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

[courtneybelle]

The Skywheel looks stunning at night.

I love the lit up falls. It's just like Fantasmic!! Well, kinda.

That Canadia barber shop is perfect!!!

Not seeing your junior high girlfriend is such a missed opportunity for a romantic comedy film...UNLESS you run into her next time you're at Disney in which case it is clearly fate.

 

[Tracy161]

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.

Oh my gosh, it's SO true!!! I was at a Mets game last weekend and they had a surprisingly great fireworks show in the stadium immediately after the game. I kept saying to everyone "This is the best fireworks show I've ever seen... outside of Disney obviously..." Nothing can ever live up to Disney fireworks! Well, Disney in general, let's be honest.

Wow, just amazing "intermission" updates. Isn't it crazy to think that this time last year you had no idea of the life long friends that you'd make soon? Life sure is great sometimes, isn't it? Really enjoying these updates, Rob. Sorry I've fallen behind!

 

[gracer9977]

Great pictures of the falls and Clifton Hill at night.

"I wish I was big"

Also that looks like a much better hotel selection, what with the Owls and all.

Sorry you missed the fireworks but as you said they would never be able to compare to Disney. You can get your firework fix next month.

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my gosh! You like owls huh? Shoulda stayed there! I'm loving reading about your reunion with Carrie and Riley and meeting Haylie.

I've never seen the falls so this is all very intriguing. That illumination show and the glow lights are very Disney-eque. They're in no danger of outdoing Disney there. Glad you enjoyed your visit with these special people.

What a sweet post about our meet up on your final night at WDW. That Wally World reference was perfect. It's good to know that Disney took care of you. Not many guests get a personal escort all the way through the park - and you didn't have to pay extra.

You are truly a wonderful person that I was honored to meet as well. I'm so bummed that I had to cancel our September trip otherwise I definitely would have been there the same time as you.

 

[missangelalexis]

Great nighttime shots! And amazing pictures of the falls!

How crazy that your first girlfriend was there too!

 

[usd2bmd]

Love hearing about how much someone else loves the Falls! It's just about in my backyard and we are there at least three or four times a year but I still cannot get over how beautiful it is. My husband and I are both off at the end of the month so we will be taking a day and spending it on the Canadian side. There is just more to do over there.

Following the Quakers is a great idea...You maybe should have asked them if they had a snack with them. They make the BEST cookies.

 

[natebenma]

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

2. Can't go wrong following the Quakers.

I bet the Quakers weren't going to the hotel with the owls!

 

[themommy]

I bet the Quakers weren't going to the hotel with the owls!

 

[themommy]

I don't blame you for not wanting to move the car. Looks like you would not have been happy when you returned. That place looks very busy. The falls are beautiful all light up like that. It reminds me of the Cascades in MI except on a much larger scale.

I can't stop laughing over the sitting down and the owl.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

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?

Thanks Marcie. That place really is so much fun. I'd love to go back and do more of it. There's so much to do.

Just nothing will compare for me. Even fireworks I used to think were ok are now... meh.

It was such a coincidence. I really wished we'd known sooner. That would have been so epic.

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

Thanks Phil, it honestly was completely fine. Hmmmm... I hadn't thought of that.

Totally. Who doesn't love owls????

I became obsessed with them. And as for it being slower paced than baseball... um... not so sure about that.

This is absolutely true. Ah, why was there no hook hands??? Just wrong.

Really unreal. We could have literally passed each other, but with the crowds, you'd just never know it. I really wish I had posted a Falls pic the first day.

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

2. Can't go wrong following the Quakers.

See, I love the way you think Jake.

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.

I loved seeing them at night. That was my main reason for going down. I was sad to miss the fireworks, but the Illuminated Falls were the goal, and they did not disappoint.

My goodness I do drudge up a lot of bad memories for you, don't I Amber? First your Elementary School colors and now this. That said, that would have scared the life out of me too.

Haha, I'm not sure if I took a wrong turn or what, but I really did end up exactly in the same spot. It just took a lot longer to do it. But I would have missed that lovely tourist area.

That was just the next boat loading. The line to buy tickets was even worse. I just didn't want to waste that much time. And besides, what I did in place of it was better in my opinion.

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.

I was a little disappointed missing them especially where I was so close. But now you can see them on the Canadian side!

It is so cool Mary Ellen. I would have liked to have played around a bit longer.

Honestly, I just loved that thing. I comment on it quite a bit. Just the whole idea of it makes me smile. And hey, being stuck in Canada wouldn't be so bad, lol.

Thanks. It all really does come to life in a different way at night.

Haha, thank you. It was great for what I needed.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

The Skywheel looks stunning at night.

I love the lit up falls. It's just like Fantasmic!! Well, kinda.

That Canadia barber shop is perfect!!!

Not seeing your junior high girlfriend is such a missed opportunity for a romantic comedy film...UNLESS you run into her next time you're at Disney in which case it is clearly fate.

It sure does Courtney. I kinda wish I had gone on.

They were so pretty. I just couldn't truly capture how beautiful they were. I'd say more World of Colour, but with the water going down instead of up, and not as magical, lol.

Right??!! The first of many.

OMG that's too funny. Especially if I somehow ended up at Disney at the same time.

Oh my gosh, it's SO true!!! I was at a Mets game last weekend and they had a surprisingly great fireworks show in the stadium immediately after the game. I kept saying to everyone "This is the best fireworks show I've ever seen... outside of Disney obviously..." Nothing can ever live up to Disney fireworks! Well, Disney in general, let's be honest.

Wow, just amazing "intermission" updates. Isn't it crazy to think that this time last year you had no idea of the life long friends that you'd make soon? Life sure is great sometimes, isn't it? Really enjoying these updates, Rob. Sorry I've fallen behind!

It really is too Tracy. Granted I haven't seen a ton of really good fireworks outside of there, but what I have seen just does not compare. And I know it's not just the "spectacle" that makes them so great. It's the pure, raw emotion that can't be duplicated.

Aww thanks Tracy. You know, that is so very spot on true. In fact, it was just barely a year ago that I wasn't even on these boards. To think that in less than a year, I actually met people from here. And beyond that, I actually did a completely separate trip to not Disney just to spend more time with some. Just unreal. Thank you so much Tracy.

Great pictures of the falls and Clifton Hill at night.

"I wish I was big"

Also that looks like a much better hotel selection, what with the Owls and all.

Sorry you missed the fireworks but as you said they would never be able to compare to Disney. You can get your firework fix next month.

Thank you, it's so beautiful (and fun) at night.

Hehe, when I saw that, it was all I could think of.

Exactly. Closer to the Falls, plus owls. Win-Win.

I was a bit because I do think the surroundings would have really enhanced them, but still would not have compared. Ah yes, one month to real fireworks.

Oh my gosh! You like owls huh? Shoulda stayed there! I'm loving reading about your reunion with Carrie and Riley and meeting Haylie.

I've never seen the falls so this is all very intriguing. That illumination show and the glow lights are very Disney-eque. They're in no danger of outdoing Disney there. Glad you enjoyed your visit with these special people.

What a sweet post about our meet up on your final night at WDW. That Wally World reference was perfect. It's good to know that Disney took care of you. Not many guests get a personal escort all the way through the park - and you didn't have to pay extra.

You are truly a wonderful person that I was honored to meet as well. I'm so bummed that I had to cancel our September trip otherwise I definitely would have been there the same time as you.

Well first... WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've been greatly missed.

A hotel with owls must be good. It really was a special reunion, no doubt. Seeing Carrie again, my little Riley who I missed even more than I expected, and Hailey, well, she's quite a special little one too as you'll see.

It's so beautiful Brenda. At night it really is Disney-esque. But then I find I legit compare EVERYTHING to Disney. I just can't help it. They're the standard. I so much enjoyed it, and I still have two days left (well, had two days left).

Aww Brenda, believe me, noting I could write would be near enough. Haha, I love John Candy, so this felt right. Disney really stepped up for me here when they had absolutely no need to. I'll never forget that kindness.

Brenda... you're gonna make me cry. In all sincerity, the honor (and see, no "u") was all mine. Truly. I know you're becoming the DISmeet queen (and a genuinely wonderful person), which makes it all the more special that not only did I get to meet you, but I also got to spend a pretty substantial amount of time with you. I will always cherish that. I so wish you were still going in September. While I am looking forward to some elements of the upcoming trip (some meet ups are planned), I still feel like it's going to feel a bit empty not having you there and Carrie and Riley there. December will be impossible to top.

Great nighttime shots! And amazing pictures of the falls!

How crazy that your first girlfriend was there too!

Thanks Alexis. That whole area is so lovely.

Haha, I know. I wish I hadn't waited to post the photo then maybe we could have met up.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Love hearing about how much someone else loves the Falls! It's just about in my backyard and we are there at least three or four times a year but I still cannot get over how beautiful it is. My husband and I are both off at the end of the month so we will be taking a day and spending it on the Canadian side. There is just more to do over there.

Following the Quakers is a great idea...You maybe should have asked them if they had a snack with them. They make the BEST cookies.

Oh my goodness Maureen, it is breathtaking. I knew going in I would be impressed and in awe, but it far surpassed that. I didn't make it across the bridge, but have heard the Canadian side is the more touristy of the two. There certainly is not a lack of things to do.

Right??!!! They know what's up. Oh really??? Cookies??? I really wanted to talk to them too, and funnily enough, they actually were heading to the exact same place I was.

I bet the Quakers weren't going to the hotel with the owls!

Haha, well now I can't 100% confirm that Dee, but Owls plus Quakers = PARTY! And coincidental, they were going to the same place I was... And you just cannot argue with that logic!

I don't blame you for not wanting to move the car. Looks like you would not have been happy when you returned. That place looks very busy. The falls are beautiful all light up like that. It reminds me of the Cascades in MI except on a much larger scale.

I can't stop laughing over the sitting down and the owl.

OMG yes. I am certain every spot would be used when I came back, and I'm not sure what my options would be in that case. Not good I'm sure. The Falls are so pretty at night. There's almost a calmness about it.

Hehe!!

 

[teekathepony]

The Falls looks really cool at night, love the lights. I'd like to see that fireworks show sometime!
I love owls. I'll check out that Quality Inn if I ever head that way. Last night I was listening to two barred owls talking. It was really relaxing...
Follow the quakers!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

The Falls looks really cool at night, love the lights. I'd like to see that fireworks show sometime!
I love owls. I'll check out that Quality Inn if I ever head that way. Last night I was listening to two barred owls talking. It was really relaxing...
Follow the quakers!!

It is so beautiful Wendy. Much better than my pictures. Haha... me too.
I'll be checking out that Quality Inn as well I think. I'm sure the downstairs there is quite relaxing...
Always folllow the Quakers; They know where to go. Really they do. We went to the same place, lol.

 

[teekathepony]

It is so beautiful Wendy. Much better than my pictures. Haha... me too.
I'll be checking out that Quality Inn as well I think. I'm sure the downstairs there is quite relaxing...
Always folllow the Quakers; They know where to go. Really they do. We went to the same place, lol.

I got totally distracted in my own head thinking about real owls and didn't even notice what kind of owls were in the picture. OMG I'm thinking I need to dye my hair blonde after that brain fart.

 

[natebenma]

I think there is something Amish in your plan to follow the Quakers.

OK, I'm done now!

The Clifton Hill area looks amazing at night. So.Much.Neon!

Too bad you missed the fireworks. Do they happen every night there?

I love how you find Disney touches everywhere.

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

Me, I see the Haunted Mansion carriage here.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I got totally distracted in my own head thinking about real owls and didn't even notice what kind of owls were in the picture. OMG I'm thinking I need to dye my hair blonde after that brain fart.

I totally knew it!! I was literally dying from laughing when I read that. "I like owls". At first I thought you were making a joke until you started talking about hearing owls talking. OMG, too funny. Thanks for that!

I think there is something Amish in your plan to follow the Quakers.

OK, I'm done now!

The Clifton Hill area looks amazing at night. So.Much.Neon!

Too bad you missed the fireworks. Do they happen every night there?

I love how you find Disney touches everywhere.

Me, I see the Haunted Mansion carriage here.

Without a doubt Dee. On a related note, I had to think about whether this group was actually Quaker or Amish so I just went with Quaker.

Lots and lots of neon. Not quite Vegas, but still pretty cool... and bright.

I was a little disappointed, but ultimately ok with it. I think, at least during the summer months, they have them Friday and Sunday, plus holidays. So no, not every night.

Hehe, and I promise you, that is not even close to being over. It became a obsession.

Oooh, I never thought about that being the Haunted Mansion carriage... But I like that!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 19, 2014 Part 2



In order to take part in the activity I ultimately decided on required my going in here.

I did a bathroom break first because, as most people know, running water generally makes one need to go.

Now just imagine when that running water is Niagara Falls.

I don’t generally photograph in washrooms (unless they're Tangled Toilets), but the “Foot Washing” station just fascinated me.

I don’t think I’ve seen one of these before and WHY ARE PEOPLE'S FEET SO DIRTY???
I decided I didn't want to know.

Bathroom break done, I was ready to buy my ticket to…

There really wasn’t much of a wait, and they generously supply each person with this expensive article of clothing.

The first phase is to enter an elevator which takes you 150 feet down to tunnels built right into the rock of the Falls itself.

Once down, you are free to explore the tunnels, one of which takes you out onto the observation decks at the base of Horseshoe Falls.

This is a look at an unfinished tunnel to give some perspective of where you are really standing.

Throughout the tunnels you will find some fascinating history

CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 19, 2014 Part 2 Continued



There are two portals drilled in the rock, and the opening ahead is literally behind the Falls.

This really is the back side of water folks.

I then made my way back to the lower observation deck where, just like Maelstrom, you WILL get wet.

#sardinelife

I'm sure the cruise is a wonderful experience, but... I need my space.

And besides, the view from here is pretty darn spectacular.

As I mentioned previously, I just love this.

I spent a lot of time down there because it was just so amazing;
You’re completely on your own schedule, so you can stay or leave whenever you wish.
Eventually I did leave as I had other things I wanted to do and people to see, so I boarded the elevator back to the surface,
Purchased a photo to remember my wonderful journey,

And then, of course, exited out into… The Gift Shop.

Some things are just universal.

I texted Carrie to let her know I was more or less done with my morning activities, so we planned to meet at her place and then head out to do something together.

And even with this amazing natural wonder right in front of me, I still can never resist documenting a Mickey sighting.

I headed back to the hotel to get the car to then head over and get Carrie and Hailey and continue with the next part of the day.

Oh... I also saw a pink limo.

TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[courtneybelle]

LOL the second you posted "Journey Behind The Falls" I IMMEDIATELY thought of the backside of water.

Beautiful pics!!

THE YELLOW MICKEY PONCHO!!!! That makes me so happy!

Hey, you found my car!!