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

[DisneyKid4Life]

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...

Oh My God no way!!! That would have been super sweet. I would have loved to see Landen too. I certainly would have loved to add another DISmeet to the agenda. Some day though.

And that is seriously saying something. It was creepy.

For sure. That's the beauty of digital photography. You can take as many photos as you want (or at least pretty near). And that was really my motivation there too. "Surely at least one of these will turn out."

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!

I still can't believe there was no entertainment provided. I guess that's why Walt invented animatronics.

It's so very lovely to see the Kingdom transformed like that. And the castle... it needs to be seen to be believed.

She was precious too. Ariel days ARE the best.

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!!

I KNOW!!!!! How awesome would that be????

Isn't it cute. Just perfect.

Thanks Marcie. It's an amazing time to be there, that's for sure. I'm still hoping for a Hallloween trip for this year though.

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!

It so is Jen, and I just had to save the best for last.

She was adorable. So funny, because one of my goals in life was to meet her as a mermaid. In October 2012 I was there for the very first "dress rehearsal" of New Fantasyland (think I didn't go cra-cra over that?). I knew she would be meeting eventually, but for some reason I didn't know she was there that day. I found out after I got home. I had even ridden Journey RIGHT NEXT DOOR!!!! But FINALLY last April I met the mermaid. Now it's just necessary.

Oh God they are so amazing and mesmerizing. I don't think I'll be there for Christmas this year either since my heart is set on Halloween.

 

[marDgreen88]

YAY birthday at Disney! What a dream come true.

Of COURSE you'd go to your EE marathon first thing! Perfect. I wish I could stomach 8 rides in a row! So far my record is 4.

WHAT is that mountain of sugar you got from Pop? I've never seen such a thing!

Crying during the One Man's Dream movie is an essential part of viewing.

Compared to me, you are a TSMM champion.

So much Ariel today!! I approve.

The castle dream lights never, ever get old.

 

[USAFdad]

I’m joining in. I know exactly how you feel about the Tie-Dye cheesecake… It’s one of my favorites and I was extremely disappointed with the new cup form. I think I need to write a letter about it. Beside the point though. I have been informed that your TR is worth the read and I must say so far I am not dissapointed.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

YAY birthday at Disney! What a dream come true.

Of COURSE you'd go to your EE marathon first thing! Perfect. I wish I could stomach 8 rides in a row! So far my record is 4.

WHAT is that mountain of sugar you got from Pop? I've never seen such a thing!

Crying during the One Man's Dream movie is an essential part of viewing.

Compared to me, you are a TSMM champion.

So much Ariel today!! I approve.

The castle dream lights never, ever get old.

It really was a dream come true too Marissa. No better place to be for sure.

It just felt right, and having EMH just made it necessary. After the 8th I was definitely feeling it, but lack of food certainly didn't help things.

OMG I know!!!! The bun was completely covered. It was hysterical.

Oh good, because I definitely did that.

Haha, I just so badly want to break 200K. SO. BAD.

Oh yes, a lot of Ariel, and a little more to come too.

Never. Ever. I hadn't seen them in 4 years, and no matter how many pictures you look at it just does not do it justice. It needs to be seen, and felt, in person.

I’m joining in. I know exactly how you feel about the Tie-Dye cheesecake… It’s one of my favorites and I was extremely disappointed with the new cup form. I think I need to write a letter about it. Beside the point though. I have been informed that your TR is worth the read and I must say so far I am not dissapointed.

Hi Alex, I'm so very happy to welcome you. Please thank Alicia (I'll assume this info came from her) for the referral. So glad it's lived up to the hype so far, lol.

My God that cheesecake. Just a sad sad state of affairs there. Please do write a letter. Perhaps we can get a petition together.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO WISH UPON A STAR"
Day 2 – December 4, 2013 Part 5



I had captured a sufficient amount of glistening castle photos… for now.
I ended up near New Fantasyland, so I decided to complete the Ariel tri-fecta, having already watched Voyage and met the Princess herself.
So off to Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid since a “Journey” and a “Voyage” are apparently very different things.

Maybe it’s just me, but during this next scene, I tend to hear John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” for some reason.
Go to a Paul McCartney concert and you’ll see why. Better yet, just GO to a Paul McCartney concert.

"All we are saying... Is give peace a chance."

Despite it not being ground breaking; it is still a lovely ride, and the Ursella animatronic is unbelievable.
I think Walt would be proud.

Incidentally, I just saw "Saving Mr. Banks", and while I obviously loved it, I found I had a hard time concentrating.
Just seeing all the Disney stuff kept taking my focus away from the story a little bit.
I had the same issue watching the Disneyland episode of Modern Family (which I saw the taping of incidentally).

To see Walt come to life (via the greatest actor of this generation Tom Hanks) was mesmerizing.
And I teared up every single time he said a sentence and added, "...and things." Too much love!!

I still had a little bit of time before Wishes O'Clock,

So I figured a ride on the Peoplemover would be a perfect way to pass the time, as it usually is.
Plus, I also figured the timing would have me riding as The Main Street Electrical Parade was making its way down Main Street.

And I made sure to get a photo of all the other riders too.

Yeah… none… which actually was NOT a good sign.

My timing for MSEP was right on; My photography skills were not, so the photos were absolutely unusable.
It was still cool to see a bit of the parade from that vantage point regardless, despite the fact that you don’t see it for long.
I did notice something else though, and that was a Main Street completely crammed with people.
It was at this point that I realized I had made a HUGE error.
I absolutely should have been on or near Main Street well before this point… but I wasn’t.
And I quickly realized that getting to Main Street was now nearly impossible and I really wished I had Utilidor access at this point.

I walked over the Tomorrowland bridge only to hit a wall… of people, so I ran around near the Tomorrowland Terrace and… another wall.
I'm pretty sure I saw some ants turning around and giving up trying to get through there.
I had completely forgotten the impact Magic Kingdom parties have on non party nights, and I was paying that price.

Wishes O’Clock was getting perilously close, and in my mind the only way to properly experience it on my birthday was in the middle of Main Street.
Stupidly, I thought that I could somehow try to get in on the other side, so I ran all the way around the back of the castle and into Adventureland.
I guess I was a member of runDisney after all. I want my medal!!!
However, the CM’s were directing everyone towards Crystal Palace… and that was at a snail’s pace.
Actually, the snails were passing us.
Panic stricken, I FINALLY ducked into Casey’s and made my way into the Emporium.
Sadly, there was that ever present wall of people at every exit. Main Street was PACKED!

Suddenly... my worst fear became reality as the clock struck Wishes O'Clock, and my heart sank.
I was devastated.
The one true goal I had for today, the one true must do, was fading away, and I was so upset with myself for letting this happen.
Eventually, I did make it onto the sidewalk where I could catch a bit of the show, but it just wasn’t the same.

The moment was lost.

My heart was broken and I honestly had tears in my eyes; not from the magic and perfection that this show brings,
But from the knowledge that this dream was completely shattered.

For anyone new to my Trip Reports, or anyone wanting to relive the power that is Wishes, I invite you to read this from my April trip.
I think it explains what this show means to me, and why I was so emotionally destroyed by this chain of events.

Day 4 - April 30, 2013 Part 5 - TR TITLE REVEAL

When the show ended, I sadly made my way out of the park, but I also vowed that I would not let this moment dictate the rest of this trip.
I still had more opportunities to see Wishes, and I knew I would not make the same mistake twice.

Not surprisingly, there was a long wait to board the monorail, but it did move fairly quickly and eventually I was back at POP.
I filled up my mug and picked up a Christmas treat at the food court,

And was also welcomed back to my room by this little guy.

Overall, I was still overjoyed with my Disney Birthday, despite how it ended up with Wishes.
I just spent my birthday in my favorite place in the world; I had my very first DISmeet;

And... knowing what I know now... after the trip is all said and done,
I would EASILY trade watching Wishes on my birthday for the incredible moments and new friends that are yet to come.
Absolutely no contest.
They are moments and experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.

Tomorrow was a new day with the promise of new adventures…

…And a DISmeet I had been anxiously and excitedly anticipating for months.

And oh yeah… there was also this....

Not a bad end to my birthday afterall.



UP NEXT… "ALL OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM"
​

 

[cruisingteacher]

another riveting update!

Your writing is excellent at drawing the reader in and allowing them to experience your emotions at the time.... (English teacher moment)

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Aw, I am sorry about the Wishes blooper there. I'm glad you didn't let it spoil your birthday glow of happiness!

Looking forward to reading the rest. We are heading down to WDW in two weeks, can't wait (the weather here is AWFUL!).

TP

 

[leopardmickeyears]

YOU SAW THE MODERN FAMILY TAPING?!?!

I'm surprised you haven't 'borrowed' that "Preparing for Wishes" sign

Omg look at that empty Fantasyland ft. Castle with dream lights on it

ERROR ERROR
There was NO way to get through said walls of people? -_- But it's like what if you were trying to leave? (and then go to the train station to watch Wishes)

 

[joleen76]

Great update Rob!

Sorry for the Wishes let down....I am sure you will catch an awesome viewing during your visit.

Highlight!!! Stacey was back.

We always plan a day that we are lined up in plenty of time and watch Wishes, but on our other day(s) in MK we watch from where ever we are in the park.

Glad you got to spend your birthday in the parks. What an awesome way to celebrate!

 

[JessM]

Rob I'm so sorry you missed getting a good vantage point for Wishes on your birthday but I'm glad the rest of the trip made up for it! Main street gets so crazy on non party nights, its unreal.

Nice pictures of the Little Mermaid ride, I agree its a cute little ride!

 

[shan23877]

I feel like maybe they're performing "Live and Let Die"... Love the idea that they're in a Sir Paul concert anyway though.

Sorry about the Wishes bummer. If we ever run into each other at WDW I'll give you some tips for squeezing through people walls. I would have gotten you in there!

Stacey was back???? Well, that's not a bad way to end the day at all is it? So glad to hear it.

 

[__disneygirl]

Oh yes I remember what Magic Kingdom was like on non-Christmas party nights. I can just imagine it! I'm sorry you didn't get your birthday wish but it's nice to hear the rest of the trip was so great.

I just love that you took so many photos of Stacey

 

[DisKH]

I could feel your despair while I was reading! But hey, at least you spent your birthday in disney and ended it with Stacey! Dreams come true hahaha

 

[JulieODC]

I'm so sorry about Wishes. We had a similar thing happen with the light parade on our last trip --- I was so, so sad that we missed 75% of it.

 

[leftaslide]

Bummer about Wishes, man. So sorry to hear that. I hope the trip recovers....at least Stacey was back on.

 

[katt789]

Great updates! Love the shots from around the parks, so awesome!

I do enjoy the LM ride, even if people think it's "not enough" i think it's awesome, and hey, we still get that mine coaster coming up!!

Here I am seeing those modern family photos and being all "I WAS THERE TOOOOOO" and then I'm all "oh yeah….we already covered that" I never actually saw them out filming though!

BOOURNS to a crappy wishes experience on night 1, at least it was night 1, and you still had more chances to see them if you wanted! We didn't really get a good spot for wishes our night either, those darn crowds are just too much! Bring me back to Sept!!

YAY STACY!! See! She knew how to make you feel better!! True love!! å

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Finally caught up...

I was enjoying my movie based journey when something unexplainable and frankly just plain weird happened…

I GOT THE COWBOY SEQUENCE!!!!!!!

I have this problem with Star Tours, I've been on it about a dozen times and have been to the Wookie planet every time, I've seen multiple openings and endings but am starting to think the Wookie planet is the only middle scene.

So I figured a ride on the Peoplemover would be a perfect way to pass the time, as it usually is.

I love the people mover, nothing better for sore tired feet than a nice relaxing ride with a great view.

I did notice something else though, and that was a Main Street completely crammed with people.
It was at this point that I realized I had made a HUGE error.
I absolutely should have been on or near Main Street well before this point… but I wasn’t.

Suddenly... my worst fear became reality as the clock struck Wishes O'Clock, and my heart sank.
I was devastated.
The one true goal I had for today, the one true must do, was fading away, and I was so upset with myself for letting this happen.
Eventually, I did make it onto the sidewalk where I could catch a bit of the show, but it just wasn’t the same.

I hate that feeling when you realize you aren't going to get a good spot. I recently saw World of Color at DCA for the first time and even with a FP I ended up behind a tall couple, I spent the whole show bobbing back and forth trying to see around their heads, very disappointing.

At least you kept a positive attitude and got some Stacy TV to finish your B-day. I spent my b-day week in WDW also and totally agree that it's the best possible way to celebrate.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Aw Rob, sorry your birthday Wishes experience didn't work out exactly as you planned but super glad the rest of your trip more than made up for it.

And glad that Stacy was back so your birthday had a happy ending .... wait, that didn't come out right

 

[PopArtGal]

I wanna be the next Stacy. lol