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

[librarygeek]

Funny, I got the cowboy sequence in December too! And it had been years since I'd seen it! I heard somewhere that 1 out of every 4 is the cowboys, so that's why you don't get it as often. I wonder why they do it that way. I've heard of a number of people who got it in December so maybe they were running it more often then?

How nice of them to give you the ToT picture! I actually know someone who was proposed to on the ride - I wonder if it's the same person that the CMs were talking about!

Nice Ariel meet and greet! I really like that Ariel - she's very pretty and looks very "Ariel-esque," if you know what I mean.

Love the castle lights! Seeing them for the first time last month was incredible, and I took an endless amount of pictures too

 

[ThePin Princess]

Just joining in but I'm all caught up! Quite a fantastic birthday you had! I love that shirt! The castle looks amazing with those lights, I definitely need to go one of these Christmases soon! Can't wait to hear about Wishes!

 

[scottny]

Beautiful snow pics.
LOL about Elsa.
DHS. LOL
Oh my. Gator…..RUN!!!!!!
Nice they threw you a celebration when you entered the park. LOL
Nice pics with Ariel.
IASW looks so sad empty. I enjoy sitting by the window and seeing everyone go by.
Great pics of the Country Bears.
Great updates and pics.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Walking into Magic Kingdom at dusk... That is my absolute FAVORITE time in the MK. It's just magical and perfect and the feeling you get is like nothing else.

Sounds like you had a great visit with Ariel! I love how you always have signs to hold up!

It's a Small World looks creepy with no water and no one inside. Yikes!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"Yes, she creates beautiful images and landscapes, but her penmanship is indeed quite poor."

OMG MAGIC KINGDOM. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. SO PRETTY.

That's so nice of them you have your birthday welcoming!

"I found myself really craving seafood for some reason, but thinking that inappropriate given who I just met" O M G Yeah, please don't eat her friends.

Most photographed bathrooms on planet earth They should add a placard stating just that. That is quite the accomplishment. And I'm being completely serious here because that's MY castle.

I know that the holidays are over and all..but looking at your castle pictures with the lights

It's just so sad that someone so beautiful can write so poorly, but I guess flaws are what makes us human.

It was SO PRETTY too Meg!!!! I'm surprised I didn't take more pics, but I'm sure there will be more down the road.

That Magic Kingdom sure knows how to make a person feel welcome. So sweet of them to do that.

Haha, no way was I having fish at that point.

Oh I agree. The whole area is just so stunning.

That's the beauty of Christmas era trip reports. Christmas just continues on. It's always hard to imagine Cinderella Castle looking better, but when you put those lights on it, it's a whole other level of beauty.

Nice find - the alligator in the parking lot swamp, that is. I once saw a bobcat on the property of SSR. True story. I was on the boat heading to DTD. The kind captain pointed him (or her) out.

I love the picture of the sun settings across bay lake. Just lovely.

And, really, who doesn't get choked up when entering the MK. I know I do. Every time! Without fail.

Nice pics from the IASW rehab. I guess they take all the dolls out and repaint them. Hmmm…OK.

I have never eaten at Pinnochios and I have been to the MK SO many times. How is that possible?

You really got some beautiful night time pics and castle pics!

I thought it was really cool and something I've always wanted to see. But wow, a bobcat??? Disney World is such a massive property, I guess none of it really is a surprise.

Aww me too. Just a beautiful time of day. Disney is just full of those types of scenes too.

Oh absolutely!!!! And not just every trip, but literally every single walk in even if it was multiple times in a day. It will never get old.

Yeah, I try not to think about that. Those dolls terrify me.

Honestly, I only ate there my first time maybe a year or two ago. It blends in so well into the FL landscape, plus there are so many good QS locations in MK.

Aww thank you. It's hard to screw up photos of that castle.

One can never have too many castle pics.

I know what you mean. The first time I saw the castle dream lights in person I gasped and cried hehe

I so agree, and I sure do have LOADS!!!

OMG me too. Pictures cannot do it justice, it needs to be seen.

First of all, what a great sight to see on your birthday. The Magic Kingdom gates!!!!!

You are correct that Disney chicken nuggets are the best ever. EVER.

I am a huge fan of the Country Bears as well. Big Al is my fav.

We have gone to Disney one time at Christmas time. The Castle is to a whole other level then. It has been turned up to 11.

It was certainly an easy choice to finish the day. No doubts whatsoever.

RIGHT??!! I don't know what makes them so good, they just are.

I love everything about the Country Bears, but Big Al will always have a special place for me because of my Grandfather.

Exactly!!! The castle is just gorgeous all year, then at Christmas it just explodes!! One of the most beautiful sights you will ever see.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I know this will sound crazy to anyone who lives north enough to get snow on a regular basis, but for someone who lives on the coast and never see's snow......It is especially beautiful in your pictures. I'm sure I would love it for all of a day or two and be ready to move on, but still.......it looks lovely

Moving on....

My favorite trip was in November when WDW had a cold snap and it was just Christmas all around. I love the castle with the twinkle lights overlay. Just breath taking.

I LOVE your castle picture with the balloons!!!! Sooo pretty.

Looking forward to hearing more.

That's not crazy at all Joleen. Right after a snowfall when it's untouched, it's simply beautiful. But then not to long after it wears out it welcome pretty quick.

Christmas in Disney really is a whole other level especially Magic Kingdom. I could have spent the night just sitting and looking at the lights. That's how pretty it is.

THANK YOU!!!! I tried so hard to get the balloons in the photo and hopefully have them lit.

Finally got all caught up! You have some great pictures! I have read a few TRs today with sunny pictures and now I really see what I missed on our trip...the sun!!!! It looks like you have had a pretty great birthday thus far!! Awesome on the 8 times on EE! We made it 7 on ToT one time and that was amazing!!! Nothing better when it is your favorite attraction! Oh and I agree 110%on One Man's Dream...it should be mandatory!!

YAY!!! Oh my goodness I have been there with the lack of sun in the "Sunshine State". Happily I can say that I had nothing but for this entire trip. It was amazing.
I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present than to spend it in Disney. Everest was the absolute necessary starting point. Love it.
Yes, One Man's Dream should be made mandatory. See it or you don't get to ride TSMM.

Hey Rob! I don't know how exactly it happened, but I suddenly realized I'm EXTREMELY behind over here! I'll be back to catch up tomorrow, but I wanted you to know I'm still here!

Aww Marissa, that's ok. That's the beauty of Trip Reports. They're available 24/7. But I am glad to "see" you there.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Every time I read a Christmas time TR I start trying to figure out when we'll be able to go for the holidays. MK in particular is just gorgeous.

You are such a rebel! IaSW looks sad with no one there.

Love the castle photo with the lit-up balloons in it! So pretty!

Oh Shannon, you need to just do it!!!! It really is a special time there and unlike any other time of year. It's just special. That said, I still prefer Halloween, lol.

Haha, I swear I didn't break through that unbelievably high tech security. I found it looked a little less scary to me though, lol.

Aww thanks!!! I really tried to get a good angle to get both in. With the lit castle and the lit ballons it was just magical.

Gators…everywhere…Shelly said that you need to be careful as if there’s a body of water in Florida, there’s probably a gator in it…

Arrrg main street during dawm fireworks is the BEST! Ariel is super adorable! Glad you were able to see her! I really wanted to sit and watch small world that week too!! Steven & I were supe bummed that it was closed, ahaha!

BIIIIGGGG AAAALLLLL I will always think of you when I see him!!

*sigh * there is just something so magical and beautiful and perfect about the castle with the lights on it, such an incredible sight that’s just improved in person!

They are, and yet this was the first I'd ever seen. But I don't doubt that for a second.

I can't even count how many times that has happened to me. To walk in just as the fireworks hit. Can it even get any better??
Ariel was super cute and bubbly and it was just necessary.
Surprisingly, I wasn't too upset with it's closure. I know, shocking right?? But I will have a bit more to say on that later.

Big Al is my boy.

That's exactly it too. Pictures are wonderful, but staring at it in person is just... magic. I really wish there was a way to combine the Dream Lights AND Halloween. I know you can always have a trip which has the crossover period, but I want both simultaneously. That would be perfection!!

Looks like Elsa is nearby again today! (I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a snow day! Shhh!)
Disney gator! So cool! I've seen one once, I classified it as a Disney gator, but it wasn't so close to a park, it was on a highway between parks.
Love the warm welcome from Magic Kingdom! Fireworks and everything! Happy birthday, Rob!
Awww, the Ariel pictures are adorable! Love them!
I am also a fan of Disney chicken nuggets. Yum.
What are you some kind of James Bond or something? Getting through that Pinocchio's security system?
Castle dream lights are the best thing in the world. There are never too many pictures of that sight.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

(Edit: Had to come back to tell you that I did get my snow day! Thanks, Elsa!)

She is indeed. Such a weird winter. From freezing to double digits to blizzards.

If it's on Disney property it's a Disney Gator. It was really cool to see one "up close".

Amazing how they knew I had finally arrived. Perhaps my Magic Band gave it away. It was so sweet regardless.

Thank you. She was sweet and really liked my birthday sign.

They are the best. Period.

You would have to be to figure out blankets and tape. So high tech.

I agree. I remember the very first time I saw them a few years ago. And they still make me feel exactly the same way. There is just nothing quite like it.

Elsa was good to me too.

Disney's chicken nuggets are great, aren't they! One trip, that was all we could get our son to eat. I absolutely love your night time photos of the castle.

They are just unreal!! I wish I knew the secret, but they're just awesome. Aww thank you. You can't NOT take many pictures of that sight.

Beautiful pictures of the snow! I feel the same way, it definitely is pretty even if it is a pain to clean up and drive in.

That sunset picture is gorgeous! Florida sunsets are the BEST!

Love that fireworks went off as you came in, what a wonderful way to enter MK on your Birthday! Walking down Main Street will never get old, its just wonderful!

I love the pictures with Ariel, so fun! I still haven't met her in her grotto yet, I need to change that

Disney chicken nuggets are the BEST! I want some right now, they are so good!

I'm afraid when I go in Feb the castle is going to look naked to me. I've gotten too used to Christmas trips and the beautiful Castle Dream lights. They are so incredible!

Yup, pretty at first... not so much later on.

The timing could not have been more perfect on that one. Normally I'd be making a beeline to the gates, but it was just too breathtaking.

More perfect timing on my part. I just LOVED that!! And yup, it will not matter how many times I do it. The walk down Main Street is just special.

Aww thank you, she was a sweetheart and YES YOU DO!!!!

OMG me too. I could live on those things, I swear.

That is the downside for sure. Of course it's still beautiful, but just not quite the same. I feel the same way being in Epcot when it's not Flower and Garden. It looks a little barren.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Pretty picture of the snow, of course it was Elsa's doing!

Walking into MK is definitely always exciting and magical. Love all the Christmas decorations!

Great pics with Ariel!

WOO HOO BIG AL!

LOVE that last set of Castle pics, so gorgeous!

Hehe, I just had to make sure.

Oh without a doubt. It's weird how it's just as wonderful the 100th time as it was the first.

Aww Thanks.

WOO HOO INDEED!! Just adore him.

THANK YOU. I just couldn't stop.

The castle looks so amazing with the holiday lights on! We really need to make a trip during Christmas time but not sure when that'll happen.

I think your pictures of Small World under refurb just increased my irrational anxiety of that ride after my October experience.

It is so worth it Dave just for these lights alone. I'm back to focusing on Haloween now though, lol.

OMG totally. And it's not irrational AT ALL. That ride is scary! I can't imagine (or won't imagine is probably better) going through there that slow in dimly lit surroundings... See I told ya I was in Halloween mode.

Great pictures. I really love that last one of the castle and the water.

I can't believe you saw a gator. I have been to Florida more times then I can count and I have never seen one out in the wild like that. And believe me I LOOK.

Thank you and I love that one too. The reflection makes it even more beautiful.

I know it was pretty cool. They are everywhere, so it's surprising they don't turn up more often.

Awwww a Disney gator, Ariel AND Wishes! You've hit all the highlights for your special day! Seriously though, the feel of being on Main Street with a holiday castle all lit up is spectacular.

Man, I wanted to see the refurb of IaSW through that window with them lining up the "children" and teaching them new songs. I guess that is not to be.

Looks like Ariel didn't make a fuss about your sporting Stacey on your shirt. That could have been awkward.

Ahhhh how I wish I could enjoy a beautiful snow-scape - with or without Elsa showing up. I'll just have to live with sunny and 75 degree days.

Unfortunately the Gator didn't perform, but it was cool nonetheless. I think I had told you about that too. It really is spectacular Brenda, as you know. And yup, hitting all the highlights... or did I?

Now if they taught them new songs I might consider another voyage. They're still scary though.

Bahahha, I tried to keep her focused on the birthday sign.

Ahhhhh, no you don't! But it is nice to know Elsa's around.

I love the Disney gator! Every time I'm in Florida as we drive I am staring out the window hoping to see a wild gator... no luck yet, but once we did see an armadillo it was by our car when we came out of a restaurant.

Also IASW as an empty shell just makes me cry a little inside...

I guess it's only possible to see them when you're not looking, lol. It was pretty exciting. But an armadillo?? I didn't even know they had them. Pretty cool.

Awww. It's all done for the greater good... I guess.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Absolutely gorgeous photo of the sunset over the lake! You had several awesome photos!!
Eww on the gator. I have looked for them-especially 2 summers ago when we stayed at Coranado Springs. I walked that lake daily and always kept an eye out. Never saw any gators.
Small World looks funny dry and empty. And all the coins cleaned out!! They should post the amount they donate to charity each time they clean those ponds out. Would be fun to see how much people contribute in loose change and wishes.
Yep!! Chicken nuggets at Disney are definitely more tasty than anywhere else! It's the ambiance around you that makes the difference.
Looking forward to hearing all about your evening and to Wishes!

Thank you SO MUCH!!!

I was actually pretty excited. He was just a bitty one, so I wasn't worried. But I did get moving in case any bigger ones were lurking about.

I would love to know that as well. I imagine it's quite a large amount.

They are just so good. I'm sure they're just ordinary frozen nuggets so maybe you're on to something there.

*Runs in out of breath*

I'm finally here!

I need to catch up, but I'm going to do it! I'm already super jealous though, being there for your birthday, being there for Walt's birthday. BEING THERE WHEN IT'S CHRISTMAS SEASON *sobs*

Silly wife spoiling me and taking my first trip after Disney had been Christmas-ed up! I mean, there is nothing prettier than the Castle lit up in Christmas lights. It looked almost bland in October after seeing it decked out for Christmas.

Haha, you kill me.

You are and I'm SO very glad about that. Welcome back! I am so so very happy you're doing better.

Don't worry, I'm not that far along really. It really was a great combo of "events" going on. Walt's birthday was especially wonderful as you'll see when I get to it.

Oh I know, that's the downside of it all. Everything looks so off after you've seen the Christmas rotation. BUT, Halloween is still my fav time to be there so it's all a trade off.

I saw a turtle in Epcot once, but thats nowhere near as magical as a gator near the Magic Kingdom!

Blankets and tape. Hysterical

I agree, the castle with dream lights is unreal. I mean, its beautiful without them, but with them it blows me away every time. It's impossible to not stop and take a picture. Resistance is futile!!

Haha, actually a turtle is pretty cool too because I love turtles.

It was so comical to me that this is the extent they went to. Kind of makes me think they really weren't that concerned with prying eyes.

Absolutely unreal. I imagine there's quite a few collisions happening as it's virtually impossible not to stare at it while you're walking.

Yep, Elsa has hit Rhode Island hard, too. Who told her she could let it go?

Very sorry that the gator didn't start a rousing rendition of Zip A Dee Doo Dah. If only you had used FP+ earlier, you may have had a better chance

That sunset picture is absolutely stunning, Rob!

Do me a favor and watch this video. Don't mess with the toy soldier.

YEAH birthday visit with Ariel!

Disney chicken nuggets over EVERYTHING. Best nuggets in the world. I won't argue with you there.

I'm glad you were able to see It's a Small World, I'm sure you were devastated that it was being refurbished while you were there!

I love the Dream Lights SO MUCH. Your pictures are great!

So excited for Wishes O'Clock!!

I have to admit, she's been pretty active this year.

Ahh darn, that would have been wicked awesome!!! I still can't believe he didn't do at least a little something.

Thanks Courtney. Who knew so many would like that photo?

OMG... that video... is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It had to happen. Since Disney took Stacey away, I had to do something.

Nuggets Rule!!!

I am too, abut yes it was an absolute tragedy that Small World was closed. But it will play into someting a little later.

Aww thanks Courtney. It's hard to mess up a photo of those lights.

It's getting close... but will things go as planned???

You're nighttime photos of Magic Kingdom are great. While we were there the week before Christmas, I lucked out and got a night to myself sans wife and kids for extra magic hours in the Kingdom. It was great. As much as I love it with my wife and kids, it was nice to experience everything untethered. What a feeling! I rode Haunted Mansion twice, PoTC twice, and everything else at least once. I shut the place down at 1am. I was worn out, but I'll always remember my mini "solo" trip. Can't wait to read all of the upcoming reports. And someone definitely needs get Elsa some handwriting courses.

Thank you!! I'm so glad you got to enjoy the Kingdom in a different way. It's funny that I actually had the complete opposite experience as you. I spent EMH WITH someone and a kid, and it was one of my favorite times I've ever spent in Disney. But that story is still to come.
Hehe, yes, that was in honor of you. In fairness. that snow was hard to write in (I'm assuming).

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Funny, I got the cowboy sequence in December too! And it had been years since I'd seen it! I heard somewhere that 1 out of every 4 is the cowboys, so that's why you don't get it as often. I wonder why they do it that way. I've heard of a number of people who got it in December so maybe they were running it more often then?

How nice of them to give you the ToT picture! I actually know someone who was proposed to on the ride - I wonder if it's the same person that the CMs were talking about!

Nice Ariel meet and greet! I really like that Ariel - she's very pretty and looks very "Ariel-esque," if you know what I mean.

Love the castle lights! Seeing them for the first time last month was incredible, and I took an endless amount of pictures too

Did you really???? According to a CM that posted here recently, they only run it when it's busy, so the odds are much lower than the Gangster. I guess Disney must've thought it was busy enough to run it in December (later December there would be no doubt). But YAY for the Cowboy!

It really was Becky. So kind. OMG how amazing would that be if it was the person you know??? They never mentoned it happening more than once (though obviously they don't work all day every day, but still). I'd say there's definitely a possibility. I should have asked when it happened.

She was a cutie and yes, very Ariel-esque.

Oh God it's impossible not to. To see the castle like that, especially for folks like us who truly love and appreciate it anyway, is truly a magical experience.

Just joining in but I'm all caught up! Quite a fantastic birthday you had! I love that shirt! The castle looks amazing with those lights, I definitely need to go one of these Christmases soon! Can't wait to hear about Wishes!

Hi Grace, so glad you're here!!! There's nothing like a Disney birthday. And thank you so much on the shirt. It was a "must do". Yes, you need to go at Christmas. It is a whole other level of awesome.

Beautiful snow pics.
LOL about Elsa.
DHS. LOL
Oh my. Gator…..RUN!!!!!!
Nice they threw you a celebration when you entered the park. LOL
Nice pics with Ariel.
IASW looks so sad empty. I enjoy sitting by the window and seeing everyone go by.
Great pics of the Country Bears.
Great updates and pics.

Thanks Scott, Elsa is having a blast this year.

I was so fascinated by that Gator.

Wasn't it though? So sweet.

Aww thanks. She's definitely a favourite.

I actually do as well. It looked so barren.

Thanks, I love them and obviously Big Al!!!!!

Walking into Magic Kingdom at dusk... That is my absolute FAVORITE time in the MK. It's just magical and perfect and the feeling you get is like nothing else.

Sounds like you had a great visit with Ariel! I love how you always have signs to hold up!

It's a Small World looks creepy with no water and no one inside. Yikes!

It's amazing, it really is. Watching the park change over to nighttime mode really is a magical time. I feel sorry for those who don't "get it".

It was wonderful as it usually is. I really enjoy her area since they keep it pretty private. And THANK YOU!! I have a couple more to go.

Hehe, I find Small World creepy anyway... but maybe that's just me, lol.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

great update - I love how the Magic Kingdom is almost like a totally different place at night than in the day - at least when it comes to picture taking ... but even more than that, just has a different feel

I wonder if they drained IASW just so they could get to all the change that people toss in the water .... you know, to help pay for MyFastMagicPlusBands

your comment about the gator not doing a song or dance number made me think that a bunch of kids out there are now going to be upset when the snowman they build doesn't come to life and sing show tunes

 

[natebenma]

I would love to see a Disney crocodile or gator. I have a soft spot, especially for the croc in Peter Pan- that was one of Ben's first acting roles.

GORGEOUS sunset from the dock.

I also love the obligatory castle picture, especially since the colors of the castle match the colors of the sky.

The castle pictures at night are AWESOME!!! I know what you mean about having to take the pictures. The one time I was at the Poly beach waiting to watch the fireworks (Nightastic), I just could not stop snapping! Every minute or so, as the castle changed color, I would take another picture.

Love the pictures of It's a Small World! I think we all have a shameful Disney secret. Mine was sneaking into the Living Seas exit elevator so I could get to Sea Base Alpha without having to sit through the movie again.

 

[Tracy161]

Wow, Rob, what a fabulous way to spend your birthday! Yeah... I'm with you, hard to go even a few steps without taking pictures when the castle is right there begging for it! You sure did accomplish a lot on your birthday!

I'm with Brenda though on the Ariel thing... Glad she didn't get too jealous, what with your you-know-who t-shirt and all! Speaking of Brenda, I'd be happy to swap locations with her until about May, how about you?

 

[JulieODC]

Beautiful snow pics!!

That's crazy that you saw a gator in the parking lot!

That t-shirt is awesome! You must have gotten some fun comments on it!

We sat at the tables overlooking IASW in Nov...great seats. Interesting to see it without water.

 

[peachmermaid]

A real Florida gator?! Pleases tell me you at least walked a little bit faster! Walking into the magic kingdom really is magical & exciting every time, no matter how many times you have done it. It's a great feeling!

Great way to start of your visit! Good suggestion Brenda! Everyone needs a birthday hug from Ariel. What a cutie.

I haven't seen country bears since the refurb...I'd say it's high time. I love that show. It's corny, silly, funny & has animatronic bears! I know it's not everyone's thing but as we've said, it's widely enjoyed by grandpas so... we have a tradition to carry on!

Great castle pictures! Just when you think cinderella castle can't get any better, they put lights on it and make it even more magical. Sigh. I love disney.

 

[amazingact21]

I'm so disappointed that I never commented on your past TR before. Mainly because if I had I would have totally set up a DISmeet with you; I was in MK that evening, too, and had to have been in the line for Ariel about half an hour behind you. Ahh, well.


I think it's safe to say Small World looks even creepier closed down and empty. I know there's a scary scene in that indie film Escape From Tomorrow in there, and I can totally see why it would work.


You can never have too many castle pictures, especially when all the holiday decorations are lit. Plus, you never know if the ones you take will turn out, so you have to take multiple ones just to make sure. We all get it...

 

[TruLovesKiss]

Yessir, my very first wild Florida gator sighting ever, and it happened in the Magic Kingdom parking lot which makes him a Disney Gator.
So of course I took a seat as I assumed at some point he would begin to sing and dance and entertain like I’ve been promised by all Disney movies.

LOL


I just love all of the Christmas decoration in MK. So pretty! And the castle all lit up, WOW- it looks even more magical.

Aww, what a great Birthday meet & greet with Ariel. Ariel days are the BEST kind of days!

 

[Marsheliz]

OMGGGGGG!! Proposed to on TOT. SHUT UP!!! That is one of the coolest things I have ever heard!!

Love that Ariel wreath!!

The pics of MK with the fireworks at dusk are beautiful!! I hope to be there again one day during Christmas!!

 

[Nermel9]

Yay, the Magic Kingdom! I agree, walking in is one of the BEST things on Earth. It just is.

Aww, Ariel is so cute! I really want to meet her as a mermaid...(ok, I just want to meet her period, considering I haven't met her as a human either) but I'm so terrified of the princesses! It's like a weird phobia I have, I hate it!

OMG I miss the Castle and the Dream lights SOOOO much! I can't believe I'm probably not going for Christmas this year, so depressing! There's seriously nothing more beautiful than that Castle, all lit up for Christmas!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

great update - I love how the Magic Kingdom is almost like a totally different place at night than in the day - at least when it comes to picture taking ... but even more than that, just has a different feel

I wonder if they drained IASW just so they could get to all the change that people toss in the water .... you know, to help pay for MyFastMagicPlusBands

your comment about the gator not doing a song or dance number made me think that a bunch of kids out there are now going to be upset when the snowman they build doesn't come to life and sing show tunes

It really and truly is Phil. I love spending the whole day there and seeing the changeover. It's like two parks in one.

Hmmm, you never know. I do believe they give it to charity though. But I imagine keeping it is really really tempting.

Haha, true, but then, are you absolutely certain the snowman doesn't come to life?

I would love to see a Disney crocodile or gator. I have a soft spot, especially for the croc in Peter Pan- that was one of Ben's first acting roles.

GORGEOUS sunset from the dock.

I also love the obligatory castle picture, especially since the colors of the castle match the colors of the sky.

The castle pictures at night are AWESOME!!! I know what you mean about having to take the pictures. The one time I was at the Poly beach waiting to watch the fireworks (Nightastic), I just could not stop snapping! Every minute or so, as the castle changed color, I would take another picture.

Love the pictures of It's a Small World! I think we all have a shameful Disney secret. Mine was sneaking into the Living Seas exit elevator so I could get to Sea Base Alpha without having to sit through the movie again.

From what I understand, there are a lot out there. I remember a video on Youtube a few years back of one swimming around Splash Mountain.

Aww thanks Dee!!! Just perfect timing.

Ohh good catch... I mean totally planned it that way.

It's just not possible to take a million photos. I know, I've tried. What some people don't get is it's different when the colors change, or the angle changes. You never know what you might discover.

I swear I did not remove the covering, but there was no way I was passing up on a opportunity either, hehe. OMG, the Living Seas. Nostalgia!!!

Wow, Rob, what a fabulous way to spend your birthday! Yeah... I'm with you, hard to go even a few steps without taking pictures when the castle is right there begging for it! You sure did accomplish a lot on your birthday!

I'm with Brenda though on the Ariel thing... Glad she didn't get too jealous, what with your you-know-who t-shirt and all! Speaking of Brenda, I'd be happy to swap locations with her until about May, how about you?

There is no place I would rather be, that's for sure Tracy. It just felt right. Yeah, you can't NOT take pictures of that thing. You CAN'T! And yes, so far so good on the birthday. Gee, I hope I don't screw something up...

Thankfully Ariel was so focused on my sign that she didn't notice. It's tough juggling these two, lol. Yeah, I think I could handle sunny So Cal and minutes away from Disneyland right about now.

Beautiful snow pics!!

That's crazy that you saw a gator in the parking lot!

That t-shirt is awesome! You must have gotten some fun comments on it!

We sat at the tables overlooking IASW in Nov...great seats. Interesting to see it without water.

Thanks Julie.

I know!!! It was quite exciting though. If he hadn't been swimming at first, there's no way I would have noticed him.

That shirt was necessary. Sadly, there wasn't a lot of comments at all. A lot of people (CM's in particular) didn't know who Stacey is, which should be considered criminal behavior I think.

That's the one time I enjoy Small World; When I'm looking at it from overhead at lunch/dinner.

A real Florida gator?! Pleases tell me you at least walked a little bit faster! Walking into the magic kingdom really is magical & exciting every time, no matter how many times you have done it. It's a great feeling!

Great way to start of your visit! Good suggestion Brenda! Everyone needs a birthday hug from Ariel. What a cutie.

I haven't seen country bears since the refurb...I'd say it's high time. I love that show. It's corny, silly, funny & has animatronic bears! I know it's not everyone's thing but as we've said, it's widely enjoyed by grandpas so... we have a tradition to carry on!

Great castle pictures! Just when you think cinderella castle can't get any better, they put lights on it and make it even more magical. Sigh. I love disney.

Haha, nope, I went down to get a close look. It was just too cool. I love the whole walk into MK. Every single step.

Totally true, and she was a cutie for sure. Awesome suggestion indeed.

You know, I went through a period of skipping it, but now I have to do it. You never have to wait more than one show, and the show itself doesn't take up that much time. Plus it's one of the few unique attractions MK still has. I just love it. PLUS... BIG AL!!!!!

OMG Jennifer, how true is that? The castle never looks better than it does at Christmas.