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

[Marsheliz]

Good heavens- all those people packed on that boat- I'm not sure I'd want to ride out either!

Foot washing station? Never heard of such. Lol!

I love pink so I love the limo!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Good heavens- all those people packed on that boat- I'm not sure I'd want to ride out either!

Foot washing station? Never heard of such. Lol!

I love pink so I love the limo!

Yeah I totally agree Marcie. From a distance it looked crowded, but seeing it up close, just no way. I was much happier and comfortable where I was.

Haha, me neither. I can understand some instances where it might be useful (i.e. the beach), but I really didn't want to know why anyone thought it was useful there.

I think you should get one!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 19, 2014 Part 3



I got back to the hotel and dried off a bit (i.e. A lot) and changed clothes before jumping in the car to meet Carrie and Hailey
Carrie had sent me the address, so I programmed the GPS and hit the road.

I set out on the highway... And... I got very very lost.

Very.... Very... Lost.

In fact, I'm pretty sure I passed my own apartment building on my journey.

My GPS just could not seem to find me, so it continuously recalculated my route.
I think it may have cursed at me a few times as well.

Eventually I made the decision to get off the highway as this was getting me nowhere (literally),
And thankfully, the GPS kicked in and finally got me to where I needed to be.

When I met up with them, we had no set plans, as the rainy weather really put a damper on the proceedings.
At Hailey's request, Carrie suggested a movie.

But not just any movie... A DISNEY movie... Maleficent!

Works for me!

They also came with presents!!!

Just look at all that beautiful bounty.

The bracelet on the left is from Riley, and that actually came later, and the luggage tag and Toy Story pen are store bought, and I LOVE THEM!
The other items are all made by Carrie, with the rainbow loom key chain on the far right made by Hailey.
I love it all, and Carrie also mentioned that the Duffy items were done so that every time I saw them I would think of Ry.

The final item is just too precious not to share, as it was a hand written note from little miss Hailey herself.

What an amazing and thoughtful kid.

We headed out in the complete opposite direction from where I came (I was really really lost),
When we came upon something new to me... A movable bridge.

This is the Welland Canal, and the bridge raises up into the air whenever a ship comes passing through.
Think Epcot when they bring out the globe (kinda).

It was actually pretty cool to see this massive container ship pass right by.
What wasn't so cool was there were two passing through, one in each direction, so we waited a LONG time.

Finally, the bridge lowered and we were finally on our way.

The wait did make us change our plans for the movie time though, as we'd have to wait until the next showing than originally planned.
No biggie, because I was starving anyway.

We went into the mall and hit up the food court, settling on some Chinese from Manchu Wok.
During dinner, Hailey noticed one of those claw game machines where you "Play Until You Win".

It cost two dollars to play, and as Carrie was finding all quarters in her purse, I hauled out a toonie (two dollar coin for you non Canucks),
And off she went to play.

She got her prize pretty quickly, and started to return to us, when she realized the machine was still going.
So she raced back and got ANOTHER prize... And then ANOTHER prize.

So in total, for the $2 she played, she got THREE PRIZES, and she was over the moon!
Lucky kid that girl.

Carrie made sure to have Hailey promise to give a prize to Riley.... And bless her heart, she gave the third prize to me.

We still had a bit of time to kill before the movie, so at Hailey's request (again) we went to the cat shelter they have set up in the mall.
I'd never seen this in a mall before, but you could actually go in and play with the cats.

It was nice to hear that the cats there get adopted fairly quickly.
My own cat came from a shelter, so I really appreciated hearing that.

After playing for quite a while, it was time to head to the movie, but first Hailey had to stop and ride with a certain mouse.

THEN we went to the theatre.

Of course, no movie is complete without some food.

I originally got in the line with them for popcorn, but I felt like something different... A little more Disney.
(I realize popcorn is very much Disney, but work with me people).

However, before I left the line, Carrie mentioned her husband by name, which I proclaimed was the the first time I believe I'd heard his actual name.
(Before that he was generally referred to as "hubby").

Trust me, the look on the gentleman's face in front of her was priceless to say the least.

Thankfully I left the line right there to get what I really wanted.

Some delicious frozen yogurt... And a Red Velvet cupcake!! (Complete with Hailey photobomb)

On the way into the theatre, Hailey made what became the very common proclamation of "I'm sitting by Rob!!!"
Make no mistake, I was missing Riley a lot, but that Hailey will capture your heart very quickly.

That taken care of, we settled in to watch Maleficent, and during the showing, I soon found a tiny little head nestled onto my shoulder.

As for the movie... I loved it!
It's not the Sleeping Beauty story you know by any means, but I may like this more... A little more shades of grey.
And whether you've seen it or not, I'll just say that there was a lovely moment that reminded me of Frozen.

After the movie we had planned to go bowling, but with the later than originally planned movie time,
And with an early drive ahead the next day,
We decided they would call it a night to get rested up before the journey.
Riley was coming home that night too, so they wanted to make sure to be there for that.

I dropped them off at home, and made it back to the hotel in relatively short time (as compared to the amount of time it took to get there).

This was going to be my last night in the Falls, so I decided I needed to see them one last time.



CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 19, 2014 Part 3 Continued



As I did the night before, I set out on foot to check out the Falls one last time.
I was still too nervous to move the car.

I arrived on Clifton Hill and decided to go on a little photo tour of the area as I made my way Falls side.

I had actually seen "Gold Elvis" before, as he yearly participates in an International Busker-Fest locally each summer.

Before long I was seeing the beautiful Falls for what would be the final time, so I made sure to take it all in.

They really are something to see and completely unforgettable.

Before heading back to the hotel to pack up and prepare for the drive up to Toronto the next day,
I did one final tour around Clifton Hill.

A little MGM/DHS at the Falls!

I also walked down to get a closer look at the Rainbow Bridge.
I just love the whole idea of it… A bridge built to connect Canada and USA… Just such a beautiful concept.

For those of you who have visited International Drive in Orlando; That’s what Clifton Hill reminded me of the most.

The place is just wall to wall attractions. What’s not to love?

I still wanted one small souvenir in the form of a snow globe, which I found in several shops along the Hill, all of which had the exact same prices.

However, at the top of the Hill and across the street I saw a very familiar sight,

Where I bought the exact same snow globe, but for a few dollars less.

I love you Bargain World!!!

I made my way back towards the hotel, making a stop for some take-out,

And then called it a night.

I had gotten a text from Carrie letting me know that they were planning to head out by 7:30am, and if I wanted, I could follow them to Vaughan.
Even though I had my GPS, I thought that might be a good plan... But I'd still have to get to their place on my own... And you know how that goes.



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[WDWaddictt]

Great Niagara Falls trip!

Love all your gifts, very precious!

 

[Stew_Mouse]

Getting lost! One of my favorite things to do... okay not really favorite, just that it seems to happen to me a lot. I'm glad you were eventually able to find your way. Hopefully your next morning's drive went off without a hitch!

Loving the pictures of the Falls. I went once about 20 years ago, and don't remember much. I'm sure a lot has changed since then. The tunnel areas are very cool! Haha, the backside of water! That foot washing station is interesting... my sister would love it.

I've never heard of Bargain World, is this a Canadia thing? I'll be sure to make a bee line inside if I ever come across one. Who doesn't love a bargain?

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I am loving your little mini TR. I have never been to the Falls, although I saw them on my first trip to WDW when the airplane flew over them and the Pilot told us to look out the window. I think that was the trip!

I love all your stories with the girls. So sweet.

And I enjoyed Maleficent too, it kind of reminds me of a "Once Upon a Time" version.

 

[amberg93]

Somehow I'm not terribly surprised that you got lost

Okay, that note. So sweet. Too much cute again.

You've never seen movable bridges? Strange. There are a few in Michigan that I've been over so they're just like normal for me.

... they let you play with cats at the mall? Sign me up. I want it.

I also liked Maleficent, though I saw it in the States at the cheap theater so I didn't have such great snacks. Then again, I don't think our Cineplex has those awesome snacks...

I do like the looks of Rainbow Bridge much more than the lesser known Ambassador Bridge which I have crossed.

But wow, it's just so much stuff to see It looks really awesome. You've sold me on having to go.

 

[RGirl]

Oh my goodness, I'd say there is no better excuse than that!!! Two weeks in Disneyland??? I'm looking forward to hearing about that!

Thank you so much. I think I've covered the Falls pretty extensively by now, lol, so I'm finally looking forward to moving on to new stuff (well almost).

Oh Lord, I just don't think I'd like that. I'm not overly claustrophobic, but that just does not look comfortable.

Well, it was a two-week trip, but a good part of it was spent slowly making our way down the Oregon and California coasts. We had 6 days at DLR total. It was so fun though! Can't wait to share with everyone on the DIS.

And another great update! I love it when people include non-Disney trips within TRs - I wish there was somewhere to read vacation TRs for just about everywhere. A movie was a great way to deal with the rain - my daughter and I loved Maleficent too! She is counting down the days until it comes out on blu-ray.

 

[courtneybelle]

LOVE the presents!! Especially the Duffy towel, I want one!!

Hailey is clearly a crane game champ, and so sweet that she gave you one of her prizes

YUM froyo and cupcakes!! I need to find a movie theater that serves cupcakes.

I loved Maleficent and you are spot on with the Frozen vibe

 

[emmysmommy]

You certainly won't hear me giving you a hard time about getting lost - even with GPS! I'm the queen of turning right when someone says left and not knowing my North from my South. It's easy to do!

Sounds like a great afternoon having out with the ladies with a moving bridge (fascinating for sure!), play til you win swag, a movie, and a final tour of the falls and Clifton Hill. Is that red/white/blue lights on the bridge connecting US/Canada? Or rather Canadia

MEK: I enjoyed your falls photos.

 

[happy tink]

Hi Rob!

Not sure if I missed it, but I am curious what hubby's name is?

Enjoying every word!

 

[themommy]

Getting lost and going in circles stinks! Been there done that.

Awww the presents were great! Very thoughtful.

That lifting bridge is cool. I grew up in Florida and we had drawbridges but, that was to let sailboats, fishing boats and yachts by. They lift from one side. I have never seen a bridge lift up to let a ship by. That is awesome! I'll have to show that to DS when he drags his lazy self out of the bed.

I'm glad you enjoyed the movie. I have yet to see it. The reviews I saw were not good so I thought I would wait until it came out on video.

A cat play area in the mall? Ok...am I the only one that thinks that is weird? I mean, it is great they are getting them adopted but, just weird.

There is a husband? LOL Somehow I totally missed that!

Man o man they have a lot to do in that town. It looks like a tourist trap on acid. DS13 would totally want to do it all!

 

[gracer9977]

I just absolutely love the Rainbow Bridge and having driven over it both ways and walked ALL the way across once it is just amazing. I too love that it was build between the countries to join them and there is just something so special about seeing it. My mom is born and raised Canadian and has lots of family scattered throughout so growing up I spent alot of time going back and forth.

It is a little sad now that you have to have a passport, I have so many memories of just going back and forth between countries at Niagara Falls and never thinking anything of passing through customs on either side.

I am so looking forward to your report about Canada's Wonderland. I went once, many years ago. My cousin has been telling me I need to come visit and go again because it has grown so much so I can't wait to see your pictures.

The falls are just beautiful. Both the American and Canadian side just have such beautiful views. It's just crazy to think about how much water goes over those falls and how loud it is, especially when you are underneath in the tunnels.

Ahhh those gifts are just precious and the hand written note from Hailey. I really like those Duffy towels and pot holder that Carrie made. Very nice!! So cool that Hailey won all three of those toys (she really is lucky) and that she gave one to you.

Maleficent!!!!! I just LOVE that movie. She has always been my favorite villain (who doesn't love someone that can turn into a dragon!) but seeing this movie just made me love her all the more. I think it is such a great story!!!

It is so neat that you see so many Disney touches everywhere. The poncho, the mickey ride that Hailey went on, etc. So interesting how far reaching that Mouse really is.

 

[NaughtyQueen]

So I was perusing through the Trip Reports board looking for something new to read to feed my obsession when I stumbled across your thread with a gazillion and a half pages. I clicked to see what all the hoopla was about. Now I know! What a great read this is! I see why it and you are so popular.

And to top it off you were there the same week last year that I'm going this year (did that even make sense?). And AND AAAAANNND we share the exact same birthday! December 4th here too! Wooo! So yes this year I'll be in the World on my/our birthday (I was in 2010 also).

I too share your love for Big Al and while reading your report it occurred to me that maybe there was some unknown cosmic thing going on when I met my boyfriend 4 years ago because his name is also Al. I'll be taking him to WDW for his first trip in December so I hope we too can meet Big Al so I can get a photo of Al and Al.

In any case I'm about halfway through reading your gazillion and a half pages. What is half of a gazillion and a half anyway? So off to read more!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I hate when the GPS can't find your location or gives you bad/wrong directions ... like, that is your one job - to know where I am and how to get where I want to go! It's like a cup with a whole in it!

Aw, that was nice of Hailey to give you the third gift. Yeah for getting a snowglobe to officially commemorate the trip! And just think, that money you saved on the snowglobe probably covered the twonee you gave Hailey - so in some ways she got all three toys for free!

Glad you enjoyed your time and got to take in the scenery one last time

 

[missangelalexis]

Such thoughtful gifts you received, especially the note from Hailey. And so cute that she shared one of her prizes with you!

Your movies snacks look delish! YAY for seeing Maleficent, such a great movie!

As usual, love your pics of Clifton Hill and the falls

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Great Niagara Falls trip!

Love all your gifts, very precious!

Thank you, it was wonderful. I loved every second of it. Excited to move onto something new now though.

I loved all of it. So very thoughtful, and the fact that most were hand-made made them extra special.

Getting lost! One of my favorite things to do... okay not really favorite, just that it seems to happen to me a lot. I'm glad you were eventually able to find your way. Hopefully your next morning's drive went off without a hitch!

Loving the pictures of the Falls. I went once about 20 years ago, and don't remember much. I'm sure a lot has changed since then. The tunnel areas are very cool! Haha, the backside of water! That foot washing station is interesting... my sister would love it.

I've never heard of Bargain World, is this a Canadia thing? I'll be sure to make a bee line inside if I ever come across one. Who doesn't love a bargain?

Haha, I was wondering about that. I'm usually pretty good, but my GPS just completely failed me. Thankfully I was finally able to get back on track. It was touch and go there for a while. I will neither confirm nor deny that I had no issues the next day...

Thanks. I took so many that I'm sure it's getting boring by now. But I just couldn't stay away. I really enjoyed the tunnels. Such a neat look at everything. And oh yes, major backside of water. Oh lord, the foot washing station was just so odd. No idea why it was needed, but if anyone ever does, now they know it's there, lol.

Oh really?? They have them everywhere in Orlando. It's pretty much a souvenir shop. I actually thought they were a US exclusive, lol.

And p.s. I LOVE that you wrote "Canadia" thing!!!

I am loving your little mini TR. I have never been to the Falls, although I saw them on my first trip to WDW when the airplane flew over them and the Pilot told us to look out the window. I think that was the trip!

I love all your stories with the girls. So sweet.

And I enjoyed Maleficent too, it kind of reminds me of a "Once Upon a Time" version.

Thanks Tina. I would love to see them from the air. And see, it always comes back to Disney!!

Aww thanks. Many more to (finally) come. And Riley's finally back in the picture going forward.

I think that's a great description. Familiar but different. Kind of like Disneyland to a WDW vet (or vise verse).

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Somehow I'm not terribly surprised that you got lost

Okay, that note. So sweet. Too much cute again.

You've never seen movable bridges? Strange. There are a few in Michigan that I've been over so they're just like normal for me.

... they let you play with cats at the mall? Sign me up. I want it.

I also liked Maleficent, though I saw it in the States at the cheap theater so I didn't have such great snacks. Then again, I don't think our Cineplex has those awesome snacks...

I do like the looks of Rainbow Bridge much more than the lesser known Ambassador Bridge which I have crossed.

But wow, it's just so much stuff to see It looks really awesome. You've sold me on having to go.

Haha, boy did I ever! Stupid technology.

Isn't that the cutest thing??? And that was only one day after meeting. Just so thoughtful and sweet.

Yup, I have never ever seen one. In fact, I didn't even know they existed. I have to admit, I found it quite cool (except for the fact that it took forever to come back down).

I KNOW!!!! I had never seen that before either. But what a great idea. Have people come in and play and see if they can leave without adopting one. Guaranteed, if I didn't live elsewhere, I probably would have a new cat. That's how I ended up with one to begin with. Drove a friend who was adopting, and ended up with one myself. I just couldn't help it.

I really did like it. These were indeed some pretty awesome snacks. They actually had just added the cupcakes, so Red Velvet? Yes please! So new in fact that the girl didn't even know what to ring in at first. Brutally expensive though.

OMG it's so pretty at night too. All lit up and multicoloured. Just awesome on so many levels.

You guys are pretty close too (relatively speaking). You should definitely plan a trip there. I honestly wish I had planned more time for it. But the Zoo and Canada's Wonderland are calling!

Well, it was a two-week trip, but a good part of it was spent slowly making our way down the Oregon and California coasts. We had 6 days at DLR total. It was so fun though! Can't wait to share with everyone on the DIS.

And another great update! I love it when people include non-Disney trips within TRs - I wish there was somewhere to read vacation TRs for just about everywhere. A movie was a great way to deal with the rain - my daughter and I loved Maleficent too! She is counting down the days until it comes out on blu-ray.

Haha, I knew that's what you meant as soon as I wrote that, lol. But nonetheless, 6 days ain't too shabby either. I'll definitely be following when you start.

Aww thank you. This one was just perfect timing since the real TR is coming to an end with really just the wrap up left. Plus, the people I was with are Disney people met via the DIS, so it worked out well. And besides, I needed something to fill the time between now and the next trip in just one month!
OMG I really did love Maleficent. It was perfect for a rainy day activity.

LOVE the presents!! Especially the Duffy towel, I want one!!

Hailey is clearly a crane game champ, and so sweet that she gave you one of her prizes

YUM froyo and cupcakes!! I need to find a movie theater that serves cupcakes.

I loved Maleficent and you are spot on with the Frozen vibe

Oh me too Courtney. I hate to pick a favourite, but that towel and oven mitt are awesome, and proudly on display in my kitchen.

It was so funny to watch when she realized it was still running. Just pure excitement. OMG it was so sweet. She gave me that all on her own.

I KNOW!!! They had just gotten them too. Nothing like a Red Velvet cupcake to make a movie even better.

It was good right??? Loved the Frozen connection. I wonder if that was done on purpose?

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

You certainly won't hear me giving you a hard time about getting lost - even with GPS! I'm the queen of turning right when someone says left and not knowing my North from my South. It's easy to do!

Sounds like a great afternoon having out with the ladies with a moving bridge (fascinating for sure!), play til you win swag, a movie, and a final tour of the falls and Clifton Hill. Is that red/white/blue lights on the bridge connecting US/Canada? Or rather Canadia

MEK: I enjoyed your falls photos.

Normally Brenda, I'm really quite good with directions. But for some reason my GPS just went haywire and was giving me nothing. Like I was in the middle of a field or something and not a highway. I had the same problem in Cali because there are so many intertwining freeways, it just couldn't figure out which one I was on. But thankfully all was good when I finally got off the highway.

It was great. Very much like a normal day one would have at home (apart from seeing the Falls at night of course). You know what? That hadn't occurred to me, but I think you're right. The lights are red/white/blue. See that, it's even cooler now.

And YES!!!! What a wonderful supplement to the report. Loved seeing the Falls from the other side.

Hi Rob!

Not sure if I missed it, but I am curious what hubby's name is?

Enjoying every word!

Hi Linda!

Hahaha, now that you mention it, I didn't say it. It's Ivan.

Awww THANK YOU!!!!

Getting lost and going in circles stinks! Been there done that.

Awww the presents were great! Very thoughtful.

That lifting bridge is cool. I grew up in Florida and we had drawbridges but, that was to let sailboats, fishing boats and yachts by. They lift from one side. I have never seen a bridge lift up to let a ship by. That is awesome! I'll have to show that to DS when he drags his lazy self out of the bed.

I'm glad you enjoyed the movie. I have yet to see it. The reviews I saw were not good so I thought I would wait until it came out on video.

A cat play area in the mall? Ok...am I the only one that thinks that is weird? I mean, it is great they are getting them adopted but, just weird.

There is a husband? LOL Somehow I totally missed that!

Man o man they have a lot to do in that town. It looks like a tourist trap on acid. DS13 would totally want to do it all!

Oh my it was bad too. It took me so long to get there.

They really were. So incredibly thoughtful and sweet. and most made by hand, so even more thoughtful and sweet.

I too have seen draw bridges, but never had seen (or even heard about) these bridges that totally raise up into the air. Almost like an elevator. It was pretty neat to watch.

I imagine some wouldn't like it partly because it doesn't stay to the original story. But that was one of the things I really liked.

No, it is unusual if nothing else. I had never seen it before, but it is a neat idea. And apparently very effective.

Haha, yes there is. He'd been working up to this point, but will be on the next part of the trip.

It's pure tourism for sure. Loads of attractions, hotels, restaurants. And of course the mighty Falls itself. Loads of fun.

I just absolutely love the Rainbow Bridge and having driven over it both ways and walked ALL the way across once it is just amazing. I too love that it was build between the countries to join them and there is just something so special about seeing it. My mom is born and raised Canadian and has lots of family scattered throughout so growing up I spent alot of time going back and forth.

It is a little sad now that you have to have a passport, I have so many memories of just going back and forth between countries at Niagara Falls and never thinking anything of passing through customs on either side.

I am so looking forward to your report about Canada's Wonderland. I went once, many years ago. My cousin has been telling me I need to come visit and go again because it has grown so much so I can't wait to see your pictures.

The falls are just beautiful. Both the American and Canadian side just have such beautiful views. It's just crazy to think about how much water goes over those falls and how loud it is, especially when you are underneath in the tunnels.

Ahhh those gifts are just precious and the hand written note from Hailey. I really like those Duffy towels and pot holder that Carrie made. Very nice!! So cool that Hailey won all three of those toys (she really is lucky) and that she gave one to you.

Maleficent!!!!! I just LOVE that movie. She has always been my favorite villain (who doesn't love someone that can turn into a dragon!) but seeing this movie just made me love her all the more. I think it is such a great story!!!

It is so neat that you see so many Disney touches everywhere. The poncho, the mickey ride that Hailey went on, etc. So interesting how far reaching that Mouse really is.

So very well said. It felt so special to look at that and genuinely feel the beauty that it represents. It really is a special thing I think.

I know, I remember that too. Border crossings back in the day was no different than crossing the street almost. So sad those days are gone.

Wonderland is still to come. We did have to make a change on the days (which will be explained next update), but it is absolutely coming. I had never been, so while I had no point of reference, it is REALLY big.

They sure are as my many many many pictures I'm sure attest. They're so iconic, and to finally see them in person was really special. It is awe inspiring to say the least.

They so were and that little note was simply the cutest thing. My Duffy towel and oven mit are truly special too given what Duffy represents. I swear that kid has a horseshoe somewhere. But the topper was easily being the recipient of prize #3. Such a sweet kid.

It was good right?? She's awesome in Sleeping Beauty (really has to be one of the scariest and most intimidating Disney villains) but it was so great in how the character was portrayed in the movie. Just like a real person and not black or white. I really loved what they did with the story.

Oh my goodness, I swear I see Disney everywhere. And stay tuned, because you will soon see exactly what I mean.