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

[DisneyKid4Life]

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!

Oh my goodness, you just made my day!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! And also, WELCOME here and WELCOME to the DIS!!!! So very happy you found your way here. I know it can be a bit intimidating when a thread gets long (solely the result of all these wonderful DISers), so I am ever so grateful you took the time to follow along.

It absolutely made sense, and you picked an amazing time to go. You'll love it!! OMG that is too awesome!!! December 4!!! This was my first actual birthday visit and it did not disappoint. Just make sure you go all out on that day!!!

Big Al rules. Period! He may not be the most well known character, but he never fails to bring a smile to my face. Absolutely make sure to get a photo of Al and Al. Hopefully if you're doing a Christmas party he'll be back out greeting.

Wow, I am so touched by you reading all that. Thank you again!!! I think you're about to get into the really good stuff too. This was a pretty special trip.

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

Ugh it was awful!!! I think I just need a new one. It just does not handle the big highways very well. I had a similar issue in LA with all their overlapping freeways. It just can't figure out where I am.

So incredibly sweet that kid. Hmmm, you know, you're about exactly right. That toonie was probably change from a ten, which I wouldn't have had if I had bought it down the street. Free toys!!!!

It was so beautiful and fun there Phil. I really do miss it. But now it's off to see some new stuff.

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

It was all so lovely and unexpected Alexis. I truly love home made stuff. And that little Hailey is so giving. She's being raised right.

They were awesome. Plus the yogurt was fat free AND sugar free. And it still actually tasted great. I'm actually a little glad it rained because we probably wouldn't have seen the movie otherwise. So good.

Aww thanks. The good news is this is the final time you'll have to look at them, lol. It's starting to get a bit redundant I'm sure

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I've really enjoyed your visit to the Falls. We've been there many times so it is nice to see them again through the eyes of a first-time visitor - like going to WDW with someone who has never been, it gives you a new perspective. We usually don't spend any time on Clifton Hill so it's fun to see your photos of all the attractions there.

I always wonder what it was like for the first explorers who came across Niagara Falls. Can you imagine walking through the woods and hearing this rumbling sound...maybe seeing the mist in the air...and then you discover this huge waterfall? Must have been incredible.

I hope you liked it enough that you'll come back again sometime!

TP

 

[Rozz]

I was sampling trip reports and yours was one of them. I stuck with yours and have thoroughly enjoyed it! Not only do I want to go back to WDW as soon as I can, I want to go to Niagara Falls! About the GPS, at least you didn’t follow it down a one way street or off a cliff or anything. On one of our trips, two consecutive right hand turns were in reverse order on the GPS from reality. We had to turn around and try again!

 

[Stew_Mouse]

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

Haha, it is highly possible that I say Canadia all of the time now! I just try not to let it slip around people who aren't in on the joke.

 

[thornton0511]

Hi Rob

Just wanted to say that despite the chaos that seems to be my life at present, that even though I have not been able to respond to the updates of your mini TR that I have been enjoying every part of it so far and I am so happy that you made this trip and also that you are sharing it with all of us. It seems like you had an incredible time with Carrie and her littles and I enjoy the updates of your report! Reading you updates forces me to stop and take a break and so I am happy to be following along still, even if I can't seem to find the time to reply. I only have two more weeks to go at my present job, the kids are starting school next week, then we are off to WDW and when I return I am starting my new job. And things should start to be back on schedule for us and I can get back to normal, whatever that may be lol! Anyways just wanted to let you know that I am still here

 

[IheartDDuck]

Ugh, GPS recalculation! I can't stand that when it sends you in circles.

Yup, this non-Canadian had no idea what a toonie is.

Kittehs!!!!!!!

Look at you making friends with everyone!

I really enjoyed Maleficent a lot. I liked the fact that they took liberties with it.

 

[scottny]

The view was GORGEOUS. The falls looked beautiful.
Seems like a good day.
I would have no issue walking around at night. I do it here in the Bronx. LOL.
Love the colors of the falls. So pretty.
Loving the falls pics.
The feet washing is odd.
You are so lucky, I would love to do the tour in the tunnels and all.
OMG! Are all those people safe on that boat? LOL. Good lord they pack them in.
LOL. A Mickey poncho.
Mary Ellen those were great pics.
Cool bridge.
Thanks for telling us what a 2 dollar coin was. I had no clue.
Wow! I want her to come down here and play the cranes with Samsungs and Apples and other electronics. LOL. That is great for her.
The frozen yogurt looked good.
I loved the Malificient storyline it just all came together.
Ooh! Dippin’ Dots. Love those.
The falls again so pretty.
Caught up.

 

[librarygeek]

Ack I wrote out a whole thing and then it got deleted! Suffice it to say that I've been loving your updates and reading about your Niagara Falls adventures!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I've really enjoyed your visit to the Falls. We've been there many times so it is nice to see them again through the eyes of a first-time visitor - like going to WDW with someone who has never been, it gives you a new perspective. We usually don't spend any time on Clifton Hill so it's fun to see your photos of all the attractions there.

I always wonder what it was like for the first explorers who came across Niagara Falls. Can you imagine walking through the woods and hearing this rumbling sound...maybe seeing the mist in the air...and then you discover this huge waterfall? Must have been incredible.

I hope you liked it enough that you'll come back again sometime!

TP

Thanks Teresa. As a first timer, it really was mind blowing to see this spectacle in person. I highly recommend some time on Clifton Hill. So much fun

You're so right. Even knowing it's there is awe inspiring to see. To have just come across it out of nowhere would have been incredible.

I definitely liked it enough to come back. So much more I want to experience.

I was sampling trip reports and yours was one of them. I stuck with yours and have thoroughly enjoyed it! Not only do I want to go back to WDW as soon as I can, I want to go to Niagara Falls! About the GPS, at least you didn’t follow it down a one way street or off a cliff or anything. On one of our trips, two consecutive right hand turns were in reverse order on the GPS from reality. We had to turn around and try again!

Thank you SO VERY MUCH!!! I'm delighted to WELCOME you!!! Haha, I should contact Niagara Falls tourism for some money, lol. Yes you're right, the GPS at least didn't send me into a dangerous situation. It's times like that where I just want to go and buy an old fashion map, lol.

Haha, it is highly possible that I say Canadia all of the time now! I just try not to let it slip around people who aren't in on the joke.

Bahahaha, that was my goal. Pretty soon it will be the standard.

Hi Rob

Just wanted to say that despite the chaos that seems to be my life at present, that even though I have not been able to respond to the updates of your mini TR that I have been enjoying every part of it so far and I am so happy that you made this trip and also that you are sharing it with all of us. It seems like you had an incredible time with Carrie and her littles and I enjoy the updates of your report! Reading you updates forces me to stop and take a break and so I am happy to be following along still, even if I can't seem to find the time to reply. I only have two more weeks to go at my present job, the kids are starting school next week, then we are off to WDW and when I return I am starting my new job. And things should start to be back on schedule for us and I can get back to normal, whatever that may be lol! Anyways just wanted to let you know that I am still here

Hi Jenn!!!!!
I'm so glad to hear from you. I know things have been chaotic to say the least, but YAY it's almost over. Pretty soon you'll be back in Disney for a much deserved break, and then a completely fresh start when you return. I'm sure it will be so nice to finally put all the craziness behind. So glad my updates can provide at least a little reprieve from that and so glad you're still here.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ugh, GPS recalculation! I can't stand that when it sends you in circles.

Yup, this non-Canadian had no idea what a toonie is.

Kittehs!!!!!!!

Look at you making friends with everyone!

I really enjoyed Maleficent a lot. I liked the fact that they took liberties with it.

It was the worst I've ever encountered too. It literally looked like I was in a field. Maybe the map was prior to the highway being built, lol.

Haha, well, now you know. No 1 or 2 dollar bills here anymore. Both are coins.

So cool to have that in a mall. Really a perfect idea to get people in and get the kitties adopted.

Hehe, yup, this is what I do.

Yeah, they really took a lot of liberties but it totally worked for me. Really great story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The view was GORGEOUS. The falls looked beautiful.
Seems like a good day.
I would have no issue walking around at night. I do it here in the Bronx. LOL.
Love the colors of the falls. So pretty.
Loving the falls pics.
The feet washing is odd.
You are so lucky, I would love to do the tour in the tunnels and all.
OMG! Are all those people safe on that boat? LOL. Good lord they pack them in.
LOL. A Mickey poncho.
Mary Ellen those were great pics.
Cool bridge.
Thanks for telling us what a 2 dollar coin was. I had no clue.
Wow! I want her to come down here and play the cranes with Samsungs and Apples and other electronics. LOL. That is great for her.
The frozen yogurt looked good.
I loved the Malificient storyline it just all came together.
Ooh! Dippin’ Dots. Love those.
The falls again so pretty.
Caught up.

It is so beautiful Scott.
Great day!!
Haha, yeah, I'd say you'd have no issue.
As pretty as it is in the daytime, it really shines at night.
Thank you!
So odd, right? No clue why it was there.
That was a blast. I really liked that you could take your time.
Yeah, I did not like the looks of that boat. Just way too crowded for me.
He's everywhere.
They so were. Just a great supplement that I am very appreciative of.
Right??!! So neat.
Haha, yup, that's our name for it. Our $1 coin is called a "loonie" because it has a loon on it. So when the $2 coin was developed, the name evolved from that. We're a clever country, lol.
It was pretty cool.
Considering it was fat AND sugar free, it really was tasty.
Me too!!! Really enjoyed it.
Haha, that really made me think of Florida because that's the only place I had seen them up to that point.
I never got tired of seeing them, I have to admit. So pretty.

Ack I wrote out a whole thing and then it got deleted! Suffice it to say that I've been loving your updates and reading about your Niagara Falls adventures!

Ahhh, don't you hate when that happens? So frustrating. I bet it was perfect too. Thanks Becky!! It's been fun to relive these memories.

 

[Wood Nymph]

MEK posted pictures of the very same observation deck and cascading water that I was referring to in my story about my daughter almost falling into the waterfall. Thanks, Mary Ellen.

What is with that upside-down house? Is that something you can walk through?

Hailey is really cute. She probably enjoyed having your full attention that day.

I don't totally trust GPS. I really like to look at an old-fashioned map to get an idea of where to go.

 

[teekathepony]

Ohh dear. I tend to get lost very easily. Very, very easily. No sense of direction whatsoever. If my GPS failed me I'd panick. Glad you did eventually get there!
What lovely and thoughtful gifts!
A cat shelter in the mall? That's adorable! And a good way to get lots of exposure for the little guys.
I haven't seen Meleficent yet! Sounds like it was pretty good, I'll have to see it some time. YUM movie snacks look good!
I love the photos from your walk to the Falls, it looks so busy and exciting there!

 

[Chief Powhatan]

I was using my GPS at Disney last year and ended up on an off limits service road.

I don't comment as often as I should, but I love all of your trip reports Rob. I think I would actually pay money to read them.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

MEK posted pictures of the very same observation deck and cascading water that I was referring to in my story about my daughter almost falling into the waterfall. Thanks, Mary Ellen.

What is with that upside-down house? Is that something you can walk through?

Hailey is really cute. She probably enjoyed having your full attention that day.

I don't totally trust GPS. I really like to look at an old-fashioned map to get an idea of where to go.

Her photos were so great!! And it did help put into perspective what you were talking about. Very intense there for sure.

Yup, you can go inside. I didn't, but you can. They have a similar structure on International Drive in Orlando.

She's a doll. Yeah, I think she did enjoy the extra attention that day.

I don't use them very often and this is why. Just not something dependable at all.

Ohh dear. I tend to get lost very easily. Very, very easily. No sense of direction whatsoever. If my GPS failed me I'd panick. Glad you did eventually get there!
What lovely and thoughtful gifts!
A cat shelter in the mall? That's adorable! And a good way to get lots of exposure for the little guys.
I haven't seen Meleficent yet! Sounds like it was pretty good, I'll have to see it some time. YUM movie snacks look good!
I love the photos from your walk to the Falls, it looks so busy and exciting there!

I'm usually the opposite (well not really) but this was insane. It just completely gave up I think. Thank goodness I at least had an idea where I was going and the good sense to get off the highway.
OMG, so sweet. Home Made stuff rules!
I know, I was shocked. But such a great idea. It works.
I really liked it!! And yes, I also liked the snacks!!
Thanks Wendy. There is a lot of activity around there which makes it feel extra fun. Lots of energy in the air. I just loved it and hope to return some day.

I was using my GPS at Disney last year and ended up on an off limits service road.

I don't comment as often as I should, but I love all of your trip reports Rob. I think I would actually pay money to read them.

Ooh yikes. I could definitely see that happening.

That's quite ok Rob. My goodness, THANK YOU!!!

 

[Kimbeachy]

Rob, once again, your writing about your trip is such a pleasure to read. You truly have a gift. You make it seem as if we are actually there with you. I love your trip reports. And I love seeing all of the Disney treasures through your eyes. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Rob, once again, your writing about your trip is such a pleasure to read. You truly have a gift. You make it seem as if we are actually there with you. I love your trip reports. And I love seeing all of the Disney treasures through your eyes. Thanks so much for sharing!

Oh my word, THANK YOU!!! I am so touched by this. My view on Disney is pretty simple really and it's how I try to write about it. For me it's all about the feelings; not places or things or even rides and attractions. It's all about how it makes you feel. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, and thank YOU for reading.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT'S OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED"
A Very Merry Intermission - July 20, 2014 Part 1



Before I get started on this day, I thought I'd share a little something pertaining to the upcoming trip in less than a month.

I'd seen so many awesome examples of a decorated Magic Band, that I really wanted to do one myself.
The problem was, what to do?
All I had was my one orange band from this very trip you've been reading.

In the end though, it was obvious.
I decided to go very personal and create something that, while not readily identifiable to the masses,
Would mean something special to me.

Something that would bring a little piece of remembrance of this amazing trip you've been reading,
And while those special people may not be there, they can still be there in spirit.

So without further adieu (and FB friends, sorry for the repeat), I give to you the Canadia Magic Band.

*******************************



I awoke bright and early, packed up my last few items, checked out, and drove over to Carrie’s.
Of course, I got a bit lost, but nowhere near the insanity of the day before.

We first drove to WalMart to pick up supplies, so this was actually the first time meeting Carrie’s husband, Ivan,
And it gave Hailey the opportunity to give me some other hand done gifts to add to my collection.

One of them may have been done by Carrie... But I won't say which one.

The other highlight was Riley was back!!!

Then the decision was made for an Egg McMuffin stop at McDonald’s, which I was more than happy with.

After breakfast, we set out on the approximately 1 hour drive up to Vaughan and Canadia’s Wonderland!!!
That was the initial plan anyway.

The drive up was a journey and a challenge, but I more or less kept up despite not having a clue where I was going.
When we pulled off the highway, I could see the entrance to Canadia’s Wonderland,
But they went past that and pulled into the parking lot of the Vaughan Mills Mall

The skies were looking a bit ominous, so we called an audible and decided to flip flop our plans of today and tomorrow.
So Canadia’s Wonderland was moved to the next day (when the weather was expected to be improved), and the Mall and Toronto Zoo moved to today.

It also would provide more time at the hotel for the girls to enjoy the indoor pool and water slide that they had been so excited for.
And by "girls", I really mean Carrie.

It was about an hour before the stores all opened (our goal being one specific store), so we just roamed a bit to kill time.

And for my own entertainment, and in preparation of what was to come, I went into full on Disney geek mode.

Wilderness Lodge…

Yacht Club…

MORE Wilderness Lodge (or Animal Kingdom)...

The Back Side of Water…

The Seas…

And The Country Bear Jamboree (There is a moose, buffalo, and deer, and we already had bears)...

All in all, this was just a place to kick back and wait for the rest of the mall to open up...

... And reunite with my Disney Kid.

(photo courtesy of Carrie)

Outdoor World was pretty darn cool I must say, with this easily being my favorite item,

But a personalized Coke was pretty darn neat too.

Soon enough, the rest of the Mall was getting ready to open, so we hurried to get in line (yes in line) for the one place we came for.

Legit (but not surprising), there were people out front waiting for the store to open, and I saw no other store with the same “issue”.
Pretty exciting to be there for rope drop.

The CM’s came outside and enlisted a little girl to help with the opening ceremony, and they did indeed call her “Princess”, which I just loved.
The whole thing, while simple, just gave off that Disney vibe, so of course I enjoyed it immensely.

While I didn’t buy anything (I believe Carrie did though),
I did enjoy browsing around and to prove that I have a sense of humour and No Fear…

In my personal opinion they should be priced at $6.66, but... Just absolutely terrifying regardless.

We left the Mall soon after and drove to the Toronto Zoo,

But before heading in, a little picnic lunch courtesy of WalMart.

The possible rain actually held off, and it was turning out to be a really nice, albeit warm, day.

TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[MEK]

I'm glad you liked the Cave of the Wind pictures. That was truly one of the best attractions I have ever been to. the funny thing was, I almost opted out but Denny bought my ticket anyway so I was "forced" to go!

Ahhh - clifton hill just looks crazier and crazier.

Funny GPS story. My GPS once said "impossible" while my friend chuck was driving and trying to get us out of the Poly parking lot. True Story!

Fun night at the movies with the girls.

I live very close to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal and there is a movable bridge similar to that which gets lowered only for trains and then cranked back up against ships can pass through. It has HUGE chains on it that are massive. Apparently it is all done remotely from somewhere in Philadelphia.

Probably a good idea to follow Carrie in the morning!

Leave it to you to find Disney icons at the mall. And, you're right - those dolls ARE absolutely terrifying. I vote for the $6.66 too!

 

[courtneybelle]

I LOVE your MagicBand! Great job! And it's awesome that it has such a special meaning to you

HA Disney references everywhere. Such is the life of a DISer.

I was at a Disney Outlet this weekend!!! Got a fabulous DCA glass too.

Oh man. I got chills at that "Let The Magic Begin" book!

You mean you didn't take advantage of that doll sale?!

 

[gracer9977]

I love the Canadia Magic Band. Simple and Perfect!!

I think it's neat that the McD's Golden Arches have little Maple Leafs on them. Just to make sure you are still aware that you are in Canadia.

So sweet of Hailey (and Carrie) to color all those pictures for you.

That sky did look pretty scary and a much better choice to avoid the amusement park when it looks like rain.

I love all the comparison's to Disney you found walking around in the mall.

Is that the mall that is underground? I am pretty sure I have been to a mall in Toronto that is mostly underground. Just curious if that is the same one.

Ahhh a Disney Outlet. How wonderful!!!

Looks like you are having another wonderful beginning to the day.