last time for a proper goodbye. That is so crazy about getting back to your car lol! I like your reference to John Candy too. That was so nice that they allowed you to get to your car through the empty park....and so exciting! How many people can say that they have done that?! I bet an empty, dark park would have a bit of a creepy vibe to it, even if it is Disney!

I finally have the pictures ordered and have started to write, so once I get a little further along, I will start posting. The whole thing went by so quickly that I'm actually having a hard time adjusting. No lie. OMG that flag. It was all Riley. And then to see the one she made out of clay... beautiful... and my new avatar. It was brutal to say goodbye again, but it really didn't hit me until I got home. Since then, it's been really tough. I can't wait to see them again, whenever that may be.

Aww thanks Jenn. You're not prying at all!!!! We're friends. It's just a hobby really. I did one for the company I work/worked for (I think I mentioned that on your TR) right before we were absorbed into the big big company I work for now. It was done as a tribute at a tribute dinner we did and it was a huge hit. And I had never done anything like that before. My friend works for the same company which is why she asked me to do it. That thank you package was awesome!!! I think pretty much everyone I know understands my DIsney obsession.

Seeing Brenda was so very necessary. She really did bring so much to that trip (I mean Ilumminations Cruise, c'mon!!!). I would have been gutted if we didn't see each other. It was quite the final journey, I must say. So kind of them. And oh yeah, it was creepy, but so very very cool.

ok, the Big Al beer mug is officially an 11 on a scale of 1-10 of coolness

Glad your trip went well - while it must have been tough to leave again, definitely a sign of how meaningful the time you had with them was.

Love the Canadia flag - it is NY Met colors which is great ... though, the Mets aren't very good, so not sure what that says about Canadia ... though being a fan is full of highs and lows and feelings of pride - so maybe it does fit

That is great you were able to say your goodbyes to Brenda and very cool the security guards helped you out there. Love being in the parks after official close - so for you to be there after the "all clear" must have been even cooler - though I can see it being a bit eerie too.

It so is Phil!!! I didn't even know such a thing existed.

It did but it was. So hard. I'm still feeling the effects now... badly.

I hadn't considered the Mets connection, lol. But the colours were picked by Ry, so that's the colour it is.

It was so very much. I needed that. I've done the after the parks close thing before, but after all clear is pretty unique I think. I feel very lucky to have had that experience. Although I hope to never have to try again, lol.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

don't mind me just stalking and waiting here lol

Aww you kill me. I will confirm that I have started the writing process and have the photos from day one organized. Once I get a bit more written, I will start posting, I promise!!!

 

[lovegrumpy]

I'm there for some of your Sept trip. Hubby and I going Sept 21-26 for my 40th b-day so I might see ya around.

 

[katt789]

Super glad you were able to see brenda one last time, and that you were able to get back to your car!! That's some pixie dust for sure!!

Also Sept 17th!!! We leave Disney on the 19th!! i smell a dismeet!!

 

[MEK]

I am really looking forward to hearing about your Niagara Falls trip! I finally have a new passport and I hope to visit the Canadian side of the falls. Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

Congrats on booking your September trip. Woo hoo! That's a great time of the year to go!

I can't believe you were the absolute last guest in Epcot. That is a pretty esteemed honor!

 

[Stew_Mouse]

Hi Rob! I've been following your TR for a few weeks but this is the first time I've commented. Allow me to echo everyone else's sentiments and say that your report has been incredible! Your writing and genuine emotions have made me laugh and cry, we really are on this trip with every high and low, Disney-style (so the best kind of highs and lows at least!). You have honestly taught me a lot about some great ways to tour the World, particularly solo. I've been wanting to do one for awhile but other things keep getting in the way.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Looking forward to the wrap up and the Niagara trip!

 

[librarygeek]

Your time at the Christmas Party really makes me feel like I didn't get to take full advantage of it! Oh well, I guess it's just another excuse to go back during the holiday season!

You know, I think everybody has their instincts for which way they go in the World Showcase. As a kid, for whatever reason, we always went left first. I think it's because my parents really like margaritas! But then on the honeymoon we went right first. Basically I plan which way I'm going around what food I want to eat at what time and how long it will take to walk there!

Cool that you met Jess!! I tried to go barefoot for a little while in the World Showcase (it was after a wedding and I had heels on that were so uncomfortable) and I got reprimanded by a CM

That story about the pin is so cool! It really does seem like some Disney magic.

Voices of Liberty are so amazing. That would be one of my absolute dream jobs to have - I love to sing and harmonies are just so much fun. I just finished a show where me and 3 other girls did a 4 part harmony, and we recorded ourselves singing it a capella. There is really nothing like a capella singing! And I never even thought about how they would be doing Christmas songs. That will be a must-do when I someday come back during the holidays!

Wait, so what is that American dream? And why have I never heard of it? It looks good, even if you did pick the wrong straw!

Awww, Riley is just too sweet! I definitely would've been on the monorail back to Epcot too.

Yay for booking a September trip!! I love Disney in September. I'll be there about a week after you though - arriving on October 2! I'm looking forward to hearing about Niagara Falls too, because I definitely don't want this TR to end!

 

[WDWaddictt]

I LOVE Canadia's flag! An excellent representation of the very best of Canadia.

DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY!!! So excited for you! Our dates overlap, I will be there Sept 22-Oct 6!! There will be many Dismeets going on for you hopefully. Sounds like a lot of Diser's are going around that time.

So glad you got to see Brenda and chat for a bit and have a proper goodbye! What a great trip you had, even right up to your last night! How amazing!!

Oh my gosh, how cool to have a special escort through Epcot and to be the very last guest there!! THAT is a great experience.

I am looking forward to seeing how your trip was in Niagara Falls and Canada's Wonderland (which isn't even close to Disney, but still fun).

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Yup, they sure do Lauren. I definitely want to arrange a meet up!!!! That's the bad news. I'm off property. It was completely a cost thing. All the discount Disney dates were gone, so the difference was $1000. I just couldn't justify it. So I booked a hotel just off property (I've stayed there before). It was the only way I could justify going. I already have my AP, so my whole trip, 9 days, 8 nights, hotel AND flight was $585 total. That I could do, lol.

I'd be staying off site as well if our trip could cost $585! That's awesome! What are your plans for your arrival night, the 17th? I just scored an Anna & Elsa FP, so Mallory and I will be park hopping over to the MK that evening for the surprise! Maybe we can meet up then! Just a thought!

 

[Marsheliz]

Three cheers for a September trip!! Fall is my favorite time to visit the world!! And 585.00- get out!!! Eek!!!

Please, Please keep me apprised if you decide to go in February too!! Right now, our dates are Feb 26- March 3. We are trying to wait & see if anything comes out as far as deals and may have to change around some...

How cool about walking through Epcot... You must have felt like a celebrity!

 

[cheekypoppins]

I am really looking forward to hearing about your Niagara Falls trip! I finally have a new passport and I hope to visit the Canadian side of the falls. Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

Congrats on booking your September trip. Woo hoo! That's a great time of the year to go!

I can't believe you were the absolute last guest in Epcot. That is a pretty esteemed honor!

If you come out this way let me know ahead of time so we can grab a drink together

 

[thornton0511]

I finally have the pictures ordered and have started to write, so once I get a little further along, I will start posting. The whole thing went by so quickly that I'm actually having a hard time adjusting. No lie. OMG that flag. It was all Riley. And then to see the one she made out of clay... beautiful... and my new avatar. It was brutal to say goodbye again, but it really didn't hit me until I got home. Since then, it's been really tough. I can't wait to see them again, whenever that may be.

Aww thanks Jenn. You're not prying at all!!!! We're friends. It's just a hobby really. I did one for the company I work/worked for (I think I mentioned that on your TR) right before we were absorbed into the big big company I work for now. It was done as a tribute at a tribute dinner we did and it was a huge hit. And I had never done anything like that before. My friend works for the same company which is why she asked me to do it. That thank you package was awesome!!! I think pretty much everyone I know understands my DIsney obsession.

Seeing Brenda was so very necessary. She really did bring so much to that trip (I mean Ilumminations Cruise, c'mon!!!). I would have been gutted if we didn't see each other. It was quite the final journey, I must say. So kind of them. And oh yeah, it was creepy, but so very very cool.

Well I know that we are all excited to hear all about your trip, but also understand the time it takes to get it going so no rush and no worries friend!
That is a cool hobby to have! I have managed to video all of our Disney Trips so far and it can be so tedious taking all of the footage and turning it into one video or movie. I still have footage from our Dec trip to WDW and our CA DL trip that I just have put on the back burner for now lol. Thank you again for your kind words on my TR about the whole job thing. From what you said it sounds like you and I have an awful lot in common with our companies. I am sorry to hear about what has happened to your company and how they value you and your job, and I know all too well how that feels. It sucks!
BTW I forgot to mention congrats on your decision to make a Sept return to your WDW home!!! So excited for you I saw that you were going in Sept. and I got excited because we are going in Sept, and then I saw your dates and was like whomp whomp whomp. Maybe someday

 

[glennbo123]

Lovin' the new flag of Canadia.

Hmmm, to see the after-hours activity going on at Epcot is almost temptation enough to make me try to pull off the ol' "I left my car at the other side of the park" scam.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm there for some of your Sept trip. Hubby and I going Sept 21-26 for my 40th b-day so I might see ya around.

Awesome!!! That's a couple days crossover. Hopefully that can happen.

Super glad you were able to see brenda one last time, and that you were able to get back to your car!! That's some pixie dust for sure!!

Also Sept 17th!!! We leave Disney on the 19th!! i smell a dismeet!!

Oh my yes yes yes. Meeting up with Brenda was critical, It just wouldn't feel right otherwise. But MY GOD I was pretty stressed walking towards the gateway. Definitely pixie dust in the air that night.

And YES YES YES AGAIN!!!! I wasn't sure of your departure date but I knew it was close. I tried to pick dates to crossover as many trips as I knew about. So glad there's at least a small window. That's awesome. DISmeet for sure!!!