It's a Stroller Sir, not a Battering Ram!!! NEW PTR LINK POSTED

[wdwgirl03]

Sounds like you had fun at Downtown Disney! My dad and I finally got to do the Characters in Flight on our trip (it seems we always have terrible luck with weather...) and it was a lot of fun. You sure do get some amazing views of WDW. Love it!

 

[dawnbu40]

Glad Shan braved the balloon ride Dale and Caitlin did that several years ago and loved it!

I love the pic of Fulton's. I think that is the adr my dad is most excited about

Looking forward to more

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

Awesome shots from the balloon ride! I would love to try it but I don't they are doing them anymore.

Looks like you guys were having some great weather too. I love going in the spring It's warm enough to swim and do the water parks but you're not dying from heat stroke. Our August trip is going to be rough!

 

[Shannon84]

How wonderful some people are so great in emergency situations! It is such a help, because people like me just panic!

What beautiful shots you got from the balloon ride You are the first person I know to have rode that ride and the pictures are just amazing!! The picture of Shan is too cute And how cool it was a private ride!!

Ive heard they have removed the balloon from DTD and aren't sure if they are going to put it back, how sad, I really wanted to try it!!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

So great that so many people reacted to help that poor person! There really are wonderful people out there.

I'm not a heights person AT ALL (I had to quickly skim those pictures, even, it's that bad!), but Brandon has been wanting to go up in the balloon forever. Weather has not been on our side a single time. I was going to send him up alone or with Julia, but it was never open...and now I read they removed it! Brandon was not happy to hear that at all. I hope it comes back so he can fulfill that dream.

I want to go shopping with Shanleigh!

 

[MHTeacher]

Sounds like you had a great morning at DTD! How cool that you got to go up in the Characters in Flight! I've never read a trip report from anyone who's actually done it! Sounds like you enjoyed it!

 

[pkondz]

Here we are again with another week gone and no update from me! I'm hoping once September hits things will slow down and I can spend a little more time on here!

You and me both.

Unfortunately, I know that it's actually going to get worse from a busy perspective!

Humour me for a few minutes of real life update! Pkondz, who posts here, invited the kids and I over yesterday to spend an afternoon with him and his family and what an afternoon we had. It was like being with friends we had known forever!

It was, wasn't it!

I had met Pkondz and his two lovely girls but I was meeting his wife for the first time and they were all meeting the kids for the first time! Whew...confused yet?

I know I am!

We had the best time!!

Us too!

When we got in the car to leave both kids said "we didn't want to leave, they are so fun". Shanleigh said 'I love them....thought they were both so funny and had a bit of a soft spot for Ruby, pkondz wife!!

Slight correction, there. Shanleigh said she had a soft spot for Ruby and pkondz was funny looking.

She thought she was just lovely and then they both said I can't wait to see them again! That should tell you how great of a day we had!!! My girl usually takes a while to feel comfy with people, not yesterday, loved her time there! Definitely folks we will be spending more time with in the future, of that I have no doubt! Thank you again and we can't wait to see you all again!

Oh. Boy. I'm a little verklempt here. Such kind words, Queen. We too really enjoyed having you over and getting to know you guys better. I'd only met you that one time and didn't get a chance to talk to you much... so while I was pretty sure we'd get along... you just never know.

Ruby didn't know you at all, other then the fact that I'd seen you at the DISmeet.

By the time you guys left, she'd fallen in love with all of you. She thought you guys were terrific and that Jeff was hysterical.

Man, it was like we'd known each other for years, wasn't it?

However!

I do think that Jeff and I need to be put in a closed room... I'll go easy on him... with a dozen flies (wasn't that nice of me?) He can use the electric swatter he invented and I'll go in empty handed.

May the best man win.

While she was shopping I took this shot as I just love the theming in here, it reminds me of a teenage girl's bedroom!

Nice. Gotta love Disney.

She decided on a pair of denim shorts and that was it! I was impressed.

Great restraint.

I saw a lady on the ground with her husband trying to wak her and their little girl in her stroller.

Well he had the mom situation under control so I just sat down on the ground and talked to the little one in the stroller knowing she must be scared to death. The dad turned to me and said thank you so much! Shanleigh appeared at that moment and he then looked at me and said can you go in there and get my wife, she's holding our other baby and she's wearing blah blah! WHAT???

!!

Ok, I was off! I walked into the store and saw her right away and said "the lady you and your husband were with has fainted and he's asked me to come and get you". She looked at me and said we weren't with anyone! Ok....weird....so off we went. Turned out she went in to shop and he stayed outside with the other little one and saw this complete stranger faint. We all waited until the paramedics got there said our goodbyes and we were off.

Did the lady come to during any of this?

I said to Shanleigh after, he is the kind of person you want in an emergency, he was pointing at people and saying "you do this, and you do that " everyone know what they were supposed to do. She said he is trained in first aid and is amazing in situations....that he was!!!

Wow! That's quite the experience you guys had!

Oh yum!! Again, in 2010 when we were here we sat on the patio and had one of these...oh my goodness was it good....I'm sure it was a 1000 calories but hey, you're on vacation!

Which effectively makes it.... zero calories!

I made Shanleigh sit outside Raglan Road...remember, I forgot to take my camera out when we were here on arrival day....of course you remember!

Oh, of course we do. No, really.

I gave her the "oh poor you, a medium is too big look" you know the one! LOL

Did she at least have the decency to look ashamed?

OUR DESTINATION!!!! I didn't want to give it away but it was a gorgeous day and we were going to do what we had been waiting to do for a few years!!!

Cool! And it looks like it was a good thing you didn't wait longer.

the pilot told us we would be having a private flight!!! Yup, just me, Shan and Jose!!! How cool was this going to be!

I thought two things there.
1. Cool! Private flight; and
2. Who's Jose? Did I miss something? Are you with a friend?

I got it later.

It was at this point that Jose left the controls and walked up behind Shan and said can you see TL? She screamed and asked her as calm a voice as she could muster''''''shouldn't you be over there!

That's really funny!

This was as brave as she got.....she never actually moved, I said ok ready, she let go I snapped the shot and she grabbed on again!

I notice the wave with one hand while the other has a dragon grip on the rail.

After our flight and a bit more shopping we decided it was hot and we needed the pool. We had wanted to have lunch at DTD but we were both still full from breakfast so we headed back!!

Pool time! Thanks for the update!

 

[hollisterluva92]

Coffee was definitely yummy and delicious! Shanleigh said thank you! That dress was well worth the 20 she spent for it

-I will have to try it then
-Your welcome Shanleigh! I love when you find great deals like that! I went to the mall with my mom last Saturday and I ended up finding two shirts and a ring at Macy's for $15!

-I love the theming of Tren-D too I want some of those chandeliers in my room!
-Oh the "So sad it's too big" look! I see that ALL the time!
-That looked like so much fun! It's crazy how far you can see!

 

[TinkyCheeks]

I've made a vow to finally come out of lurking on the Dis, so hi! I have absolutely loved this TR. I adore how close you and your daughter are. And your heart just shines through, how you're always willing to help others.

I'm definitely sticking around on this one!

 

[Queenofallthings]

What a lovely day off from the parks you guys had, and I agree that shopping at downtown disney must be done in the morning, the nights are usually too crowded to even walk into a store.
It makes me a little crazy to try and do it in the evenings so now we set aside a morning to shop!
What a scary situation with the lady being unresponsive, luckily there was someone there who knew how to handle it, or i'm sure it could have been much more scary for everyone involved...hopefully the lady was alright!
I think she was overheated...it was so hot and she was dressed head to toe in black! She seemed to be coming along once the paramedics arrived!
I loved apricot lane last year, and thought it was such a neat addition to downtown disney, and I'm glad that Shanleigh liked it as well.
She completely agrees with you ... she said she could have spent a small fortune in there but kept herself under control
I love the photo you took in TrenD...you always take such amazing pics and I always love looking at them.
Thanks...I love the chandeliers so I just had to grab a shot!
Your pictures from Characters in Flight are amazing, although I can't say I blame Shanleigh for being too nervous to move...that looks like it's a long ways up, although it definitely provides a different way of seeing WDW.

Can't wait to hear what you guys decided on for lunch

We've been to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto and she was fine but this time not so good LOL

Wow what an eventful morning. I can only imagine what the wife was thinking when you got her from the store. Hehe.
The look on her face said it all ... I should have clued in something was up and that moment!
I love that you spend so much time at dtd. We are lucky if we spend a couple hours there a trip. We always have such bad bus service to and fro. That would be the one place that I would drive on property.
We really do enjoy our select morning at DTD....I find it relaxing and I don't feel pressured to just buy, I can actually look around and make an informed decision
Love your pictures! I think I took a similar one at Trend D! That store is so pretty!
We always seem to hit that store and spend quite a bit of time in it!
I'm glad you were able to do the character flight. I know they suspended the flights. I can't remember if they are closed for good now.
I've heard that too and I really don't want to know why it has been suspended...ignorance is bliss right
Oh and how wonderful to enjoy new friends!!!

A highlight of the trip for sure!

Thank you Queen - I hope to get back into this and start a Pre-trip report but gosh it feels so far away right now!
It's not that far away...let me know when you get started!
And yes, I sure am bummed we won't be there at the same time. We will make it happen one of these days!!
We sure will...
Hey, if you're not into shopping a glass of Rose would be a fine substitute!
Oh and a fine glass it was!
Now, time to go read some more- have a fantastic week.
Have a great week!!
Carla

That is too funny!!

Shouldn't you be over there?
It was priceless...I can't believe my pics turned out as well as they did considering the tears were rolling down my face from laughing!
We haven't tried Characters in Flight yet but we did do the tower at SeaWorld. That is pretty cool as well and I know we could see WDW from the top and the Characters in Flight Balloon as well.

Seaworld is on our itinerary for next trip....maybe I can talk the crew into doing that!

A bride on the bus... wow!
I wish we knew the story....
Characters in Flight looks so cool... I hope I can convince David to go on this, I know for darn sure that Mom will be only willing to watch from the ground!
Apparently it's been suspended...not sure what happened!
I really enjoy taking time out from the parks, it will be hard to do with two noobs, not that I'm much better, I've only been there once even though anyone who knows me thinks I know wayyyy to much about that place to have only had one trip!
You do your research After our first trip I made notes of everything I needed to look into more and things I should have done that I didn't. You need to be prepared for these trip that's for sure!!
Lovely updates as usual!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great update, Queen. I've never been in either of those stores that Jas spent all that money...probably because I don't have a daughter

If I'm not mistaken, I thought I read somewhere that Fulton's is NOW on the dining plan. I would confirm that before heading there on your next trip though.

We tried to go up in the balloon last year but it wasn't going up because of the wind. It's too funny that Jas was afraid to let go...especially since she loves all those thrill rides.

You're right....maybe when you have a granddaughter

Hey, good to know, I hadn't heard that! Someone in our house will be very happy to hear that!

She does love her thrill rides! She did say she would go again, however, that was before I heard it has been suspended and I haven't told her that yet!

What a scary thing to happen for that lady! Lucky for her that man took charge and kind people like you and Shanleigh stopped to help.
Aww thanks....it was seeing the little girl in her stroller that pulled at my heartstrings right away!
Love the pics from Tren D. Maddie is obsessed with having a chandelier for her room, and really thinks that I should just buy her one of those.
Shanleigh thinks Maddie needs a chandelier in her room too! She loves reading about your trip and loves the pics of Maddie in her beautiful outfits!
I love DTD in the mornings, much too crowded to even try going at night with a 5 year old.
You got that right, I have a hard enough time watching where Shanleigh is going and try not to lose her!
Yay for Characters in Flight! You two are the first ones I've heard of that actually got to go up!!!! Gorgeous pictures, I can't believe how much of WDW you were able to see!

Poor Shan, sorry that she was scared.
It was such fun! We had a great time talking to Jose and he was so knowledgable about everything Disney! Jose was having the time of his life taunting her and I couldn't stop laughing!
I think that Fulton's might be on the DDP list now (signature). I could be wrong though. I'd really like to try it some day.
If it is, we'll definitely book it the next time we're down!
I'm glad you had such a nice visit with Pkonds. So glad that your families meshed so well!

It was such a great afternoon we can't wait to see them again!

That sounds like a great morning shopping! It's so easy to spend sooo much money in dtd- everything is so adorable!
It's so nice in the morning there when it's not as crowded and people aren't all tired and 'parked out'.
Wow that is crazy about the woman- so glad you calmed down the little one, would have been so scary.
It's so much better when someone just takes charge in an emergency, it makes such a difference!
That is so great you got to do characters in flight! AND all on your own!
The views look amazing, and you picked a perfect day for it!
But I don't blame Shan, I probably would have been clinging on to the edges a little scared too!

Way to easy that's for sure! It was so relaxing and that is something I never feel at DTD in the evening

Yes you are so right! That man was amazing!

The day was perfect and I was shocked when they said we would be having a private flight, I assumed we would wait for others to come, but nope! She was trying hard to be brave but it was when she said "do you have to keep walking around" that I knew she was very serious

Oh what a lovely morning at DTD! I generally end up there in the evenings, but did a morning once and it was so peaceful!
What a scary situation with the lady who collapsed, I'm glad the man there was so calm and orderly.
I can't believe you guys went up in the balloon! How awesome! I'd probably be like Shanleigh, too afraid to let go of the rails and I'd also be scared of dropping my camera over the side! I think I'd have to have 4 straps connected to various parts of my body!

It was a lovely morning and we felt so bad for that young lady...black head to toe is not the way to go in Disney!

I did think about dropping my camera so I looped in twice around my wrist just to be on the safe side!

Beautiful pics to start my day! Thanks for the scenery

Hey there my friend! Glad you enjoyed them!!

Oh my goodness, your photos from the balloon look amazing. Talk about a view! I couldn't believe how small the Epcot globe looked! I think I'd be like Shanleigh, though, and wouldn't let go of the rail.
My sister said she would have kept Shanleigh company...there was no way she would have let go either!
Shopping at DTD in the morning can be a dangerous thing. Sometimes, I go in the afternoon, because I know I won't have patience for weaving through the massive crowds and will, therefore, spend less.
You're right it was dangerous...it didn't take long until I heard these words "you've reached your limit on your room card" LOL out came the visa and we had to clear up the card back at the hotel to start all over!

It's great to hear that somebody took charge in a scary situation like that. It's what you really need, in the end. Otherwise, everyone's trying to do a million things at once and it's chaos. It's such a relief to hear the situation was handled and taken care of.

I agree....people assume someone else is calling 911 etc...you really need someone to take charge!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Sounds like you had fun at Downtown Disney! My dad and I finally got to do the Characters in Flight on our trip (it seems we always have terrible luck with weather...) and it was a lot of fun. You sure do get some amazing views of WDW. Love it!

So much fun! We've tried many times in the past and had the same issue as you...weather!

Glad Shan braved the balloon ride Dale and Caitlin did that several years ago and loved it!

I love the pic of Fulton's. I think that is the adr my dad is most excited about

Looking forward to more

I remember them doing it and we thought of them when we were on it!

I can't wait to hear how your Dad likes it

Awesome shots from the balloon ride! I would love to try it but I don't they are doing them anymore.

Looks like you guys were having some great weather too. I love going in the spring It's warm enough to swim and do the water parks but you're not dying from heat stroke. Our August trip is going to be rough!

Thanks

We were having amazing weather and we felt so lucky that we were able to have our pool afternoons without the looming black clouds coming in! We found such a difference between Aug and May....August by noon our energy is sucked out of us....May we could have kept going but choose to relax!

How wonderful some people are so great in emergency situations! It is such a help, because people like me just panic!
Shanleigh said if she had been by herself she wouldn't have know what to do!
What beautiful shots you got from the balloon ride You are the first person I know to have rode that ride and the pictures are just amazing!! The picture of Shan is too cute And how cool it was a private ride!!
Thank you so much! We really enjoyed our ride and it's so quiet and peaceful up there!
Ive heard they have removed the balloon from DTD and aren't sure if they are going to put it back, how sad, I really wanted to try it!!

I've heard that too!

So great that so many people reacted to help that poor person! There really are wonderful people out there.
There sure is!!
I'm not a heights person AT ALL (I had to quickly skim those pictures, even, it's that bad!), but Brandon has been wanting to go up in the balloon forever. Weather has not been on our side a single time. I was going to send him up alone or with Julia, but it was never open...and now I read they removed it! Brandon was not happy to hear that at all. I hope it comes back so he can fulfill that dream.
Weather definitely plays a huge part in it! My sister is terrified of heights so I'm quite certain she would go no where near this as well!
I want to go shopping with Shanleigh!

She said "ANYTIME" lol

Sounds like you had a great morning at DTD! How cool that you got to go up in the Characters in Flight! I've never read a trip report from anyone who's actually done it! Sounds like you enjoyed it!

We had such a great time that day and got so much accomplished!

 

[laura74]

Our plans for the day were to begin with breakfast at Kona at the Poly at 9am so we were up and out by 8am! Our plan was to grab the bus to the MK then the monorail to the Poly! We had great bus mojo once again as it pulled up just seconds after we arrived so we were off!

Your relaxing day starts up at the bus stop at 8am. Ok.

Bay Lake Tower...how great would it be to stay here just steps from the MK...sounds like a future ressie will have to take place here!!

We stayed there last trip and it was nice being able to walk to MK.

There was something I had been looking forward to since we landed and that was a pressed pot of coffee! I love coffee and this is my absolute favourite so I couldn't wait to indulge. I did the thumbs up for Jeff

You look so happy!

Once again, I forgot to take a picture of my breakfast before I started eating. I had the macadamia nut pancakes with sausage and this was all I could eat...they are delicious and very filling!

I think Nilla called dibs on taking pictures of half eaten food. It looks delicious though!

Love the scenery in the Poly so I just had to have Shanleigh stop for a picture, something I never make her do

Very pretty!

The bracelet she is wearing is from the Bead Outpost in Epcot! Her and the two ladies had a great conversation about the women in Africa who make these!

I got one of those after talking to the cast members there too!

Something you don't see everyday....bride on the bus!!!

I have no words. Why didn't they get a cab? LOL

Humour me for a few minutes of real life update! Pkondz, who posts here, invited the kids and I over yesterday to spend an afternoon with him and his family and what an afternoon we had.

Oh man! I'm so jealous! Where are the photos?

It was like being with friends we had known forever! I had met Pkondz and his two lovely girls but I was meeting his wife for the first time and they were all meeting the kids for the first time! Whew...confused yet?

Yes.

We had the best time!! When we got in the car to leave both kids said "we didn't want to leave, they are so fun". Shanleigh said 'I love them....thought they were both so funny and had a bit of a soft spot for Ruby, pkondz wife!! She thought she was just lovely and then they both said I can't wait to see them again! That should tell you how great of a day we had!!! My girl usually takes a while to feel comfy with people, not yesterday, loved her time there! Definitely folks we will be spending more time with in the future, of that I have no doubt! Thank you again and we can't wait to see you all again!

Aww. Sounds like fun times in Winnipeg.

While she was shopping I took this shot as I just love the theming in here, it reminds me of a teenage girl's bedroom!

So cool.

I asked what was wrong and she said there was something wrong with a lady outside so off I went! I saw a lady on the ground with her husband trying to wak her and their little girl in her stroller. Well he had the mom situation under control so I just sat down on the ground and talked to the little one in the stroller knowing she must be scared to death. The dad turned to me and said thank you so much! Shanleigh appeared at that moment and he then looked at me and said can you go in there and get my wife, she's holding our other baby and she's wearing blah blah! WHAT??? Ok, I was off! I walked into the store and saw her right away and said "the lady you and your husband were with has fainted and he's asked me to come and get you". She looked at me and said we weren't with anyone! Ok....weird....so off we went. Turned out she went in to shop and he stayed outside with the other little one and saw this complete stranger faint. We all waited until the paramedics got there said our goodbyes and we were off. I

I said to Shanleigh after, he is the kind of person you want in an emergency, he was pointing at people and saying "you do this, and you do that " everyone know what they were supposed to do. She said he is trained in first aid and is amazing in situations....that he was!!!

Scary! It's a good thing there was someone there with a level head to get things done.

Our favourite deluxe resort.....how I love SSR!

I'm curious. What do you love about it? We've only just walked around a bit there because of the DVC office.

I gave her the "oh poor you, a medium is too big look" you know the one! LOL

Doesn't she look so brave (foreshadowing here) and she is texting Jeff to tell him what we are about to do. We got the surprise of our lives at this moment, the pilot told us we would be having a private flight!!! Yup, just me, Shan and Jose!!! How cool was this going to be!

Very cool. Not sure how I'd do on that since I'm scared of heights but usually only if I'm somewhere open, like a mountain or a high balcony.

Epcot, Swan and Dolphin and TL...I was blown away by how far you could see.

Great views!

Great updates and photos, Queen!

 

[Purpleblanket]

What a great morning in DTD!!!
Makes me want to go back!!

Debbie

 

[ellajeansmom]

Love the picture with your pressed pot coffee, what a great way to start the day!

A quiet DTD sounds dangerous for the wallet -my girls are going to have to learn the art of window shopping if we are going to enjoy ourselves there

Amazing pics from the balloon, so cool that you had a private flight!

 

[cheekypoppins]

She's beautiful!!GASP!!!The tarzan butterfly,i love that movie!!
my 9 yr old would flip her lid if she saw that Lotso topiary.
Oh grey goose slushie how I long for the days when we will be re-united!!OMG you are dating jack sparrow too? UGH such a 2 timer LOL
So glad you asked about that ariel bag I was wondering too.
Is there ever a time when it's too early for creme brulee??? hmmm .
Shanleigh has the cutest outfits ever!!!
H2O is the best i agree,I just wish WDW still carried the milk body lotion(so awesome)

 

[MEK]

How lucky you are to get a private flight and that view really is amazing. I am so sorry to hear they took the balloon out of service because of an "incident". It's been on my bucket list for awhile and now I'm sorry I didn't do it in June.

Woo hoo for major shopping. Nothing wrong with that!

 

[Apopper74]

I have only done DTD at night, but after seeing these pictures I may have to consider a morning. I don't know if I would ever do the balloon so you get my respect there. Looks like you had a wonderful time so far, but still waiting for the reason for the title.

 

[BelleTinkMom]

Hi Queen! Sorry I'm a little late joining. Your trip looks great so far.

Via Napoli is on our list for our Thanksgiving trip in November.

I've wanted to ride the hot air balloon. Never got the chance and now they have removed it. Didn't hear if they brought it back or not yet.

I will try my best to keep up better. Our summer was crazy.

Jaime

 

[Queenofallthings]

You and me both.

Unfortunately, I know that it's actually going to get worse from a busy perspective!
For me too this year....with Shanleigh starting University it's gonna get a little crazy in September


It was, wasn't it!



I know I am!

Me too LOL

Us too!



Slight correction, there. Shanleigh said she had a soft spot for Ruby and pkondz was funny looking.



Not true at all!

Oh. Boy. I'm a little verklempt here. Such kind words, Queen. We too really enjoyed having you over and getting to know you guys better. I'd only met you that one time and didn't get a chance to talk to you much... so while I was pretty sure we'd get along... you just never know.

Ruby didn't know you at all, other then the fact that I'd seen you at the DISmeet.

By the time you guys left, she'd fallen in love with all of you. She thought you guys were terrific and that Jeff was hysterical.

Man, it was like we'd known each other for years, wasn't it?
It was such a great time and yes, we knew she thought Jeff was quite the card! The whole way home he kept telling Shanleigh that he was pretty sure you guys liked him best Now you see what I have to put up with everyday
However!

I do think that Jeff and I need to be put in a closed room... I'll go easy on him... with a dozen flies (wasn't that nice of me?) He can use the electric swatter he invented and I'll go in empty handed.

May the best man win.

I would pay money to see this

Nice. Gotta love Disney.



Great restraint.







!!



Did the lady come to during any of this?

Just before the paramedics arrived she was coming around!

Wow! That's quite the experience you guys had!



Which effectively makes it.... zero calories!



Oh, of course we do. No, really.



Did she at least have the decency to look ashamed?



Cool! And it looks like it was a good thing you didn't wait longer.



I thought two things there.
1. Cool! Private flight; and
2. Who's Jose? Did I miss something? Are you with a friend?

I got it later.

Having it all to ourselves was pretty neat...I am happy to not know what the 'incident' was that happened that they no longer go up too!

That's really funny!



I notice the wave with one hand while the other has a dragon grip on the rail.



Pool time! Thanks for the update!

I was shocked she even let go with one hand! Enjoy the pool!