Hang In There Joan-May '14 TR-video links 2/2

[KristinAnne]

Yay! I love reading about Maddie's adventures in Disney! I'll be paying close attention to your strategies this time and the characters of course, since we are headed there in February!

 

[KatMark]

What a wonderful update, Shannon.

I hope Bryan had a Happy Birthday.

Maddie looks adorable for her recital, as does all of the kids.

Love the t-shirts you made.

DTD was a MESS. I couldn't wait to get out of there.

Fulton's. Now you have me thinking about it again. We used to go all of the time and loved it. Then our last trip got bad and we've not been back since. For the reasons explained in my current TR, I've cancelled all of our signature dining restaurants. If I add one back, Fulton's will be given careful consideration. Oh, and our first stay there, we sat on the top floor; every other trip it's been on the lower level for us.

Yes...the "there is no Elsa or Ana" merchandise. We got lucky (haven't got that far in my TR yet) in finding Elsa dolls twice. They also had t-shirts for the girls (which you will see in a future update) and I got my husband a t-shirt. The one day we saw the guys walking in with the Elsa dolls and it was hysterical watching the women following him and grabbing them off the top of the stack.

You have problems receiving your luggage, but glad it all got there soon enough.

 

[pkondz]

art class for Maddie Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then on Thursday she had ballet class, Friday dress rehearsal, and Saturday recital.

Don't worry. She'll get lots busier.

Some pics from the recital-it was Disney themed.

Aw. Cute.
Brings back fond memories.



But then again, she looks better in a tutu than I did.

Thanks for letting me share guys!

Thanks for the pics!

Those first moments stepping off of the bus are some of my favorites of any trip. The familiar sights, sounds, and humidity wash over me and just make me smile. In those moments with the whole trip ahead of us, I can’t help but be excited and happy.

Oh, man. You nailed it.
There's just something about those first few seconds after you arrive.


Only to be quashed by the checking in process...
but then when that's done... it comes back again.

(and she had not done online check in as I suggested)

Out of curiosity, how much of a difference, if any, did that make?

(Every. Single. Time. I get a newbie Every. Single. Time)

And since she was new I patiently listened as she showed me the map of the resort and explained where our room was located.

You should've shown her where you're room was and explained the finer points of POR.

I needn’t have as the woman waiting behind us stepped forward and said she also wanted to know how I’d bedazzled them

Shan. Making friends wherever she goes.

For the record: red MB, clear nail polish with red glitter in it-3 or 4 coats, clear coat over the top. Pink MB, clear nail polish with pink sparkles in it-3 or 4 coats, clear coat.

Thanks. That'll come in handy in the future.

Oh, for my girls, too I suppose.

We were assigned a room in Oak Manor which was great since we find it to be a great location. It’s very close to the bridge that connects the mansion rooms to the main building and is also convenient to the pool and boat dock.

Did you manage to get the south west wing?

I suppose that free upgrade karma had evened out as our garden view was an unremarkable shrub and the aforementioned wing of our bulding.

Ooohhh.... A shrubbery!
Very nice.
Why would you ever leave your room?

In case you were wondering, YES it was necessary for the AG doll to travel with us. She looked very pretty on that bed all week.

Wasn't wondering.
And of course it was necessary.

Oh, I've been there.
If you're reading my TR, when I get to the Chicago part, I'll have something to say about this.

I haven't even done the trip yet... but I know I'll have something to say about it.

I don't like hotel hair dryers, and bags fly free!

I can see you not liking hotel dryers... but do you think it's nice to talk about your MIL that way?
Although, good for her that she could fly free, I suppose.

And Frozen balloon. Also a must

Take one helium balloon.
Dip in vat of liquid hydrogen.
Voila.

Excited girl waiting for a boat

I bet! Oh, and look. It's a picture of Maddie.
She looks pretty excited, too!

The boat ride from POR to DTD takes 25-30 minutes.

Love that boat ride.
Is that possibly the best part about staying at POR???

Sorry there are so few photos from this meal. I wasn’t entirely comfortable letting MiL know that I take pics of all of our food yet.

I get it.
Yup.

As the trip went on I decided that I didn’t really care what she thought

Uh, oh.

The hostess asked what time our reservation was for and I quietly said 8:00, I’m sorry, our flight was delayed. She smiled, and said “step right over there, you’ll be seated in just a moment”. And 60 seconds later we were being whisked up the wide staircase.

Of course she smiled.
All night long...
"Hello we have reservations for xx o'clock."
"I'm sorry, but we're behind. There'll be a 40 minute wait, I'm afraid."
"What??? Forty minutes?? <curse, rant, rave, etc.>"

(I think, I honestly would have no idea what a seafaring map looks like)

It's just like any other map.
Just damp around the edges.

MiL and I made quick work of the dip and crackers-it’s amazing stuff. Bryan didn’t have any-I suspect that he was afraid to get between the ladies and their dip.

Tell Bryan that I feel his pain.

When you’re using a Dining Plan the server will scan a band at the beginning of the meal, and then again at the end (I assume this is to ensure you’re actually using the plan you say you are?).

Yeah, but...
That's odd.
Do they also ask to see your credit card or cash before you eat if you're not on the plan??

I actually didn’t try the fish tacos (you’ll see why in a moment),

Maybe I missed something.
But I didn't figure out why.
You mean, because you wanted the crab cake and there wasn't enough for you to taste?

On the trip we’d reached an agreement (we told, she knew not to argue) that she’d try one new food each day.

She chose the lobster corn dog as her new food of the day and declared “I love lobster!”. We're considering changing her middle name to "Market Price".

MiL explained that she doesn’t often order a whole lobster and needed a little help getting into it. He asked us to give him a minute and returned wearing gloves and broke that lobster apart right there at the table.

I like that!

A server that was not ours walked by and asked Maddie if he could see her Tink bag. She proudly showed it off, and then he asked her to look inside. She freaked out when she opened her purse to find a slinky had found its way inside. He then asked if he could look inside her purse, and she was thrilled when he found a glow cube in there too. Her smile and laughter was the perfect way to start our trip and reminded us why we come back to WDW year after year.

Great start to the trip!

In the princess section we found that the full inventory of Frozen merchandise consisted of 2 t-shirts –one for boys, one for men, a toddler book, and rice krispie treats with a fondant Anna and Elsa picture.

Everything else must fly off the shelves like cold cakes.

Back in the room we discovered that our yellow tagged bags had been delivered in our absence, but our claim ticket bags had not. With panic rising in my chest I called Bell Services (I was connected right away, and unlike last year needed not call upon my Spanish speaking skills). They put me on hold for a few moments, and then came back on the line to assure me that they had the bags and would have them out to us right away. It seems that having all of our bags in our room is not in the cards for us…

Phew!

Once we’d been reunited with our belongings we unpacked quickly and hit the sack. Tomorrow we take on the Magic Kingdom!

Thanks for the update Shanalana!

 

[sunnysideup3]

Great updates! I agree, getting off the bus is one of my favorite things- the anticipation of the whole vacation ahead of you, the smells, the music, everything makes you so excited for what's ahead.

I love your approach to DRs. Everyone will always have the argument about value, but I'm a big fan of the DDP, so I totally understand your approach.

Great start, can't wait to read more!

 

[katt789]

Oh my gosh I bet those Lilo dresses sell like crazy all the time!!

Love the ballet pictures! So cute!!

Ah, that moment when you’re stepping off the bus is definitely one of the most magical and amazing ones, you’ve got a full vacation of magic and adventure ahead of you and it’s so fantastic!!

Nice on the bedazzled magic bands!! Love the pictures fo the room, I NEED to stay there sometime soon! I’m getting antsy to get there lol!

Oh my gosh I want to eat all the food now!! The fish tacos look amazing!! And the corn dog lobster things seriously sound so good!!! I definitely need to eat at Fulton’s sometime soon! Awesome experience at Fulton’s too! I’ve never had crab legs, they sound interesting! Lol. Love that the other server was so great with Maddie when she was getting antsy, that’s so wonderful and true Disney magic! And nice job on the savings!!

Awe man, I hope ya’ll ended up finding the coronation dress!! It’s gorgeous! Can’t wait to read more!!!

 

[Clarf]

Fantastic updates! That meal sounds wonderful. LOL about changing Maddie's middle name to "Market Price."

Sorry you didn't find the Anna dress, but it's still early in your trip? I still can't wait to hear how your FP+ for Anna and Elsa worked out. Our FP+ date is fast approaching and I"m so nervous about getting that one!

 

[amberg93]

Again, such cute squares. What an undertaking.

The Royal Rooms look so beautiful. They're on my bucketlist.

I haven't taken the boat to DTD but I'm thinking I will in September. It seems everyone thinks it's a nice ride

Aww, I'm glad that they let you in late. That's good, especially with how hungry you were.

Sounds like a good meal.

Yeah, Frozen merch searches... I don't envy you for trying to find that dress.

 

[nilla]

I want that lobster corn dog! We did Fulton's two years ago and sat outside, right on the water. Very nice, and the servers were extremely helpful.

Loving this TR so far. Can't wait to see where you go next!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Glad to read that you made it to Disney safely!

Love the pics of your room and the portraits. I nearly forgot about all the little touches Disney make to make a trip extra special

Need to plan another trip!

Ha ha the 5 star system for reviewing dining sounds like a good plan

Glad you enjoyed Fulton's - them tacos look appetising!

 

[Bethislucy]

a little late to the party, but I can't wait to read all about your trip.

 

[afwdwfan]

Sorry to have skipped a week of updates already! It seems that Lilo Dress Mania can strike at any time of year. Last week I made and shipped 8 of them!

I just don't get it. I mean, nothing against your dresses, they are excellent, but I just didn't realize Lilo was that popular.

Some pics from the recital-it was Disney themed. She danced to Reflection from Mulan and for the grand finale Mickey and Minnie came out (the costumes were super scary, I’m such a Disney snob) and all the dancers donned Minnie ears.

How appropriate that Maddie danced in a Disney themed recital.

I can only imagine how bad Mickey and Minnie were. I'm kind of picturing something like Rizzo the Rat impersonating Mickey in the Muppets pre-show.

And I wanted the Goofy square to look a little messy, like Goofy himself slapped it together

That is perfect!

Those first moments stepping off of the bus are some of my favorites of any trip. The familiar sights, sounds, and humidity wash over me and just make me smile. In those moments with the whole trip ahead of us, I can’t help but be excited and happy.

Absolutely! It is always an amazing feeling.

I was helped by a lovely young woman who was Earning her Ears (Every. Single. Time. I get a newbie Every. Single. Time). She did a wonderful job despite being new to her post.

I'm glad that she was able to get you taken care of with no major issues.

Forgive the messy room photos, I actually took these the next day. As you can see we’d made ourselves at home.

Making myself at home is always my number 1 priority when I get in the door. The people who take the time to get pictures of a clean hotel room... I just don't know how they do it.

I wasn’t entirely comfortable letting MiL know that I take pics of all of our food yet. As the trip went on I decided that I didn’t really care what she thought

Slowly revealing the crazy, huh?

The hostess asked what time our reservation was for and I quietly said 8:00, I’m sorry, our flight was delayed. She smiled, and said “step right over there, you’ll be seated in just a moment”. And 60 seconds later we were being whisked up the wide staircase.

Thank goodness for ADR's and understanding hostesses!

Maddie is a semi-picky eater. She does not willingly eat any vegetables and usually has to be forced to try anything new-pretty typical kid. On the trip we’d reached an agreement (we told, she knew not to argue) that she’d try one new food each day. She chose the lobster corn dog as her new food of the day and declared “I love lobster!”. We're considering changing her middle name to "Market Price".

And of course, it had to be the one thing you were trying to keep for yourself.

Maddie’s feelings about crab legs are thus-if served with enough butter they are the best thing in the whole world. These came with all the butter she needed.

That butter thing can be said for a lot of foods. Also substitute Ketchup or chocolate in certain scenarios.

The cookie sundae was fab. A large warm chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. What’s not to love?

Sounds perfect to me. Chocolate chip cookie... ice cream... chocolate sauce. It I has the trifecta needed for a good dessert.

Her smile and laughter was the perfect way to start our trip and reminded us why we come back to WDW year after year.

That is great that someone did that for her. Especially a server who wasn't even taking care of your table!

DxDP cost (2 credits): $160. Actual cost of the meal: $200. Total savings: $40

I always see arguments against doing a 2 credit meal on the Dining Plan ever because you always lose money. My calculations don't reveal that to be the case so I'm glad to see that it isn't just that I don't know how to basic math.

They put me on hold for a few moments, and then came back on the line to assure me that they had the bags and would have them out to us right away.

Well, at least they had them and were able to get them to you!

Once we’d been reunited with our belongings we unpacked quickly and hit the sack. Tomorrow we take on the Magic Kingdom!

Finally! I mean you've been on property for a whole evening and Maddie has yet to meet a character!!!!

 

[scholastica]

I adore your quilt idea! I just might steal it for next time.

I might have to put Fulton's back on my list to try.

 

[DisFanAmI]

Following along and loving it! More. More. More. Please!

 

[partyof2]

Yippee, another TR from my favourite DIS family!

Maddie is looking more and more like you as she grows up, especially in her recital photos.

Lovely first evening, love the sound of those lobster corn dogs.

Cannot wait for more !

 

[Bethislucy]

This isn't Disney related & I'm sure you've probably know this, but just in case. This Saturday at the Cubs game they are giving away American Girl doll Cubs apparel to the kids.

 

[Cinderella909]

Love the curtsey! She has mastered it! Just checking in ....

Eagerly awaiting more! Karen

 

[shan23877]

This made me laugh!

LOL Thanks!

Cute picture!

I'm glad you didn't have to go bilingual to find your missing bags. I would be totally lost if that happened to me.

Bring on the MK!

thank you!

Haha! it was rough last year, thank goodness I know some remedial Spanish. Mostly I know the dirty words though, so it's never a good idea for me to try to actually converse

I have some coming up!

Sounds like y'all had a fantastic first night meal! Those lobster corn dogs & crab cake sound delicious!

I love that the waiter snuck some surprises into Maddie's bags. That's awesome!

And I love, love, love the new Villains shirts you've added to your store. I may need to order some shirts for October.

You must try the corn dogs some time! They are amazing!

yay! Thanks Amanda! I though of you when I made them!

That meal sounds amazing!

The dining plan doesn't work for us since our daughter became a Disney adult. She would never eat enough to make it worthwhile. I did enjoy it when we had it, especially in 2007 when appetizers and tax or tips were included. I can't remember which. I also remember that you they didn't differentiate between adult and child credits then so you could pay for the kids meal with cash and save the credits for adults.

I can't believe how big Maddie is getting and how long her hair is! Very cute!

Great update, Shannon!

It was a great meal to start the trip!

I'm sure we'll have to re-visit when Maddie is 10. For now it's a great option.

She's getting huge, and refuses to cut that hair. It's down to her butt! She wants it to be as long as Rapunzel's...

I am loving the princess room!!! With two little pirates, I don't really see that in my future . . . maybe I can finagle some kind of girls only trip with my sister!

As for the dining plans- you have to do what works best for you. We have done it when it was free. We have paid for it just for convenience sake. We have done quick service only. I am curious to see your reviews though, because though my pirates are still little, they can eat like they are big already . . . I may need to splurge for the Deluxe Dining plan when they are teenagers just to make sure everyone is full (and you know, I get a bit or too!).

Oh Fultons!!!
I totally was reading your review going "Oh my goodness! I forgot about that. I forgot how delicious it all was!".
There is seating on the main floor as that is where we were seated.
The crab dip- so good!! I was actually pregnant with my littlest pirate when we went there. The crab dip hit the spot so well, that the waiter took pity on me and brought me my own plate of it!
And the Lobster Corn Dogs - one of the most heavenly things I have ever eaten!!

I hope you get to see the princess rooms someday, they're fun! ANd you'll have to tell me all about boy stuff since we'll never see any of it LOL

Fulton's was much better than I remembered. The lobster corn dogs were amazing. I'm still craving them and that dip! I wish they'd have offered me more! Haha!

Thanks for the info on the seating. We've only ever been seated upstairs!

I think I posted once before I left on my trip - my mom quilts and I can't wait to show her your project pictures.

I'm back from my trip now, doing my own trip report (I have no idea how to do chapter links but I don't think it will be necessary in my case since I'm not a Dis-expert with lots of comments....!) and wanted to catch up on yours too.

Lobster corn dogs. I have no words but totally believe they are awesome and I'm also sure my kids would go bananas over them. Might have to put those on a future list!

I hope you had a great trip! I'll have to look for your TR!

Keep Fulton's in mind for sure. The corn dogs were amazingly good.

Wow, 8 Lilo dresses! That is Lilo dress mania.

Nice crafting tutorial! At least the lady behind you wasn't frustrated when check-in took a while. LOL.

You take your dining so seriously, you crack me up. I want to do Deluxe someday, I just can't! I still try to stick within some calorie limitations on vacation, so I just can't justify it.

Awesome that you were seated right away even though you were late! Nice.

What a nice server! Even though he was a little stiff at first. And those lobster corn dogs sound AMAHZING!

Lilo is apparently seasonless. Who knew?

LOL. I was glad that she was interested in the bands, I was starting to feel bad!

I do. I love food. Lots of people ask about DDP, so I thought the cost breakdown would be helpful.

He was great, and the corn dogs were to die for! YOu must try them!

"As the trip went on I decided that I didn’t really care what she thought " ... Ok, that made me chuckle out loud a bit

As did the bit about changing Maddie's middle name to "Market Price"

Aw, that was nice of that other server to "magically" put the slinky and cube in Maddie's bags

Your room looks nice and glad you got a location you were happy with

Hahaha! Yeah, I only cared for a few days.

She was just talking about that server tonight. He made a big impression on her.

It was a great location. We couldn't have been happier!

Ahhhh, I was so hoping you'd have pictures of Mickey and Minnie at the recital. I'm just picturing the Horror I saw of them in Hollywood. Well actually, opening day Disneyland they were pretty terrifying too.

They were pretty bad. What do you think?



Awww Maddie is so cute. How fun to do a little Disney at home.

Oh yeah, steppng out onto Disney property for the first time on a trip... everything all in front and still to come...

It's the best feeling. I will never get tired of that feeling of finally being there and the pure excitement.

As a full grown male adult, I should think, yeah, those royal rooms are ok. But... those rooms are so cute and... THAT HEADBOARD!!!!! I just know I would break that thing from overuse.

I am guilty of pushing the button a lot myself. It's just really cool

'

Haha, oh my I almost forget that food pictures must be such a foreign concept to some. We all just take it for granted.

She didn't get it at all. She didn't complain when I did it, but she definitely thought it was odd. LOL

OK, so it again appears that Maddie and I have the same strategy when it comes to souvenirs and a "maybe" list. You have to see everything first before you put down the limited cash. Normally having the same shopping strategy as a child would make me a little embarrassed, but since it's Maddie I'll take it as a compliment, lol.

aww you are so sweet! You and Mads are kindred spirits. thanks Rob!

Yay! I love reading about Maddie's adventures in Disney! I'll be paying close attention to your strategies this time and the characters of course, since we are headed there in February!

Awesome! Where are you staying?

What a wonderful update, Shannon.

I hope Bryan had a Happy Birthday.

Maddie looks adorable for her recital, as does all of the kids.

Love the t-shirts you made.

thanks Kathy! It was a fun, but busy week!

DTD was a MESS. I couldn't wait to get out of there.

It was just terrible wasn't it? Bottlenecks and narrow paths everywhere. I'm excited to see it completed, but for now it's awful.

Fulton's. Now you have me thinking about it again. We used to go all of the time and loved it. Then our last trip got bad and we've not been back since. For the reasons explained in my current TR, I've cancelled all of our signature dining restaurants. If I add one back, Fulton's will be given careful consideration. Oh, and our first stay there, we sat on the top floor; every other trip it's been on the lower level for us.

We've had 2 really good meals there. I will definitely go back-if only for those corn dogs LOL I hope that you give it another try!

Yes...the "there is no Elsa or Ana" merchandise. We got lucky (haven't got that far in my TR yet) in finding Elsa dolls twice. They also had t-shirts for the girls (which you will see in a future update) and I got my husband a t-shirt. The one day we saw the guys walking in with the Elsa dolls and it was hysterical watching the women following him and grabbing them off the top of the stack.

I have a dress story later in my TR as well. It's just crazy! I assume they didn't order much due to getting stuck with a bunch of Brave and Tangled merch that didn't sell, but the Frozen craze is nuts!

You have problems receiving your luggage, but glad it all got there soon enough.

It seems to be our cross to bear. It all worked out though.

Don't worry. She'll get lots busier.

I'm sure she will, and I am not looking forward to that.

Aw. Cute.
Brings back fond memories.

I bet that it does! Did you think you'd still be doing it now?

Oh, man. You nailed it.
There's just something about those first few seconds after you arrive.

It's the best isn't it? Even the air feels great. It will never get old.

Out of curiosity, how much of a difference, if any, did that make?

She was done checking first. Her CM was not as thorough and eager as mine LOL

You should've shown her where you're room was and explained the finer points of POR.

I should have! She could have added it to her spiel!

Shan. Making friends wherever she goes.

We Midwesterners are a friendly bunch.

Thanks. That'll come in handy in the future.

Oh, for my girls, too I suppose.

I can just see you now-sashaying to your Royal Guest Room while your wife and daughters trail behind...

Did you manage to get the south west wing?

We did! Great location!

Ooohhh.... A shrubbery!
Very nice.
Why would you ever leave your room?

And not just any shrubbery-one that needed a trim! Worth every penny of the upgrade.

Oh, I've been there.
If you're reading my TR, when I get to the Chicago part, I'll have something to say about this.

I haven't even done the trip yet... but I know I'll have something to say about it.

Hahaha! I'm sure you will!

I can see you not liking hotel dryers... but do you think it's nice to talk about your MIL that way?
Although, good for her that she could fly free, I suppose.

That made me so happy!

Love that boat ride.
Is that possibly the best part about staying at POR???

The boat ride and the grounds. It's so pretty there!

Of course she smiled.
All night long...
"Hello we have reservations for xx o'clock."
"I'm sorry, but we're behind. There'll be a 40 minute wait, I'm afraid."
"What??? Forty minutes?? <curse, rant, rave, etc.>"

Haha! I probably made her day! I was right on time!

It's just like any other map.
Just damp around the edges.

Thank goodness, I felt silly for a minute.

Tell Bryan that I feel his pain.

Will do.

Maybe I missed something.
But I didn't figure out why.
You mean, because you wanted the crab cake and there wasn't enough for you to taste?

I forgot to explain. It's because I stuck my face in the basket of lobster corn dogs and by the time I was done the tacos were gone.

Great start to the trip!



Everything else must fly off the shelves like cold cakes.

Or like popscicles? Is there a cold breakfast pastry? Like uncooked Toaster Strudel?

Thanks for the update Shanalana!

Thanks for making me laugh Ponzerelli

Great updates! I agree, getting off the bus is one of my favorite things- the anticipation of the whole vacation ahead of you, the smells, the music, everything makes you so excited for what's ahead.

I love your approach to DRs. Everyone will always have the argument about value, but I'm a big fan of the DDP, so I totally understand your approach.

Great start, can't wait to read more!

it's just the best feeling in the world isn't it? I love those first moments.

For us the value is also in the freedom to order anything we want. It's not often we treat ourselves that way, so we love DDP!

Thank you!

Oh my gosh I bet those Lilo dresses sell like crazy all the time!!

Love the ballet pictures! So cute!!

Ah, that moment when you’re stepping off the bus is definitely one of the most magical and amazing ones, you’ve got a full vacation of magic and adventure ahead of you and it’s so fantastic!!

Nice on the bedazzled magic bands!! Love the pictures fo the room, I NEED to stay there sometime soon! I’m getting antsy to get there lol!

Oh my gosh I want to eat all the food now!! The fish tacos look amazing!! And the corn dog lobster things seriously sound so good!!! I definitely need to eat at Fulton’s sometime soon! Awesome experience at Fulton’s too! I’ve never had crab legs, they sound interesting! Lol. Love that the other server was so great with Maddie when she was getting antsy, that’s so wonderful and true Disney magic! And nice job on the savings!!

Awe man, I hope ya’ll ended up finding the coronation dress!! It’s gorgeous! Can’t wait to read more!!!

Thanks Katt! I figured you'd like the ballet pics

The RGRs are so pretty, you'll have to treat yourself to a night or two there when you get to WDW. The whole area that they're in is fantastic.

And you need to treat yourself to Fulton's! Bry loved those fish tacos, and clearly I am a fan of the corn dogs LOL That server was a gem. She's still talking about him!

The saga of the dress continues next...

 

[shan23877]

Fantastic updates! That meal sounds wonderful. LOL about changing Maddie's middle name to "Market Price."

Sorry you didn't find the Anna dress, but it's still early in your trip? I still can't wait to hear how your FP+ for Anna and Elsa worked out. Our FP+ date is fast approaching and I"m so nervous about getting that one!

It was a great way to start the trip. It was delish!

It's early, the dress saga continues next... I so hope that you can get that FP. I think it should be easier now that they've extended the hours. From what I hear you can't expect to get one for your first few days, but should be able to get one for the end of the trip. Let me know what happens!

Again, such cute squares. What an undertaking.

The Royal Rooms look so beautiful. They're on my bucketlist.

I haven't taken the boat to DTD but I'm thinking I will in September. It seems everyone thinks it's a nice ride

Aww, I'm glad that they let you in late. That's good, especially with how hungry you were.

Sounds like a good meal.

Yeah, Frozen merch searches... I don't envy you for trying to find that dress.

The quilt is going to be a lot of work, but should be worth it. I'm excited about it!

We were so glad to be let in late. We were starving!

The boat ride is great. It's so much more reliable than the bus service too.

Ugh. That dress. It was such a thorn in my side!

I want that lobster corn dog! We did Fulton's two years ago and sat outside, right on the water. Very nice, and the servers were extremely helpful.

Loving this TR so far. Can't wait to see where you go next!

I want one too! I'd love to sit outside there, I imagine that it would be a great experience. We'll definitely go back.

Thanks! We're going to the MK!

Glad to read that you made it to Disney safely!

Love the pics of your room and the portraits. I nearly forgot about all the little touches Disney make to make a trip extra special

Need to plan another trip!

Ha ha the 5 star system for reviewing dining sounds like a good plan

Glad you enjoyed Fulton's - them tacos look appetising!

Thanks Tanz!

it really is the little things that Disney does so very well.

You do need another trip, and try Fultons when you do!

a little late to the party, but I can't wait to read all about your trip.

I'm so glad you're here! Welcome!

I just don't get it. I mean, nothing against your dresses, they are excellent, but I just didn't realize Lilo was that popular.

No offense taken, I don't get it at all. LOL. I can't seem to stop selling them!

How appropriate that Maddie danced in a Disney themed recital.

I can only imagine how bad Mickey and Minnie were. I'm kind of picturing something like Rizzo the Rat impersonating Mickey in the Muppets pre-show.

Hahahaha! That's exactly what it reminded me of! Here's the best pic I got

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I'm glad that she was able to get you taken care of with no major issues.

No issues, just took a little while...

Making myself at home is always my number 1 priority when I get in the door. The people who take the time to get pictures of a clean hotel room... I just don't know how they do it.

Me neither! We throw our crap on the beds immediately!

Slowly revealing the crazy, huh?

EXACTLY!

Thank goodness for ADR's and understanding hostesses!

I was so grateful to her! We needed to eat!

And of course, it had to be the one thing you were trying to keep for yourself.

Kids are so predictable that way aren't they?

Sounds perfect to me. Chocolate chip cookie... ice cream... chocolate sauce. It I has the trifecta needed for a good dessert.

It was great. Nothing at all not to like about it.

That is great that someone did that for her. Especially a server who wasn't even taking care of your table!

He was so awesome! She's still talking about him.

I always see arguments against doing a 2 credit meal on the Dining Plan ever because you always lose money. My calculations don't reveal that to be the case so I'm glad to see that it isn't just that I don't know how to basic math.

Maybe it's our Mid-western math? Do they do it differently in other parts of the country? Works out for me! LOL

Finally! I mean you've been on property for a whole evening and Maddie has yet to meet a character!!!!

She was long over due!

I adore your quilt idea! I just might steal it for next time.

I might have to put Fulton's back on my list to try.

Steal away! I'd be happy to help with some tips before you do it!

Following along and loving it! More. More. More. Please!

Thanks so much! I'm glad to have you! more coming right up!

Yippee, another TR from my favourite DIS family!

Maddie is looking more and more like you as she grows up, especially in her recital photos.

Lovely first evening, love the sound of those lobster corn dogs.

Cannot wait for more !

You win! Favorite post of the day! Thank you!

All of my family says she looks just like me. She acts a lot like me!

This isn't Disney related & I'm sure you've probably know this, but just in case. This Saturday at the Cubs game they are giving away American Girl doll Cubs apparel to the kids.

Ahhh! I didn't see that until today! I may need to scour Ebay after the game or see if any friends are going...

Love the curtsey! She has mastered it! Just checking in ....

Eagerly awaiting more! Karen

She's been practicing for years! More coming right up... I think you're going to like this one Karen!

 

[shan23877]

The One With The Boutique​

I was up at 6 am on our first full day at WDW. After a quick shower and making myself presentable I woke Maddie and Bryan. We had a very important appointment at 8:15.



We were out of the room by 6:45, and went straight to…. The food court. But not without taking some photos on the way!

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Mads was hungry so we stopped to grab her a quick breakfast on our way out. I showed her the pastry case, offered Mickey waffles, even said I’d get her a cinnamon roll at MK, but all she wanted was some scrambled eggs. I approached one of the stations and asked if it was possible to just get a side of eggs, and the CM there said it certainly was. At $2.76 with tax those eggs were the dining bargain of the trip!


Seems that POR doesn’t quite have a full staff in the food court at 6:45, so we waited in line for the only available cashier for a while. Maddie claimed to be STARVING, so she ate while we waited.


Finally through the line we met MiL at the bus stops where she reported that we’d just missed a MK bus. POR’s main bus stop does have one of the TV screens where you can check to see when a bus will arrive, but it wasn’t always turned on.


Another bus came quickly and by 7:30 we were on our way. We did stop at French Quarter that morning, but if I remember correctly (and let’s be honest I probably don’t) that was the only time that we stopped there on our way to a park.


MK was hosting the media for the 7DMT previews that day. They must have gotten to mingle with these guys.

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Once inside the park I forced my daughter and family to pose for pictures with Roy and Minnie, and then again when I saw a PP photog with no line. Maddie was not in the mood for pictures, she had to see a girl about a makeover.

And then she was gone...









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We arrived at the BBB with 5 minutes to spare before our appointment, and found ourselves with only one family in front of us checking in. Unfortunately that family was the Penny Saver family.


While we waited behind them the mom made the CM at the podium tell her the price of each individual service while her husband used a calculator to check the savings of buying each service in different groupings. If that wasn’t bad enough, they couldn’t remember the prices they’d been quoted so they made the CM repeat them as they calculated each new possible bundle. “How much is the make-up and nails again? And the hair styling? Does that hair style cost less than that one? Don’t you think it should since that one comes with hair extensions?” I'm all for getting a good deal, but Mrs. Penny Saver was really really serious about it.


While we were waiting, Maddie was dying to go in and check out the dresses. The podium is right inside the doorway, and the dress display is on the right, but you can’t see them until you get all the way in the room. Once I realized that the PennySavers were going to be there a while I told her she could go ahead.


I heard the squeal at the same time I saw her. She was holding the Anna coronation dress.



Have you guys seen the threads here on the DIS started by moms desperate to get their daughters an Elsa dress? Or the Barbie sized doll? Or a plush, any plush, from Frozen? Since Santa brought Maddie the Elsa dress, the Anna dress, both dolls, and the Olaf stuffed animal for Christmas I read those threads and felt a little smug. Thank god we had that dress! People were charging $500 and up for one Disney Store Elsa dress on Ebay!


So, yes, I was smug and a little snooty. Until Maddie saw the coronation dress and declared THAT dress was the ONLY one she would want from the BBB. She was reading the DIS over my shoulder when she saw it so I could only blame myself. I checked the Disney Store site twice daily and tried in vain to manage her expectations. When she told me that she knew they’d have it “because Disney World is where dreams come true!” I ramped up my Disney Store online visits to thrice daily.



Finally I ventured out to our local Disney Stores. On my second visit (no Frozen flip flops available by 2 pm on a Saturday BTW) Turns out the Disney Store version of the dress was recalled because the dyes were running when they got wet. The very helpful CM who told me that also said that the only place to get the dress was at the parks-that version was slightly different and didn’t have the same dye issues.



So after months of searching, when I saw Maddie round that corner with a grin from ear to ear and holding that dress a few tears of joy sprang to my eyes. I did control myself though, my husband would have made fun of me forever for that one.


Finally the Penny Savers were done (the packages do save you money!) and we got Maddie checked in. She chose the princess hairstyle, and emphatically declared that she wanted the green Anna dress. (For the record this is the first time in her 7 years that she has willingly worn anything green.)


We took a seat in the lobby until she was called in for her appointment and I took some photos while we waited.

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The BBB in the castle is a gorgeous place. There are cute touches everywhere you look. I’ve gone on and on about it in previous TRs, but it really is great. And you know what? Even the fourth time around it’s still pretty magical to see your little girl be made into a princess.


We were called back to get her dressed about 10 minutes later. We’d told them that we needed a size 7, but when she got it on we discovered that the bodice was huge on her while the length was perfect. We settled on the too short 5 that fit nicely everywhere else.


Soon enough she was introduced to her Fairy Godmother in Training and led to the make-over chair. Some pics of the experience:

Checking out her nails





She's very serious about keeping the dust out of her eyes








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When she was finished we settled up at the register, adding the T-shirt of course, and headed for the door. Maddie and I were leading the way with her slightly in front of me. As we stepped out the door I grabbed Maddie and pulled her back into my chest. A HUGE mob of people was pushing and shoving it’s way through the castle tunnel and we’d almost stepped right into it’s path.


We’d just experienced our first Anna and Elsa Rope Drop.


I held Maddie close to me as our group waited in the safety of the BBB doorway. When the coast was clear we tentatively we stepped out and ventured into Fantasyland. A line of CMs were directing traffic around the left side of the carousel and standing guard to keep anyone from attempting to cut through the right side.


Curiously I approached one of them and asked how long the wait was right then (9:10 on a Friday in early May). With pity in her eyes the CM looked from my little princess fresh from the BBB in her Anna dress back to me and said gently “Four and half hours. You’ll really want to be in line outside by 8 o’clock if you want to wait less than an hour or two”. I smiled reassuringly at her and said “Oh! I have fast passes for later this week”.



And now I was smug again…






Up Next: Magic Kingdom in the morning!

 

[summersun47]

great update