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

[DisneyKid4Life]

What a fun filled day! I'm completely enjoying your intermission!

Thank you Brenda, it was a wonderful day. And not quite over yet...

Beautiful ferris wheel pics, Rob! Such a great view of the falls.

EWWWWWWW BUG CANDY

Hey, when you're with great people, Target is just like Disney! Well, almost.

Thanks Courtney, it really is quite the sight. But I got a much better look the next day.

Seriously!!! Who comes up with this stuff, and worse yet... who buys this stuff??? Ewwww indeed.

Honestly, I had a great time at Target.

I think I am behind a couple updates, but really enjoyed this one. The views from that sky wheel (or whatever its called) are simply amazing. I just got a new passport so I might have to make my way up there. WOW! It looks a little scary, but well with the views.

It looks like you and the girls are having such a great time. what fun!

Now let me get caught up again!

That's ok Mary Ellen, I'm just kinda blasting through them. I turns out I had more content that I expected, lol. Those vews really are fantastic, but I will have better to come. You have to go see it. The whole area is so much fun.

It was a great day!!! I loved every second (until goodbye of course).

Okey doke!

Love the Falls. We live about 20 minutes from them on the US side but the Canadian side has better views and stuff to do.
I also love Target....

That does seem to be the case. I've heard the US side is more relaxed and the Canadian side more touristy. It is fun though.
Haha, Target hasn't done quite as well in Canada as expected sadly. Walmart still reigns supreme.

The view from atop the wheel is awesome! Good of ya'll not to rock...way to go Carrie for doing it.

Hole in one for you two. Yeah!

That candy looks disgusting!

It's fantastic!!!! And going around 5 times really helped. Carrie did great especially considering she doesn't like heights.

It seemed fitting I think. Not that we let it go to our heads.

Right??!!! They had loads of this stuff. I guess not surprising since nobody was buying it, lol.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

What a fun day you had! The view of the falls from the big Ferris wheel is amazing! We have one of those here in Chicago at Navy Pier, but it only goes around once.

The Niagara Falls area has changed a lot since we were there in 1990. With all those expensive souvenir stores and other places to spend money, a vacation at WDW might seem like a bargain. I can see why you went to Target for the .30 specials.

It was so wonderful Sue. The view up there really is stunning, and I was so glad it was included in the Fun Pass we bought. Overall a great deal. Haha, I bet Carrie wishes it had only gone once.

Honestly, that's probably not that far from the truth. There is so much to do, but it really does put the Disney price into perspective considering all you get for the price. Still, you can have a great time just walking around the Falls area without spending too much money.

The Skywheel looks pretty awesome!

And EWWW on the bud candy! They have some of that at Universal when you come off the Mummy ride. My cousin bought them last time we were there and I never could get the courage to try them.. so gross!

It is quite the thing. I kind of wish it was a little closer to the falls, but still a great view.

So strange. I did not know they had that after the Mummy ride, but then I'm usually racing around to ride again, lol. I don't think I have any desire to try it.

what a great view from the Niagra Wheel - can definitely get a sense for how broad the falls are

Wow, an official flag, and now an official sign! At this point I think all you are missing now is some dissenting group to complain about the governmental leadership

Bummer about not seeing Riley the next day - but sounds like for a good reason - and at least it wasn't the last time you would see her that trip

I know, it's fantastic Phil. They have an observation tower too, but I never made it to that.

Hehe, I can see it now... No one will be talking about will Quebec stay or Go... It'll be will Canadia stay or go.

Yeah, it was a bummer, but it still ended up beng a fantastic day. And I still had two more fullish days to spend with her.

Wow, what a view from the sky wheel!! Love it!
Mini golf looks fun!
OMG BUG CANDY???? I literally just gagged on my breakfast. Why why why would anyone make that??

It's so great Wendy. Definitely a unique look.
It was so much fun. Thankfully nobody cared about scores because I completely blew that one.
Not only why would they make it, but why would someone want it???? I honestly thought it was a joke at first, but nope... absolutely real.

Wow, great pictures on the Sky Wheel. Quite the view!

I love mini golf! Looks like it was fun!

So cute that the girls were fighting over you!! And I love the pictures you and Riley recreated.

I'm so glad it was such a wonderful day for you all

Thanks Alexis, it was beautiful.

We had a lot of fun there. It was just a great activity we could all do.

Haha, yeah, it was too cute. They're such great kids. And OMG we were so excited to redo that picture. Just perfect.

I loved every second of it. I still had one more thing to do on Day 1 though.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm with Carrie, the Sky Wheel looks terrifying. Beautiful views, no doubt, but terrifying. I would have sat it out.

Mini golf is more fun without the scores anyway

You should trademark the club sign before everyone else steals it.

Ewww bugs. I don't understand why people want to eat them.

You're so popular Rob, of course they're fighting to sit next to you.

I think you worked well with what you had to recreate the photo. But sad day that Riley wouldn't be around the next day.

Does it really Amber?? I guess if someone has a fear of heights it would be scary for sure. The views are wonderful though.

I agree. Plus, I sucked at keeping score, so win-win.

Bahaha, done!!

I don't get it either. I know in some countries it's a thing, but I don't believe we're one of those countries. Plus, ruining a perfectly good piece of candy.

It was so darn sweet I must say. Definitely makes a person feel special.

There was no question either. As soon as we saw the swords, we sprung to action. Just perfect. And yeah, very sad Ry would be away the next day, but that doesn't mean it still wasn't great.

I had no idea there was so much activity right near Niagara Falls! I went there once on a high school band trip woohoo, but don't remember any of that! Looks like a fun day

Oh my goodness Julie, it's insane with stuff to do. We barely touched anything at all. So many choices of Haunted Houses and arcades and fun houses and wax museums and on and on. Just all kinds of stuff. Even the small amount we did took a good part of the day. So much fun!

Great updates Rob! Hershey Store, Fudge Store, Frozen Yogurt, and Sugar Store? Perfect!

THe sky wheel looked like a lot of fun! Gorgeous views.

I think it's important to go to Target no matter where you are! Target is fabulous!

Thank you Shannon. There was definitely a theme to the stores we visited, that's for sure.

It really is fun, and the views are stunning. Definitely a must do if you're in the area.

Haha, it seems like Target is quite popular. I know there were high hopes here in Canada (they've been here less than a year), but so far it hasn't gone well.

That might be one heck of view, but....oh my goodness that Sky Wheel looks terrifying!
Don't think you could pay me to go on that thing.

And, oh jeez, bugs in a sugar store. Think I'd have to pass on that, as well.

Very nice recreation of your Pirates picture. A new tradition?

Oh, what a bummer that you wouldn't be seeing Riley again. Least you had a great day, though. Very memorable.

Haha, does it really? Honestly, I never even really thought about it.
Awww, I guess you're not alone in that. I was actually surprised Riley wanted to go on, because she normally doesn't like anything too "thrilling". But this was her idea!

OMG I know. I do not get the appeal (and I guess that's a good thing).

Thanks Alicia. Hmmm maybe so. This one certainly wasn't planned but it just became natural.

Oh I'll be seeing her again, don't you worry about that. Just not the next day. But the next day was still very fun!!! And THIS day absolutely was memorable.

I don't know if I could force myself to get on the Skywheel. I am so terrified of heights. Awesome pictures from up there though. So cute that the girls were fighting over who gets to sit next to you.

That bug candy looks disgusting. I can't imagine even wanting to eat any of that. I will stick with bug free Hershey chocolate, thanks.

Looks like such a great time and you are getting to do so much stuff.

Great re-creation of your epic battle in Target.

I so need to get back to the Falls and hit the Canadian side with the kids, that Mini golf looks like so much fun, not to mention the arcade and the Hershey store.

This seems to be a popular consensus, so you're not alone. I never really gave it much thought. It does offer some amazing views though. Oh God I was so touched by that, you have no idea. Those kids are awesome.

Very disgusting. I couldn't believe these exist, and they had loads. Yeah, I'll stick with Hershey too!!!

Awesome time. So amazing all the other stuff there is to do too. You could easily do a couple of days and not get bored.

Aww thanks. Totally organic too.

It's fantastic. Obviously the Falls themselves are awesome, but there really is so much to do in that area. I'm ready to go back!

 

[natebenma]

Another super update!!! (Well, except for the sad parts, when the girls had to leave)

The views from the Sky Wheel are amazing!!! The falls are a really neat sight from there.

Mini Golf and a Sweet Shop- what a great combo for the young and young at heart!

And some bargain shopping to boot. Since you did a recreation of the Disney Pirates picture at Target, would you call it Photo-Shopping?

OK, I think that's a good place for me to stop!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oooohhh, sky wheel! I love stuff like that!

It just looks beautiful. I've never been, and it's on my long long list of places that I want to go.

I love Target whether I'm on vacation or not. It's totally cool that you guys went there.

 

[angelicamy12]

Rob, I LOVE Target...one of the things I'm most looking forward to on my upcoming trip is going on a shopping spree there haha

We have nothing like it in Scotland and I'm so jealous some people get to go there just for their groceries haha

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Another super update!!! (Well, except for the sad parts, when the girls had to leave)

The views from the Sky Wheel are amazing!!! The falls are a really neat sight from there.

Mini Golf and a Sweet Shop- what a great combo for the young and young at heart!

And some bargain shopping to boot. Since you did a recreation of the Disney Pirates picture at Target, would you call it Photo-Shopping?

OK, I think that's a good place for me to stop!

Aww you're too sweet Dee. It was a great day with a (temporary) sad ending.

OMG they sure are. Some of the best around. But I assure you... The first update of day two contains some pretty good looks as well...

I had so much fun!!!!! Although it really didn't matter where or what.. it was the who that counts.

Totally. Nothing wrong with saving a few bucks, lol. Oh... My... GOD... PHOTO-SHOPPING!!!!!!! THAT was awesome.

Just like George Costanza... Always go out on a high note.

Oooohhh, sky wheel! I love stuff like that!

It just looks beautiful. I've never been, and it's on my long long list of places that I want to go.

I love Target whether I'm on vacation or not. It's totally cool that you guys went there.

Me Toooooo!!. I mean of course you do... you did Characters in Flight!

It is something I always wanted to see Danielle. And it really does live up to the hype I think. So impressive and beautiful.

Haha, you Americans sure do love Target. For some reason it just hasn't caught on here. Although I don't think they're run very well here. We have 3 near me, and half the shelves always look empty. Not a good look.

Rob, I LOVE Target...one of the things I'm most looking forward to on my upcoming trip is going on a shopping spree there haha

We have nothing like it in Scotland and I'm so jealous some people get to go there just for their groceries haha

Hahahaha, that's too cute Amy. Target in the US is so much better than it is in Canada. Just no comparison at all really. I enjoy hitting up Target in Florida too.

See that's part of the problem in Canada (at least so far). The grocery section here is pretty bad. The Walmart Supercenters are killing them.

 

[librarygeek]

I'm excited to read your mini TR!

The falls look so beautiful. My parents actually just got back from a trip there a couple of months ago and I loved looking at their pictures. Can't wait to get up there someday!

The idea of a wax museum always freaks me out a little, lol. They had a bunch of wax figures at one of the castles in England when I was there, but one of the figures was actually a human who scared the heck out of me!

And I read your comment to someone else about Hershey Park - I'm actually going there tomorrow We live a little over an hour away from Hershey. It's really great, certainly the best theme park after Disney that I've been to! You should try to get a trip there, especially if you like roller coasters, they have a ton of good ones.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm excited to read your mini TR!

The falls look so beautiful. My parents actually just got back from a trip there a couple of months ago and I loved looking at their pictures. Can't wait to get up there someday!

The idea of a wax museum always freaks me out a little, lol. They had a bunch of wax figures at one of the castles in England when I was there, but one of the figures was actually a human who scared the heck out of me!

And I read your comment to someone else about Hershey Park - I'm actually going there tomorrow We live a little over an hour away from Hershey. It's really great, certainly the best theme park after Disney that I've been to! You should try to get a trip there, especially if you like roller coasters, they have a ton of good ones.

Thanks Becky. It's been nice to relive it even just a little. Something to bridge the gap between now and Disney.

It's so wonderful. Very similar to seeing the Castle for the first time. Just awe inspiring.

Haha, you know what, me too. They do feel pretty creepy. I always think one of them is going to move and that would seriously freak me out.

OMG how funny. I've heard so many good things about Hershey Park. Roller Coasters and chocolate. Just perfect. I would love to see it some day. Although I did get on a few coasters on this trip which is still to come.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Target is okay any time, any place!

Oh my gosh... that Sky Wheel... um, I love big, fast, crazy roller coasters A LOT, but I get anxious just looking at those pictures. How does that even make sense?

The Falls is gorgeous!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Target is okay any time, any place!

Oh my gosh... that Sky Wheel... um, I love big, fast, crazy roller coasters A LOT, but I get anxious just looking at those pictures. How does that even make sense?

The Falls is gorgeous!

Haha, that's so funny how many people LOVE Target. I remember going for the first time in Florida (before they had them here), and I have to admit to being a little excited.

Actually Lauren, it does make sense. A lot of people can do the craziest coasters, but Tower of Terror or spinning rides terrify them. If you have any kind of heights issue, I can see the Sky Wheel being a little scary. Take Riley. She won't even ride a flume ride, but has no problem riding this.

OMG it so is. Just wait until the night-time (and my Journey BEHIND the Falls).

 

[peachmermaid]

Awww you are all the cutest!! I love this mini intermission.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Awww you are all the cutest!! I love this mini intermission.

Aw, Thank you Jennifer. We do our best, lol.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 18, 2014 Part 4



I was on my own for the first time, so it was a good time to finally check out the room I’d be using for the next couple of nights.

It was a basic room, but it was clean and comfortable, which is all that really matters to me.
Plus it did have something that I really appreciated…

I got settled in the room and then tried to figure out what to do for the rest of the night.
It was only about a 10-15 minute walk to the Falls from the hotel,
But Carrie had given me the impression that there may be a less than stellar element occupying the streets at night.
At least regarding the walk to the Falls… Not so much AT the Falls.

Carrie also texted me to let me know that Riley was on her way to Grandma’s… but also that “She didn’t want to go. She wanted to see u instead.”
Even though I would miss her terribly; that really made me feel good.

I decided to drive, but when I went to the hotel parking lot and discovered that pretty much every space was used,
I was too scared to move the car in fear of having no place to park upon my return.

So I decided to walk, and FYI, I had absolutely no issues in any way.
There were loads of people and families walking the same route, so I felt completely safe and comfortable.

The downside of my having waited to decide walk vs drive is there were fireworks scheduled and it was almost time.
So I hit the streets, hopeful to arrive in time.

I snapped some nighttime pictures on the way along Clifton Hill.

Sadly, I didn’t quite make it though, but I did hear them and see a few burst in the sky;
I actually arrived down at the Falls literally as the last burst was fading away.

No matter, Disney has ruined any and all other fireworks for me anyway, and the Falls illuminated at night is still a spectacle and absolutely worth seeing.

They even made me feel a little Disney with the sale of some glow items.

I got a photo of the source of the Falls Illumination. This is on every night incidentally.

The crowds are pretty thick (mostly a result of the just ended fireworks), but the atmosphere is very happy and fun, and apparently Christmassy…

Much like Disney parks, Clifton Hill takes on a whole new life at night, so I took some photos en route back to the hotel.

I wish I was Big.

TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 19, 2014 Part 1



The weather forecast for my long weekend trip was simply phenomenal,
So of course I woke up on Day 2 to rain.

I texted Carrie and since Hailey was still sleeping, I decided on trying the breakfast buffet next door,

And then heading to the Falls to maybe take in one the major Falls' attractions.

I set out on foot as it wasn’t raining hard or anything, just mostly overcast,
And I thought I’d try a different route I figured would get me to the Canadian side of the Falls quicker than the other route.

Basically, I was Crocodile Dundee on a Walkabout.

The revolution has begun…

It ain’t all pretty though…

I contemplated my hotel choice when I passed the Quality Inn (apparently they have owls) and wondered why was I not staying in this hotel?
I really like owls.

Ultimately I ended up in the exact same place I would have had I gone the normal route, but whatever.

I was deeply fascinated with the Rainbow Bridge lining the US and Canada… It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

I also made note of the "No Standing" sign, so promptly sat on the ground to wait for the light to change.
When Canadia becomes a thing, I pledge to get rid of these silly laws.

Soon enough, I was back at the Falls.

I uploaded a photo to Facebook around this time, and later that night, my very first girlfriend from Junior High commented,
"I was at the falls last night for the fireworks!!!"
We literally just missed each other.

My first thought was to buy a ticket for the Cruise up to Falls which boarded right down there,

But the lineup for tickets was crazy and I just didn’t feel like waiting.

I had a second option that I actually felt would be more enjoyable anyway, so I did what any smart tourist would do, and that’s follow the Quakers.

TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[Marsheliz]

Great pics of Clinton Hill! Looks like a lot of fun.

I really get what you mean about Disney ruining any other fireworks- I actually thought the sane thing- this past July 4th.

Now that is something- your first girlfriend being at the falls the same time as you! What are the chances?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad your night travels were safe ... unless of course, you were the element Carrie was referring to

Wow, that is a hoot that they have owls at that hotel

Ah, Quaker following - the official past time of Canadia ... only slight less slow paced than the U.S. official past time of baseball

The official sport of Canadia is of course short sword fighting - with the highest levels involving multiple hook hands

That is pretty crazy that your first girlfriend was there the same night

 

[leftaslide]

1. Can't go wrong with a hotel with owls on it.

2. Can't go wrong following the Quakers.

 

[amberg93]

Oh wow the Falls look beautiful at night. Actually it all does, night life is so bright and interesting.

Murr Zoltar, I have a hate/hate relationship with him after on quiet days at night in the park he'd say something and scare the bajeebus out of me and people would throw his little tickets on the ground too >.>

Yeah that picture does look a little sketch and if you ended up in the same place, that's a big bummer.

The line does look cray, but at least you got to see some beautiful views anyway. Really, I'm sure the pictures can't even begin to compare to reality too.

 

[MEK]

I saw the fireworks on the falls a couple years ago, but from the USA side of course since I didn't have an active passport at the time.

Clifton Hills looks pretty cool.

Ahhh - the rainbow bridge. Nicholas wanted to go across it in the worst way until we repeated warned him that he may get into Canada but he wouldn't be coming back. (He was only about 15 at the time).

Love all the night time pics.

Nice room too.