I didn't know the baby's powers so I covered the basics: An Oct. '11/March ‘12 PTR

[natebenma]

I haven't seen the spaghetti and meatball cupcake, I'll have to hunt down some photos.

I have two cupcakes targeted for my trip in March (and I'll happily be your cupcake guinea pig ): The animal cupcakes at Animal Kingdom and the new marble cupcake at Starring Rolls. Fingers crossed, I'll try them both!

I hate to do this, because I don't know exactly who posted the picture. I think it was from a Disney blog:

Isn't this cool???

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[natebenma]

Good for you for facing your coaster fears and conquering Space Mountain.

I went a long time between rides on Space Mountain. I'm not generally a ride chicken, but after my first ride in 1983, I was convinced that I would be decapitated (which is an irrational fear since I am all of 5 feet tall). Although we visited the World many times, we didn't ride it again, either due to lines that were too long, or a couple of rehabs or the boys were not ready. Finally, in 2009, I think, we all finally rode. The ride was a lot smoother and a lot more enjoyable than I remembered.

 

[Missyrose]

I hate to do this, because I don't know exactly who posted the picture. I think it was from a Disney blog:

Isn't this cool???

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OMG, that may be the cutest cupcake I've ever seen!

Good for you for facing your coaster fears and conquering Space Mountain.

I went a long time between rides on Space Mountain. I'm not generally a ride chicken, but after my first ride in 1983, I was convinced that I would be decapitated (which is an irrational fear since I am all of 5 feet tall). Although we visited the World many times, we didn't ride it again, either due to lines that were too long, or a couple of rehabs or the boys were not ready. Finally, in 2009, I think, we all finally rode. The ride was a lot smoother and a lot more enjoyable than I remembered.

The one thing I refuse to do again is ride in the very back. It jerks you around too much, only the middle or front seat for me, thanks! It is strange how the dark makes you feel so claustrophobic on that ride. I also get irrationally worried about my head being close to whatever is above (and I'm only 5'3).

 

[Missyrose]

The whole reason for our March trip is to celebrate Tanner's first birthday and today was the big day! One year ago today, this adorable person came into our lives.

To celebrate, Keith and Lala had me, Franklin, Franklin and Lala's mom and Keith's dad and stepmom over for dinner.

I got him this birthday balloon, it's bigger than him! He loved playing with it. He got to eat his first cupcake, but he wanted no part of it when his mom put it in front of him.

He DID have lots of fun opening his cards and presents.

Franklin and I got Tanner about a million shirts for the trip to Disney. Here's a sneak peek (you'll have to wait for the trip report to see the rest!)

It was such a fun night and so nice to celebrate Tanner's big day with those closest to him. And now, onto No. 7 on the countdown...

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 7 -- Casey's Corndog Nuggets

I know, I know, more food. It’s a wonder we do anything at Disney World other than eat. But I swear, all the yummy treats are just the icing on the Disney cake. Today’s snack? Corndog nuggets from Casey’s at Magic Kingdom.

These are little deep-fried pieces of heaven. They make a great lunch or the perfect parade snack. And I’m not going to lie, they made a cameo in a dream I had a couple of weeks ago. I cannot wait for my next bite of these beauties next week! ​

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[natebenma]

TANNER!!!

The pictures from his party are too cute! Thanks for sharing them with us.

Nothing wrong with a large part of your countdown being food!!! That's the way I am too. I think eating is my favorite thing to do at Disney!

Haven't tried the corn dog nuggets, though.

 

[teekathepony]

Happy birthday Tanner! Love that balloon!

 

[Missyrose]

TANNER!!!

The pictures from his party are too cute! Thanks for sharing them with us.

Nothing wrong with a large part of your countdown being food!!! That's the way I am too. I think eating is my favorite thing to do at Disney!

Haven't tried the corn dog nuggets, though.

More Tanner birthday pictures to come, we have his big birthday party on Saturday!

Happy birthday Tanner! Love that balloon!

Thanks! He had so much fun with the balloon!

 

[Missyrose]

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 6 -- Driving under Walt Disney World sign upon arrival

I love the beginning of Disney trips, so much promise and fun ahead. And beyond getting on the DME, one of the first things that says “I’m at Disney World!” is driving under the gate for the first time.

The gate is so iconic -- big, bold and totally Disney. I can also say that one of the upsides to staying offsite is you get to see the gate practically every day!​

 

[natebenma]

Love the arch!!!

We didn't see it this year on our trip to the MK- the visit was a surprise to the boys, so the driver went a back way so the kids were not tipped off.

Fingers are crossed that I will get to see the arch in June.

 

[Missyrose]

Love the arch!!!

We didn't see it this year on our trip to the MK- the visit was a surprise to the boys, so the driver went a back way so the kids were not tipped off.

Fingers are crossed that I will get to see the arch in June.

That was one awesome surprise you pulled off, totally worth missing the arch on that trip.

 

[Missyrose]

I know, I know, this post is going up very, very late. But I actually had to work tonight at work, go figure. In trip news, Franklin preordered the Photopass CD today, which means even more pictures for the forthcoming TR! But without further ado...

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 5 -- Parisian Cosmo Slushie

This is hands-down my favorite beverage at Disney World. I tried it for the first time at the Food and Wine Festival this year and wow, love hit me hard! Cosmos are my favorite drink (hello my name is Missy and I’m a “Sex and the City” addict) and turning the Cosmo into a slushie -- why that’s perfect for the Florida heat.

I do have two questions about the drink though. 1)Why is it bright, flaming red? Shouldn’t it be pink?
And 2)Why is this only available at F&W? Why can’t they add this to the slushies they regularly serve at the France kiosk? The Grand Marnier and Grey Goose slushies are both tasty, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t think they hold a candle to the Cosmo slushie.

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[natebenma]

Oh no! Sorry to hear something so high up on your list won't be available for your upcoming trip! I am sure you will find a coping mechanism, though!

 

[Missyrose]

Oh no! Sorry to hear something so high up on your list won't be available for your upcoming trip! I am sure you will find a coping mechanism, though!

I'm sure I'll find a way to go on. New countdown entry coming shortly.

 

[Missyrose]

30 Things I Love About Disney World

No. 4 -- Wishes

“Star light, star bright. First star I see tonight. I wish I may I might, have the wish I wish tonight. We’ll make a wish and do as dreamers do and all our wishes will come true.”

That moment, that first verse of the Wishes music, with the earliest fireworks set against the castle backdrop is Disney magic at its purest and simplest.

It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I’ve seen Wishes, I tear up at some point each time I see the show.

I love how the music incorporates so many wonderful Disney movies.

I also love that despite everything going on around and above the castle, Cindy’s house and its ever-changing colors remain the star of the show.

And finally, I love that they haven’t felt the need to give the show a more “modern” narrator. Jiminy Cricket is the perfect Wishes guide, period.

Maybe I’m just overly sentimental, but Wishes is just the embodiment of everything the Magic Kingdom is about. MK is a place where anything you want to have happen can happen. Want to fly through the air on a magic carpet? Or how about sailing the Seven Seas with Captain Jack Sparrow? Or chatting with Belle about her favorite book? I guess that’s one of the reasons I love Disney World so much, even as an adult, I still feel transported to a magical place anytime I’m there. And my wish is that feeling never goes away.​

 

[PirateKate]

I'd take a cupcake over a Mickey bar any day!

Happy Birthday to Tanner! I think he's going to love his goody bags. Having new little toys throughout the trip will make it a lot easier. My boys have those Mickey Mouse Clubhouse books, too. They especially enjoy "Go, Go, Go!"

 

[teekathepony]

That first verse of Wishes always brings tears to my eyes! Even if I'm just sitting home listening to my Disney playlist... which can get a little embarrassing. I agree, it's perfect for the Magic Kingdom!

 

[natebenma]

Beautiful update! The pictures and the descriptions.

My wish... to someday see this show!

But poor Cindy- can you imagine trying to get to sleep at night with all that noise and all those flashes?

 

[Missyrose]

I'd take a cupcake over a Mickey bar any day!

Happy Birthday to Tanner! I think he's going to love his goody bags. Having new little toys throughout the trip will make it a lot easier. My boys have those Mickey Mouse Clubhouse books, too. They especially enjoy "Go, Go, Go!"

Thanks for the encouragement on the goody bags Kate. I just want Tanner to have fun and not get bored in his stroller! It's nice to hear a good review of the books, too!

That first verse of Wishes always brings tears to my eyes! Even if I'm just sitting home listening to my Disney playlist... which can get a little embarrassing. I agree, it's perfect for the Magic Kingdom!

I had to make a new rule for the iPod in my car... no Wishes on the way into work. Red puffy eyes are embarrassing!

Beautiful update! The pictures and the descriptions.

My wish... to someday see this show!

But poor Cindy- can you imagine trying to get to sleep at night with all that noise and all those flashes?

Cindy must feel like Lindsay Lohan with the paparazzi constantly outside her house, all day and all night. The only house in America that may be more photographed is right in my backyard... the White House!

I think your wish WILL come true and sooner than you think, like this summer maybe?

 

[natebenma]

Cindy must feel like Lindsay Lohan with the paparazzi constantly outside her house, all day and all night. The only house in America that may be more photographed is right in my backyard... the White House!

I think your wish WILL come true and sooner than you think, like this summer maybe?

Doubtful on the summer wishes.

Number 1- Group of 8 boys

Number 2- I suspect we will have a curfew

Although it *might* be possible for me to slip away after the kids are tucked in for the night. The kids have separate rooms from the chaperones- we hire guards to patrol the hallways at night so nobody escapes.

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So I'll probably miss a couple of your final countdown entries- Mark and I are headed to Puerto Rico. TOMORROW!!! (Well, kind of tomorrow- our flight is at 11:55 PM Sunday night, but we will be on the beach on Monday morning)

If I don't have a chance to check in on Sunday, I want to wish you and Franklin, the rest of the family and especially Tanner a wonderful, magical trip!!!

Can't wait to read all about it!

Dee

PS- Didn't know The White House was in your backyard. Do you live in Lafayette Park?

 

[Missyrose]

Doubtful on the summer wishes.

Number 1- Group of 8 boys

Number 2- I suspect we will have a curfew

Although it *might* be possible for me to slip away after the kids are tucked in for the night. The kids have separate rooms from the chaperones- we hire guards to patrol the hallways at night so nobody escapes.

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So I'll probably miss a couple of your final countdown entries- Mark and I are headed to Puerto Rico. TOMORROW!!! (Well, kind of tomorrow- our flight is at 11:55 PM Sunday night, but we will be on the beach on Monday morning)

If I don't have a chance to check in on Sunday, I want to wish you and Franklin, the rest of the family and especially Tanner a wonderful, magical trip!!!

Can't wait to read all about it!

Dee

PS- Didn't know The White House was in your backyard. Do you live in Lafayette Park?

Wow, laying on beach...now THAT sounds like a vacation! Have a wonderful time and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. Mini-TR, maybe?