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

[amazingact21]

Gym rat Peter... He definitely discovered protein shakes on Neverland.


I had Piglet creep up behind me in Crystal Palace one time, and even though I love that character, it can freak you out. So I totally get why that woman screamed at Tigger.


I can understand wanting to see the parade just to view it one more time before it goes away. I've seen previews of the new floats, and I cannot wait for it.


Talking Mickey....how great that you were able to see him on Walt's birthday. A very special day. (And a day after your big day!)

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

LOL that is the Pan that we saw back in September. I thought the same thing back then too He was a really good Peter though. Him and Wendy spent like 10 mins with my DS(I was one of those people)

The talking Mickey What a great Birthday gift. We were lucky enough to meet him in September also(We had some photo problems and they did a special meet and greet to make up for the problems. I love that Disney will go above and beyond to fix something) Anyway. It was our DS first trip to DS so that made it a million times more special. When we walked in I just started crying. It was so magical I can't even try to explain it. I just took in those few minutes and will treasure them always.

I am sure you feel the same expecially being on your Birthday! Very special for you

Another wonderful update Rob!

 

[Marsheliz]

Awww- I have never met Wendy and Peter Pan. This needs to change. That Peter definitely looks like he has been pushing some weight. LOL.

So happy you had such a magical birthday!!

Talking Mickey sounds awesome!!

 

[huggiebear23]

Seriously the FUNNIEST Trip Report EVER!! Can't wait for more!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That is an adorable picture of you when you were a little boy. What a great flashback! That retro Mickey is just too cool.

I think I would die and go to heaven, too, if Mickey talked to me!

Love the parade pics!

Was all of Disneyland really built in a year? So was the Ponce de Leon hotel in Saint Augustine and that building is crazy amazing.

Come on Disney - get that mine train done!

Aww thanks Mary Ellen. I love looking at all the old school photos. I really reminds me how much this place has meant to me growing up.

I DID!!!! It was a moment in time I will never forget. My God it was amazing.

THANK YOU!!!

Indeed it was. In fact, it was one year to the day, which just makes it even cooler!!!

I do know though that the Mine Train isn't the result of bad work ethic, but Corp Disney spreading out the cost fiscally (yeah that stuff just irritates me). I have no doubt it will be AMAZING and NFL will REALLY shine then, but the perception that Disney's giving off, especially with that other building project down the I-4, it's just not a good perception to give.

Walt's birthday is shaping up very nicely! They should have dedicated the parade to him. At least Mickey knew the significance of the day and yes, that is a truly memorable photo with your sign.

That Tigger is a rascal! They have to keep an eye on him. I wouldn't mind being stalked by him though.

Ariel has another new dress? Is that her winter edition? Lovely nonetheless. They made all the princesses walk? Maybe I'm not remembering the correct parade but aren't they supposed to be on a float?

Glad that you have the money shot from your Mickey interaction!

It sure is Brenda, and it's about to get even better You're right, they SHOULD have!!! Oh my yes he did. Just one of my fav moments ever.

Haha, he sure is. Always! I really have never had a bad greet with him, and he never lets up until he's backstage. And maybe not even then.

It was really pretty (but it's Ariel, I mean, Come On). I'm not big on the Puffy shoulders, but it's stll Ariel, so...
It was SO WEIRD when they all came walking. I was not expecting that. YES, their float is usually the MASSIVE castle float. My guess is it was either not working or being used for something else like the Xmas parade taping. I'm pretty sure I saw it in the MVMCP parade and there was a party that night.

Aww thanks Brenda! Me too.

Gym rat Peter... He definitely discovered protein shakes on Neverland.

I had Piglet creep up behind me in Crystal Palace one time, and even though I love that character, it can freak you out. So I totally get why that woman screamed at Tigger.

I can understand wanting to see the parade just to view it one more time before it goes away. I've seen previews of the new floats, and I cannot wait for it.

Talking Mickey....how great that you were able to see him on Walt's birthday. A very special day. (And a day after your big day!)

Bahaha, he sure did Alicia.

Oh man, it just entertains me so. But just to be clear, I don't generally revel in other people's misforture, but this was HYSTERICAL!!

And that is really the only reason I did. But... OH MY GOD!!!!! The new floats and costumes look amazing and just flat out fun, if a bit odd. But I like odd, so it's all good! I'm really excited for it now.

Oh yeah it was so wonderful. Even better than actually meeting him on my own birthday was meeting him on Walt's. Such a great and memorable moment.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

LOL that is the Pan that we saw back in September. I thought the same thing back then too He was a really good Peter though. Him and Wendy spent like 10 mins with my DS(I was one of those people)

The talking Mickey What a great Birthday gift. We were lucky enough to meet him in September also(We had some photo problems and they did a special meet and greet to make up for the problems. I love that Disney will go above and beyond to fix something) Anyway. It was our DS first trip to DS so that made it a million times more special. When we walked in I just started crying. It was so magical I can't even try to explain it. I just took in those few minutes and will treasure them always.

I am sure you feel the same expecially being on your Birthday! Very special for you

Another wonderful update Rob!

Oh absolutely. He is absolutely fantastic. Just not exactly what you normally picture. But despite that, terrific.

Oh that's so great. My only (kinda) regret was that I didn't film it, but it was just too hard being just me. Regardless, the memory is firmly planted in my mind, so all is well.

Aww thank you!!!!

Awww- I have never met Wendy and Peter Pan. This needs to change. That Peter definitely looks like he has been pushing some weight. LOL.

So happy you had such a magical birthday!!

Talking Mickey sounds awesome!!

This was my first time too Marcie. Honestly there are still loads of characters I haven't met yet. All the more reason to back though, right??

Aww thank you!!!

He is just... Amazing.

Seriously the FUNNIEST Trip Report EVER!! Can't wait for more!!

WOW, Thank you ever so much Kristina. WELCOME and I am so very delighted you are enjoying!!!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi Rob! I'm sorry it took me so long to catch up! (Again... gosh this is getting to be a habit! Where did my free time go? I remember having some once upon a time!)
Hmm... and here I thought I was the "pretty Wendy"
Wow! The muscles on Peter! Maybe he noticed his Wendy flirting with all the guests and got a little proactive about keeping his woman, kwim?
Jokes aside, Wendy and Peter are definitely on my bucket list. I've yet to meet them! Wendy and John meet Peter... now I just need a Michael!
I don't know that I've ever seen that parade all the way through. I'm not a particularly big fan either. I'm excited for the Festival of Fantasy, but I did see a preview of the Brave costumes that I hated. Everything else looks really, really cool!
Your story about your Talking Mickey interaction is so incredible! I didn't get to meet him last time, and I meant to. The pic with Mickey pointing at the HBD Walt sign? Yep, my eyes misted up a little. I bet Walt would love it.

 

[marDgreen88]

Ahhhh, Walt's birthday! That's amazing. A lot of the CMs didn't know it was his birthday though? Wow...

You saw Barbara! She's just perfect. I want to meet her. I love the pic of Dan, Dan, you, Dan and Dan! I smell a brand new musical act...

Talking Mickey on Walt's birthday. GAAAAAAH. That's the only word and/or sound I could think of... but that's seriously amazing!

 

[USAFdad]

HAHAHA That Peter Pan needs to settle down with the weights.... I mean if he really wants to look like Peter.

We know how you feel about Minnie taking a shine to you. We had one of the people on a float take a huge shine to Landon.

It's pretty awesome you got to see talking Mickey on Walts Birthday.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hi Rob! I'm sorry it took me so long to catch up! (Again... gosh this is getting to be a habit! Where did my free time go? I remember having some once upon a time!)
Hmm... and here I thought I was the "pretty Wendy"
Wow! The muscles on Peter! Maybe he noticed his Wendy flirting with all the guests and got a little proactive about keeping his woman, kwim?
Jokes aside, Wendy and Peter are definitely on my bucket list. I've yet to meet them! Wendy and John meet Peter... now I just need a Michael!
I don't know that I've ever seen that parade all the way through. I'm not a particularly big fan either. I'm excited for the Festival of Fantasy, but I did see a preview of the Brave costumes that I hated. Everything else looks really, really cool!
Your story about your Talking Mickey interaction is so incredible! I didn't get to meet him last time, and I meant to. The pic with Mickey pointing at the HBD Walt sign? Yep, my eyes misted up a little. I bet Walt would love it.

Hi Wendy!! I suspect with the big move, free time is a luxury.

You know what??? I was thinking that exact thing when I was writing that. No lie.

Well now that is a pretty good theory. I certainly wasn't messing with him.

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH, now how cool would that be??? I'm sure there has a to be a Michael available.

Honestly, I think I saw this parade once before. Just no interest at all. But the new one... OMG I'm loving what I'm seeing. The costumes look incredibly fun and colourful and very Move It Shake It like. I HATED the costumes in this current parade so much. I actually can't wait to see the new one.

Oh Wendy it was such a joyous moment to be sure. It felt like I'd been building to that my whole life, which is kinda true. To have it happen on Walt's birthday was just the icing, the cherry, everything on top.

Ahhhh, Walt's birthday! That's amazing. A lot of the CMs didn't know it was his birthday though? Wow...

You saw Barbara! She's just perfect. I want to meet her. I love the pic of Dan, Dan, you, Dan and Dan! I smell a brand new musical act...

Talking Mickey on Walt's birthday. GAAAAAAH. That's the only word and/or sound I could think of... but that's seriously amazing!

OMG Marissa, I really was surprised. I don't know why I was expecting so much, but I just was.

I sure did, and she is incredible, just a ball of energy and attitude. I may have even met her... I think this was my first photo with the Dan's ever. What a perfect day for it.

GAHHHHHHHH is right. Perfect is what it was. Just... perfect.

HAHAHA That Peter Pan needs to settle down with the weights.... I mean if he really wants to look like Peter.

We know how you feel about Minnie taking a shine to you. We had one of the people on a float take a huge shine to Landon.

It's pretty awesome you got to see talking Mickey on Walts Birthday.

HA totally Alex. That is one ripped Pan Man.

Oh my, there's just something so cool about getting attention like that from characters/people on the floats. Given that there's so many people on the streets, to be singled out like that just feels so very special.

It really was perfection. I mean, meeting Talking Mickey is amazing anyway, but on Walt's birthday just made it so much more. I can only imagine how Walt would have felt to see his creation and how far he's come.

 

[scottny]

I had the cinnamon roll at both and thought they were the same and both versions are huge.
A 60 minute wait? LOL.
Great parade pics.
Glad you knew their names were Dan. LOL.
Love the character pics and castle shots.
ROTF Gym rat Peter. He certainly was. LOL about the bench pressing.
Nice parade pics.
Nice you met talking Mickey. We did not see him.
I am caught up again. Great updates and pics.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I had the cinnamon roll at both and thought they were the same and both versions are huge.
A 60 minute wait? LOL.
Great parade pics.
Glad you knew their names were Dan. LOL.
Love the character pics and castle shots.
ROTF Gym rat Peter. He certainly was. LOL about the bench pressing.
Nice parade pics.
Nice you met talking Mickey. We did not see him.
I am caught up again. Great updates and pics.

Awesome. At least now I can put that to bed that they are the same!
Haha, can you imagine???
Thanks!!
Nah, it was a just a lucky guess.
Thank You
A little odd for a "boy", but other than that he was great.
Thanks again!
I was so over the moon Scott, you have no idea.
YAY!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"ALL OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE
IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM"
Day 3 – December 5, 2013 Part 4



I drove over to DHS for the next part of my day. I’d had a Fastpass for Rock n Roller Coaster, but it was past the time.
I was unconcerned though as I still had a Tower Fastpass to use, so that is where I went.

However, once again, my Fastpass did not work; But also once again, the CM overrode and sent me on through.

My main purpose for visiting the Studios on this day was the one and only Fantasmic, for which I had an utterly useless Fastpass.
At one time, Fantasmic Fastpass had a reserved section much like the reserved section for the Fantasmic Dining Package.

No longer.

From what I’d been reading, the only difference between standby and Fastpass was the actual path you walked up.
Oh, and it did guarantee you entry, just not necessarily a prime viewing location.
Despite that, I kept the FP I’d booked months ago just in case something changed, and if not, I wanted to see what it actually was first hand,
I went to the nearby FP+ kiosk located at the Tower FP distribution and asked the CM there to check my Fastpasses for me.
He scanned with his iPad, and it showed that all the FP’s were there and operational.

Not really satisfied given the fact that they still never seemed to work,
I really didn’t want to walk all the way up to the theatre only to have the scanner deny me entry.
He told me that if that should happen, there would be another CM like himself with the same type of scanner who could prove my FP existence.
That I could live with.

It was just a little after 5 o’clock, and the standby line for the 6:30 Fantasmic show was already being let into the theatre.
So rather than wait for my FP return time of 5:55 – 6:15 and ending up with a seat somewhere in Epcot, I decided to go in now.
I figured since I was planning to eat anyway, I may just as well get something to carry in with me and just eat at my seat.
So I went over to "Rosie's All American Cafe" and ordered my fav chicken nugs and fries.

The young lady working was so incredibly sweet (I suspect a DCP) and, of course, wished me a Happy Birthday.
I confessed to her that “technically” my birthday was the day before, but she was unconcerned about such trivial details.
I then inquired if she knew who’s birthday it actually WAS today, given the ridiculous ignorance I had experienced earlier.
She, however, had NO problem answering, with much enthusiasm I should add, and then asked if I had done anything to celebrate.
“Why YES”, I responded and I explained my sign and the photos I had gotten throughout the day.

Her eyes opened WIDE as she proclaimed her immense love for the gesture, and if I, by some chance, happened to have the sign with me.
Of course I did, and I explained that there really wasn’t much to it, but she didn’t want to hear any of that.
She wanted to SEE the sign… And she was VERY EXCITED.

I pulled out the now pretty mangled sign I had been carrying around throughout the day, and the look on her face was truly touching.
It really made me joyous inside to see the reaction of this young CM, so happy to see someone do something to acknowledge this momentous day,
And in the process, totally redeeming the other CM’s I’d encountered throughout the day.
It just seemed to mean such a great deal to her and by extension to me as well; THIS, my friends, is why I love CM’s.

But she was not finished with me just yet, as she told me not to dare move and then disappeared for a few moments.
I could hear her clanging around… “Nope… Nope not that… AHHHH… PERFECT!!”
She returned with a huge smile…A twinkle in her eye… And then she handed me a…

GIANT CHRISTMAS THEMED GINGERBREAD CUPCAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING, RED AND GREEN SPRINKLES, AND SANTA HAT!!!!

I am very aware that these things happen every day, many times over, but it had never happened to me.
Probably the most surprising thing of all is that I never got a photo with her, which is just odd for me.
I thanked her profusely and she just simply told me to have a happy birthday and then thanked ME for celebrating Walt’s birthday.
To say I was touched would be a massive understatement and I sincerely hope she knew how very much it meant to me.

I was overjoyed at this point before realizing that I now had to carry all this into the theatre, and I also had a drink as well.

#Disneyproblems yo.

I did a magical balancing act and went on my way into the so called Fastpass line and on up the hill.
I got to the top and a wonderful CM noticed my dilemma of balancing food and scanning a Magic Band.
So to help, he slipped the band off my wrist and went up to the FP scanner for me…and it turned… Blue…. Again.
As promised though, there was a CM with iPad in hand who moved in quickly and she confirmed my FP worthiness, so I was allowed access.
Both of these CM’s were absolutely fabulous and also jokingly stated that they would be joining me for the show to share my cupcake.
I, not joking, told them they were more than welcome.

There was only one direction I could go as much of the right side of the theatre was roped off and appeared to be where the standby line was coming into.
The middle section was completely dominated by Fantasmic Dining Package holders.
So I continued walking until I arrived to a section that I was allowed to enter.
Had I not been carrying food, I may have worked a bit harder, but I just wanted to sit,
So I continued down until I was in an almost vacant second row, which afforded me plenty of room to lay out my feast.
I sat and finally enjoyed my meal and let me tell you, that cupcake was OUTSTANDING.!!!

I even made it through the lame “pre-show” without regurgitating said meal, so I counted that as a win.
Yeah, I am not a fan of the pre-show.

Eventually… the Main Event began.

As always the show was pure awesomeness, excitement, and filled me with emotional bliss,
But I do not under any circumstances recommend second row as the spray from the mist screens can be pretty unbearable at times.
Surprisingly, I have sat that close before without issue, so it really appears to be a crap shoot.

Before leaving, I collected my refuse to put in the garbage, and then was on my way.
I noticed the CM’s collecting the garbage that was left behind and one young lady asked if I would like her to take the garbage I was carrying…

… in her very apparent AUSTRALIAN accent.

I’m telling you… they ARE taking over.

I left the theatre (eventually) and arrived back out front.

I had plans to get over to Epcot, but I though at the time that I wouldn’t mind seeing the Osborne lights beforehand.
I hadn’t seen them in four years, so I was anxious to do so.
A lot has changed in four years though, as they now had areas completely blocked off for crowd control purposes,
So there is only one way in and one way out of the Streets of America.

By the time I reached here (along with the rest of the Fantasmic crowd)…

And realizing this massive crowd was not moving AT ALL, I decided to save the lights for another night, and I made my way to the exit.
I had somewhere VERY EXCITING and VERY IMPORTANT to get to, but these were plans made a while ago...

Would everything possibly still fall into place?



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[courtneybelle]

what a Tower ride photo. So many great things going on.

Okay, totally choked up at that CM story!!! My friend says they encourage giving out free food at DHS and I think that's the best thing ever. It's clear that that CM is a huge Disney fan and that is the best kind of CM. Plus, that is one heck of a cupcake. It looks so good!

We got hit pretty badly with the mist at Fantasmic this trip as well. No bueno.

 

[teekathepony]

That is one epic ToT ride photo. Between your sign and the other guests' reactions... awesome!
LOL Those Famtasmic fastpasses sound awfully useful!
What a sweet story about the CM who actually knew about Walt's birthday. You deserved that cupcake for your sign and dedication all day! I love that she appreciated what you were doing. I think it was fantastic.
Glad that even though your MB never worked the CMs were really quick to make it right.
Johnny and I sat fairly close one time and got soaked, it was not pleasant.
Yikes!! That's quite a crowd at the Osborne lights! I'd cut my losses too and go back another day.

 

[MEK]

That is a great ToT picture!

And your very special birthday cupcake is beyond awesome! I think I cried a little bit with your CM story. What a great way to end the day.

Can't believe your MB still didn't work. What the heck?

I miss F! and now I really want to see it. Like right now!!!!!

 

[thornton0511]

Yay an update

That is something else that you had such a time with your MB.....sheesh. No green Mickey's for Rob lol.

"So rather than wait for my FP return time of 5:55 – 6:15 and ending up with a seat somewhere in Epcot, I decided to go in now." Ha love your sarcasm!

Fantasmic FP+...oh boy Rob are you going to love when I get to this part of my story.....suspenseful I know. I had wondered about taking (and carrying) food into the theatre glad to see you post about this

I cannot believe you sat, on what, row 2? Did I read that right? Did you not get sprayed on the entire time?

We had the same experience with the Osbourne Lights both nights we went to see them. Tons of people. Having to walk all the way down past Muppet Vision (which I guess directing people traffic makes sense and is needed). And getting held up without movement at the "entrance". It seemed to me that they would hold people there when the lights starting doing their synchronized dancing and then start letting them in when the show stopped.

Can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great ToT ride photo! And great CM interaction story - so awesome that she totally got it with Walt's birthday and what it meant to you.

I do think they need to go back to having FP seating at Fantasmic! Glad you enjoyed the show despite the mist

 

[shan23877]

Great ToT photo!

What amazing CMs you had the pleasure of finding! They are really what makes WDW so magical. I loved your stories.

 

[emmysmommy]

It looks like you lost a few people in that ToT elevator. It's not a full house.
Nice job fully displaying the sign.

I want to hug that CM for you!! How awesome that you were treated to that glorious Christmas cupcake! It sounds like that wonderful CM was delighted that you recognized Walt's b-day.

It has been years since I've seen Fantasmic (seen it at DL many times) but the entire seating thing makes me want to spend my time elsewhere than in a line. But then again, I don't have a problem waiting in line an hour to see Elsa and Anna for a 4 minute interaction so go figure.

Those Osborne Lights. Oh my! I now know what all the hype is about. Makes me want to book an annual Rob's birthday at WDW trip!