FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER...I'm NOT GOING HOME!! UPDATE DEC.30 PG 74

[nilla]

I thought I was too far back to catch up on this one, then saw that you're including your current trip in it as well, so I'm in! It was fun running into you at DHS yesterday. Enjoy your trip! Ours is winding down.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

oops, fell a bit behind (stupid work preventing me from keeping up on trip reports ) ... but have been seeing some pics you posted to twitter to at least not be too out of the loop

That sounds like a ton of bags - but considering how much we bring for like a week at Disney can't imagine how much I would have for 8 months! Congrats on none of them being over the weight limit though

Definitely found that there is an inverse correlation between the size of the airport and the niceness of the TSA agents Bummer the flight was late and also that it was a bit bumpy though

Ah the ME dash and the TSMM running of the bulls .... and of course the recent Anna / Elsa express puts them both to shame!

That's really odd that a guy would come over and out of the blue question what you are spending money on ... why is it any of his business, even if he doesn't get it?

I've been a little hesitant about the little MB items that are popped into the holes as I am scared they will pop out, but that Rebel Alliance logo one is pretty cool!

Congrats on arriving! Hope you enjoy your time with your family and you stop seeing those un-magical CM's ... maybe they were just waiting for you to arrive and show them how it is done

 

[skylizard]

I did forget to add something about last night though. When we got to the bar area at POR there was a couple with their yorkie in the lobby. The dog was walking around the lobby and the couple fed it during their time there. They were in the lobby for at least an hour and any CM that approached them only went over to play with the dog. So we know Disney is supposed to have a policy about dogs so I was about curious your feelings on this? Should a CM have said something? Is it okay to have your dog with you? Let me know

Could've been a service dog? As long as the dog was behaving and not bothering other people I wouldn't really mind. I've seen service dogs before that don't wear a vest, so I guess they don't have to?

 

[khaleesi]

I love that you brought goodie bags with you! Your dad did an amazing job with them. So thoughtful!!!

And, I don't even know what to say about a perfect strangers criticizing how you want to spend your own money. SMH.

My thoughts on the dog is that if it were me staying at the hotel, I would be so happy to see that! I wouldn't be surprised if it was a service animal, though. It's a lot more common now to have them for reasons other than something obvious. I say bring on the doggies!!

 

[sarahcor]

excited to follow along on this exciting journey you will experience. we will be there 9/2-9/9 hope to see you

 

[firecracker725]

We went to pay at a register a CM was standing at and she told us she wasn't open but we could go to the next one. No one was there so a manager asked a CM who was with the original CM to sign on and ring us up. This woman rolled her eyes at her manager!!!!! How unprofessional! Idk if we are all caught up in the Disney bubble and just never noticed these things and now that I will be a CM I notice them or what We got all of our food though and chowed down!

On our last trip, we ran into this type of thing a few times at POP. Not sure what the deal was, but the cashiers were just incredibly rude. Seriously...we didn't encounter a single one that was polite. I even mentioned it on a survey we received at check-out.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I remember being on a Disney bus once and a lady was holding a very small dog. I wondered where she and it had been and where they were headed to, because I also thought dogs other than service dogs were only allowed at Fort Wilderness. I am pretty sure we were going from a park and to Pop Century. I don't know the story, I just know she was on the bus with the dog, the dog sat in her lap quietly the whole time, and no one said anything to her, so I guess she had made arrangements with the driver for that to be okay.

A lot of people wish WDW would have a pet-friendly resort. Maybe that will happen one of these days.

I was pretty surprised to see a dog out and walking through the lobby!

It might but I just see that being a lot of upkeep for Disney. I always imagine a pet friendly resort as a little bit dirty At least I know how messy our furniture gets after our dogs have gotten to it

I thought I was too far back to catch up on this one, then saw that you're including your current trip in it as well, so I'm in! It was fun running into you at DHS yesterday. Enjoy your trip! Ours is winding down.

Welcome! This will be an ongoing TR throughout my DCP experience!

I loved running in to you and your family! You were my first DISmeet!

I hope you had an amazing trip!

oops, fell a bit behind (stupid work preventing me from keeping up on trip reports ) ... but have been seeing some pics you posted to twitter to at least not be too out of the loop

That sounds like a ton of bags - but considering how much we bring for like a week at Disney can't imagine how much I would have for 8 months! Congrats on none of them being over the weight limit though

Definitely found that there is an inverse correlation between the size of the airport and the niceness of the TSA agents Bummer the flight was late and also that it was a bit bumpy though

Ah the ME dash and the TSMM running of the bulls .... and of course the recent Anna / Elsa express puts them both to shame!

That's really odd that a guy would come over and out of the blue question what you are spending money on ... why is it any of his business, even if he doesn't get it?

I've been a little hesitant about the little MB items that are popped into the holes as I am scared they will pop out, but that Rebel Alliance logo one is pretty cool!

Congrats on arriving! Hope you enjoy your time with your family and you stop seeing those un-magical CM's ... maybe they were just waiting for you to arrive and show them how it is done

I hate it when work gets in the way of having fun!

I know! I keep telling my parents that!

Luckily we made it through okay and it was nice going to a smaller airport!

My parents witnessed that the other day and were in shock!

I agree! It was very annoying! Let me spend my money Mister!

I have only lost C3PO so far and it seems that where they are on the MB contributes to how they stay on more than anything.

We are having a great time I hope to update soon!

Could've been a service dog? As long as the dog was behaving and not bothering other people I wouldn't really mind. I've seen service dogs before that don't wear a vest, so I guess they don't have to?

I didn't know if Yorkies could be a service dog breed

I love that you brought goodie bags with you! Your dad did an amazing job with them. So thoughtful!!!

And, I don't even know what to say about a perfect strangers criticizing how you want to spend your own money. SMH.

My thoughts on the dog is that if it were me staying at the hotel, I would be so happy to see that! I wouldn't be surprised if it was a service animal, though. It's a lot more common now to have them for reasons other than something obvious. I say bring on the doggies!!

Thank you! I am very excited for my roommates to see them!

It was very rude!

I wasn't sure since it was a Yorkie and they had a carrier with it? I usually see bigger dogs as helper dogs. I love my three dogs but Idk if I would want to stay at a pet hotel Vacation is busy enough without having to walk my dogs every morning

excited to follow along on this exciting journey you will experience. we will be there 9/2-9/9 hope to see you

Welcome!

I hope to see you too!

On our last trip, we ran into this type of thing a few times at POP. Not sure what the deal was, but the cashiers were just incredibly rude. Seriously...we didn't encounter a single one that was polite. I even mentioned it on a survey we received at check-out.

That's sad! I am so sorry to hear that!

 

[corinne148]

I just read through your trip report and I can't wait to hear more about your CP! I'm studying Hospitality right now and really hope I can do my internship at Disney.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Cant wait to hear more! We will be on property Jan 3-9 2015 Would love to do a DIS meet. Will have my Goddaughter (will be 20) who is interested in the DCP.

 

[mollybuck]

I haven't had a chance to post lately but I am loving all of your Star Wars photos on Instagram! I can't wait for your CP to start. Hope the rest of your vacation is going smoothly!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I just read through your trip report and I can't wait to hear more about your CP! I'm studying Hospitality right now and really hope I can do my internship at Disney.

Welcome!!

I will be crossing my finger for you!

Cant wait to hear more! We will be on property Jan 3-9 2015 Would love to do a DIS meet. Will have my Goddaughter (will be 20) who is interested in the DCP.

Thank you!

That would be great! I would be more than happy to answer any questions she has!

I haven't had a chance to post lately but I am loving all of your Star Wars photos on Instagram! I can't wait for your CP to start. Hope the rest of your vacation is going smoothly!

Thank you!

It is!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Thursday May 15 The Day I Met My Fellow Rebels

I woke up at a normal time on Thursday morning because it was my off day from working out Yes I do allow myself one!

This morning I was very excited because it was finally Rebel Rendezvous day! I had been looking forward to this event since I signed up for it and had to look the part



If you don't know much about Star Wars the tank top looks like a Rebel Fighter pilots helmet!

I had to take a picture of our decorated window before we headed out!





I was going to go to MK with my parents for a bit before I headed to DHS but the line for MK was crazy! They had EMH that morning so I guess everyone was going! I opted to just head to DHS instead of going to MK then trying to get back over.



I was the first one to my Mickey Head Light Up Bulb (MHLUB for short) and started my two hour long wait.





It was easy to see who was there for RR because of what they were wearing All of us Rebels had on Star Wars stuff!

I got up at one point to go to the bathroom and the girl who had been first in line at the MHLUB next to me decided to move over in to my line once I got up. When it was time for the park to finally open she had her friend come and join her. A CM walked over and noticed my Celebration button and asked me if I was a huge Star Wars fan. I, of course, said yes!!! She said well get in the front of the line so you can be the first person back there! I did and thanked her and had a nice chat with her. She was also from MI so we talked a bit about the weather and what not. The girl who had been in front commented on my toes and said they were cute and I thanked her. She then said I really need to date a guy who will get me in to Star Wars I have never seen the movies You don't need a man to get in to Star Wars!!! I have been a bigger fan than any guy I have ever dated but anyway.. I hope she watches them eventually..


Finally the park opened and people were literally almost running to get in line for the RR and it didn't start until 10! The park opened at 9 btw.

I was lucky enough to end up second in line and took a picture of my "credentials" for the day!



Say "credentials"! Doesn't it just sound like VIP!!

Throughout the line they had display cases of the special merchandise





I loved Donald but did not want to put up the cash for him!





They also had paintings for the set areas from Star Wars movies



and props!







I love the iPod stuff that is coming out!




We had to wait a bit longer and another CM struck up a convo with me about the DCP. I think 87% of CMs started out as DCPers! It was nice to talk to her and helped kill time.

About 10 minutes before the store opened Storm Troopers walked out!



I gasped very loudly and scared both of the CMs guarding the front of the line I apologized and said "I am just very excited!" They laughed and said they understood.

Once it was time for the store to open they had everyone crowd together. Well I ended up being the first person in Darth's Mall for the 2014 season!!!!!! How exciting!!

All of the CMs were clapping and cheering and I just loved it!


While I was shopping I was apprehended



Yeah Storm Troopers people! I love my life!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Some pictures of the store





I ran through the store and picked up everything I wanted and my RSP purchase. They had this picture for sale in the line for the cash registers



I ended up spending a decent amount of money and do not have pictures of my purchases because I am trying to keep my pictures to a minimum

I also checked out the bar there



How cute! I knew I would be back for a drink later!





Once I was done shopping till I dropped I headed over the Great Movie Ride but had to take pictures of the set pieces first!





You all know I love this one and still have high hopes I will end up here!

It was the usual ride but I had to still take pictures!







The gangster was better than in November but the microphone seemed to be having some issues and was so quiet I could barely hear her.







I then headed to Star Tours to use my FP+







I was starving by the time I was done on the Star Tours so I headed to Starring Rolls assuming they would have gluten free bread for sandwiches

While I was in line I recognized a mom and her two kids. I started trying to figure out how I knew them and I realized that it was Jon's ( Nilla from the DIS) family! I always feel a bit awkward meeting people from the DIS for the first time especially if I stalk their TRs, but I knew I would have to get over that awkwardness now that I will be here for 8 months

I got Kristin's (Nilla's wife) attention and told her "I don't want to sound creepy but I love your husband's TRs on the DIS! I recognized you all from the TRs."

She was so sweet and seemed excited to be recognized which was great! I felt creepy enough as it was and if I had gotten a bad reaction I would have been so embarrassed!

She said Jon was outside saving a table and she would tell him I recognized them.

After they headed out I finally got to the counter and told them about my allergy and was told to wait for a chef. I waited about 10 minutes or so just to find out I could only have a parfait. I needed food people!

As I was about to head out Jon and his adorable daughter Em walked in and I was able to talk to them for a bit. Jon it was great being able to meet you all and I am sorry if I seemed in a rush but I needed food fast! I really look forward to reading your next TR and seeing all the great pictures of your beautiful family!

So my DISmeet count is now at :1
But no picture was taken so it might not have happened and I could be lying to you all

I wanted to stay near the Darth Mall area so I headed over to the Backlot Express CS but it wasn't open. It was sooo hot this day and I was sooo hungry that having to trek back across the park to Rosie's All American cafe wore me out!



I was able to get food though and scarfed down some chicken fingers and fries. I loved my sitting area because where else could you hear screams from TOT and a streetmosphere skit?!


I was about ready to head out at this point so I decided one more run through of Darth's Mall and then back to the room to freshen up.

I saw the Fab Five with no line so got a picture of the four of them



My main mission was to get a "The Dark side" alcoholic drink



The glow cube looked like the Deathstar! I also had to prove I drank it!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I also ended up finding the Legos I couldn't find earlier and called my dad to find out if he wanted any. He did and I also found the vinyls they didn't have out earlier so hopped back in line. This line took an hour! It was ridiculous! I cannot even fathom how much money Disney made off of this event because so many people bought tickets!

I had the nicest DCP CM as a cashier and we chatted a bit about the program and where she is living. She is in Patterson and that was our first pick so after I was all set she said "It would be awesome if you're my next door neighbor I hope to see you soon!" She was so nice and I really do hope she is next door! I grabbed my bags and headed out but had to take a picture with a Clone Trooper since I had one with a Storm Trooper!



I will leave off here because Disney internet and Photobucket are not friends! I am sorry I am already running a little behind but I promise to try my best to catch up so it's in real time!

 

[mommyburns]

Cool update! I saw in the "credentials" we have the same last name. I hope we can find you in October during our trip.

 

[NMDisneyMom]

I'm a long time lurker of your TR and I have to say I'm loving it. We are getting ready for our very first trip to WDW in about 12 days, and your comments on everything are really making me excited. Hopefully while we are there we will be able to say in person. Congrats on the DCP. Sounds like you are going to have an awesome time. And Rebel Rendezvous sounds awesome. As someone who remembers when Star Wars first came out (I remember standing in a line with my friends that went around the building) I would have been in heaven to be there with you.

Can't wait for your next update!

Jennifer

 

[nilla]

Jon it was great being able to meet you all and I am sorry if I seemed in a rush but I needed food fast!

No worries! When you read my TR (coming next week), you'll see that I wasn't exactly on my game that day anyway. Stay tuned to find out why (shameless plug)!

So my DISmeet count is now at :1
But no picture was taken so it might not have happened and I could be lying to you all

You were my first official DISmeet ever, and the lack of picture makes that a bit sketchy as well

It was great being recognized! I had it happen once before, but only found out after the fact. It's about time I became famous

I'm going to read your TR from the start and have some catching up to do, but I'm loving what I've read so far! The DCP is a dream we have for our kids, too!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Cool update! I saw in the "credentials" we have the same last name. I hope we can find you in October during our trip.

Thank you!

Very cool!!

I hope so too!

I'm a long time lurker of your TR and I have to say I'm loving it. We are getting ready for our very first trip to WDW in about 12 days, and your comments on everything are really making me excited. Hopefully while we are there we will be able to say in person. Congrats on the DCP. Sounds like you are going to have an awesome time. And Rebel Rendezvous sounds awesome. As someone who remembers when Star Wars first came out (I remember standing in a line with my friends that went around the building) I would have been in heaven to be there with you.

Can't wait for your next update!

Jennifer

Thank you!

I am glad I can help with your excitement! The first trip is always special! I hope so too!

Thank you! I think I will!

It was amazing!! Hopefully you get to see Star Wars Weekends!

Thank you for reading!

No worries! When you read my TR (coming next week), you'll see that I wasn't exactly on my game that day anyway. Stay tuned to find out why (shameless plug)!



You were my first official DISmeet ever, and the lack of picture makes that a bit sketchy as well

It was great being recognized! I had it happen once before, but only found out after the fact. It's about time I became famous

I'm going to read your TR from the start and have some catching up to do, but I'm loving what I've read so far! The DCP is a dream we have for our kids, too!

I can't wait to read it! I always love your TRs!

Aw I feel even worse that we didn't get a pic together!

Hmm I noticed Kristin and the kids does that count as you being famous or them?

Thank you! I am sure your kids will grow up wanting to work there as well!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thanks for posting so many pictures of the Star Wars event. I've never heard of it before discovering the Dis. Where is this located in HS? It looks really cool!

 

[MeMom]

We've met so many DIS friends in the parks and out here in the real world, and every one of them have been quite normal and so nice - just fun, down-to-earth people. Even though we are from many different walks of life, extremely varying lifestyles, incomes, locations, political views, religions, etc., our love of Disney things has given us the opportunity to meet each other and make our life experiences more diverse. I don't think you have to worry about anyone thinking you are a stalker. I'm guessing you will be welcomed warmly any time you approach a DIS/FB Disney friend.

We have a friend from church who is hoping to do CP in the fall. She'll be a good one. She's a cute, happy, Disney-lovin' girl with such a sweet personality. I hope she gets to have that experience.

I know nothing about Star Wars, but I think it's fun to watch people enjoying the SWW fun. I like Star Tours as a ride, but I don't ever know what kind of mission we're on or who the characters are or the places we go on the screen. I just think it's a fun ride. That's how I am putting the Avatar stuff in perspective. I may know nothing about it, but I can still enjoy the ride. Now, Great Movie Ride - that I know about. That's old school, like me.