PRINCESS Palooza 2011! 9/9 Update: Departure Day

[WDWAtLast]

Your Merida dresses are both AMAZING!! I agree about using pictures and scrapbooks to "freeze" time. Since my oldest, Kristin, is also 11 and going to middle school next year, I can't help but notice that both dresses are on a dress form with a more womanly figure. Sigh. They grow up too fast!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Your Merida dresses are both AMAZING!! I agree about using pictures and scrapbooks to "freeze" time. Since my oldest, Kristin, is also 11 and going to middle school next year, I can't help but notice that both dresses are on a dress form with a more womanly figure. Sigh. They grow up too fast!!

LOL! I have 2 dress forms. One is child size, one adult sized. Poor Katie.... caught in between! But she's too big for me to use the child one any more... so the dresses are on the adult one........ but at least I couldn't zip them in back!

.. and thanks for the kind words!

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

Thanks. I really ended up loving these gowns and am so glad I made them.

And LOL! When I asked Katie about making the blue one, the first thing she said was "But I'm NOT wearing the skullcap!" So there you have your answer!

I did threaten to make it as tight as the one in the movie, but she nixed that one too.....

I really had to make the blue one though. The hard part was making the pattern fit. Once it got it to fit for the green one, the blue one was SO easy to do. Katie is too big for little girl sizes, too small for adult sizes, so I have to cut the adult ones down. And that part's not real fun.

Okay, I am already excited at the thought of your December trip report. These posts are the ultimate in reading pleasure!

Say hello to Katie for me and Eve. Who knows, maybe the two of us will plan a short trip in December, too. I caught a one-day sale on Jet Blue this week. When I called, they gave me a $200 credit on my plane tickets. Since that money must be spent within the next year, it seems like a good reason to plan another trip to Disney!

 

[kswm30b]

I hope you're feeling better!

Well, apparently it doesn't even have to be cold! Who knew? I was just really glad she was out in her Jolly Holiday dress the day we brought Katie's. I hope you find her in her red on your next trip!

My next trip is late Sept/early Oct, so probably not. I'm doing my first 5K then, all for the characters, lol! My Disneyland countdown is at 135 days, though!

Sure feel free to share. I'd love to see them! And yes, the scrapbooker in me loves to see others' character shots.

Thanks! Here's my I Love Characters site:

http://heatherw.com/character

Thanks for the kind words on the dress.

I can't decide which I like better now, the green dress, or the formal one!!

And don't yell at me, lol, but *waves back* to Melissa

 

[Cadyrose]

I am still going through all the pages of both your past two reports but I just have to stop and say that I have truly loved all of your pictures.....as a former photography student who hasn't picked up a DSLR in over 12 years, I am feeling like I need to go back to class!

As everyone else has said your costumes are gorgeous! Hands down the best I have ever seen!

It is always so cool to find other character stalkers...I mean "hunters" (wink wink). Like you guys, we have had some of the best interactions I could have ever dreamed of (a bigger feat since my daughter is autistic...but when it comes to characters, she talks to them like they have been best friends for life).

I also want to add, I think it is so funny that you have "your" fairy godmother...who by the way, we have a picture of her with Phoebe....I knew right away from the head tilt....

Especially because we have "our" Prince Naveen...who you captured at the MVMCP parade behind Sleeping Beauty!

We are going for the first time in December (11th-14th, MVMCP on the 13th) and are hoping to see some of "our" favorites that night too...Phoebe wants to now meet the Seven Dwarfs after seeing Katie's picture....

Off to catch up on some more....

 

[MickeyMouseCD524]

Playing catch up on the trip report. OMG your dresses are beautiful! I wish I had that kind of talent.

 

[petals]

Love the Merida dresses

 

[fairestoneofall]

your Merida dresses!

i wish Addie would still dress up.

 

[francis6306]

Did you see?? They posted dates!!! Of course, I'm there during "previews."

 

[mom2rtk]

I really haven't abandoned my trip report. I actually just finished editing a huge new batch of photos and hope to do another installment soon. I just got sidetracked with getting kids ready to get back to school next week. Just like every other year, about the time we got settled into summer, it's time for a change........

I really don't want this year to get going. Katie is heading for middle school and Timmy is heading for his last year of high school. I'm in NO hurry.

Timmy has opted not to do a sport this fall. He's enrolled in the district's math/physics institute and wants to really concenrate on his studies. He moved up a spot to second in his class and really wants to keep it that way.

I hope you're feeling better!



My next trip is late Sept/early Oct, so probably not. I'm doing my first 5K then, all for the characters, lol! My Disneyland countdown is at 135 days, though!



Thanks! Here's my I Love Characters site:

http://heatherw.com/character



I can't decide which I like better now, the green dress, or the formal one!!

And don't yell at me, lol, but *waves back* to Melissa

I checked out your character site. It's adorable! And I love the way you have your scrapbook pages included. It looks like you have as much fun meeting characters as we do! And I love your poses with them!

I am still going through all the pages of both your past two reports but I just have to stop and say that I have truly loved all of your pictures.....as a former photography student who hasn't picked up a DSLR in over 12 years, I am feeling like I need to go back to class!

As everyone else has said your costumes are gorgeous! Hands down the best I have ever seen!

It is always so cool to find other character stalkers...I mean "hunters" (wink wink). Like you guys, we have had some of the best interactions I could have ever dreamed of (a bigger feat since my daughter is autistic...but when it comes to characters, she talks to them like they have been best friends for life).

I also want to add, I think it is so funny that you have "your" fairy godmother...who by the way, we have a picture of her with Phoebe....I knew right away from the head tilt....

Especially because we have "our" Prince Naveen...who you captured at the MVMCP parade behind Sleeping Beauty!

We are going for the first time in December (11th-14th, MVMCP on the 13th) and are hoping to see some of "our" favorites that night too...Phoebe wants to now meet the Seven Dwarfs after seeing Katie's picture....

Off to catch up on some more....

Thanks so much for the kind words!

How awesome that your daughter does so well with the characters. How old is she? I'm sure if I were in your position, I'd be doing everything possible to get there as much as I could.

It looks like our trips will over lap. If you see us while you're there, please come say hi! And good luck meeting the 7 dwarfs!

Playing catch up on the trip report. OMG your dresses are beautiful! I wish I had that kind of talent.

What a sweetie! Thank you so much!

Love the Merida dresses

Thanks Petals! Merida turned out to be the perfect new princess for us this year since Katie thinks the gowns have a more grown up look.

your Merida dresses!

i wish Addie would still dress up.

Thanks! And I wish for your sake Addie would dress up too! I really don't think we'd be doing any this year if her friend wasn't coming along. This trip really has been a gift to me. And I don't mean a "gift" in that someone is giving it to me. I mean a gift in terms of us being on borrowed time with the costume fun.

Did you see?? They posted dates!!! Of course, I'm there during "previews."

I saw that!

I have really mixed feelings. I feel really bad for everyone who's missing it, so I don't want to say much in fear of seeming ungrateful that I will get to see it. But I'm still not really excited it's grand opening the day we arrive. We'll be in the MK the day after it grand opens. I'm just really crowd-averse and not looking forward to a potential crazy busy crowd.

But more than anything, I'm really disappointed for all my friends going in November who will just miss some things. Fingers and toes are crossed that maybe there will be some soft openings in November all of you guys can catch.

 

[francis6306]

I saw that!

I have really mixed feelings. I feel really bad for everyone who's missing it, so I don't want to say much in fear of seeming ungrateful that I will get to see it. But I'm still not really excited it's grand opening the day we arrive. We'll be in the MK the day after it grand opens. I'm just really crowd-averse and not looking forward to a potential crazy busy crowd.

But more than anything, I'm really disappointed for all my friends going in November who will just miss some things. Fingers and toes are crossed that maybe there will be some soft openings in November all of you guys can catch.

I am hoping for a soft opening and pixie dust myself … BUT I fully expect you to do your duty and take LOTS of pictures and get a wonderful tasty meal!

 

[jc040404]

But I'm still not really excited it's grand opening the day we arrive.

Not to me, I know, but just noticed this comment. I didn't realize that was when your trip was planned. (I'm a poor lurker!) We had just planned our holiday visit for that very weekend and I am soo with you on those feelings. I picked early December, hoping the crowds wouldn't be so bad to do some park hopping. This will be interesting. Even though we'll also be there (and I'm hoping to catch the AP preview), I'm excited to see the pics you're going to get of the new stuff. It gives us all a reason to come back, right?

Love the new dress, btw! Your stuff always amazes me. It's incredible!

 

[Caretames1]

I really don't want this year to get going. Katie is heading for middle school and Timmy is heading for his last year of high school. I'm in NO hurry.

Timmy has opted not to do a sport this fall. He's enrolled in the district's math/physics institute and wants to really concentrate on his studies. He moved up a spot to second in his class and really wants to keep it that way.

School starts so soon by you! We don't start until after Labor Day. If I could find the Stop Growing potion, I'd send you some. Good Job for Timmy!

I have really mixed feelings. I feel really bad for everyone who's missing it, so I don't want to say much in fear of seeming ungrateful that I will get to see it. But I'm still not really excited it's grand opening the day we arrive. We'll be in the MK the day after it grand opens. I'm just really crowd-averse and not looking forward to a potential crazy busy crowd.

But more than anything, I'm really disappointed for all my friends going in November who will just miss some things. Fingers and toes are crossed that maybe there will be some soft openings in November all of you guys can catch.

Janet, If I can't see it in person, there is no other view I'd want to catch it in than your lens!

I do have some hope though. I've heard other rides and things have have soft openings 4 to 6 weeks before hand. They aren't going to just open, they are going to want to see how it all works with people. I hope I get to be one of those people!

Also, did you hear! Gaston will be meeting in FL!!!! I know that will make you happy!

 

[mom2rtk]

I am hoping for a soft opening and pixie dust myself … BUT I fully expect you to do your duty and take LOTS of pictures and get a wonderful tasty meal!

LOL! Well, I hadn't planned on it, but since you asked..... I'll take lots of photos.



I'm sure this will all remain pretty fluid, but the responses on the Disney Parks blog this morning make it sound like 11/19 will be the start of soft openings and maybe BOG ADRs will begin 11/19. So stay tuned! I have my fingers crossed that everyone going before then might catch some walk-in soft openings for the restaurant. I just can't imagine not having a walk-up period of practice before ADRs start.

Not to me, I know, but just noticed this comment. I didn't realize that was when your trip was planned. (I'm a poor lurker!) We had just planned our holiday visit for that very weekend and I am soo with you on those feelings. I picked early December, hoping the crowds wouldn't be so bad to do some park hopping. This will be interesting. Even though we'll also be there (and I'm hoping to catch the AP preview), I'm excited to see the pics you're going to get of the new stuff. It gives us all a reason to come back, right?

Love the new dress, btw! Your stuff always amazes me. It's incredible!

Or I'm probably just a poor reporter! I'm not sure I've hashed out the details of our trip here in great detail yet. Like every trip we go on, it's all pretty fluid before it gets settled so there's not much point...... I think we're pretty settled now though. We're arriving late on 12/6. My husband is staying through the 12th, then Katie and I will tour the parks (who am I kidding....... the MK!) the rest of the trip with our friends and leave late on the 16th.

I REALLY wanted to catch the expansion becuase I want to go to DL next year and couldn't see waiting 2 years to see it all. I hope you get to catch the AP preview and will post some photos when it's done!

School starts so soon by you! We don't start until after Labor Day. If I could find the Stop Growing potion, I'd send you some. Good Job for Timmy!


Thanks Carey! Our schools are air conditioned, so by this time of the summer, I'm ready for them to start. It's so stinkin hot they might as well. It's too hot to do anything else anyway!

Janet, If I can't see it in person, there is no other view I'd want to catch it in than your lens!

Awww.... thanks Carey! I added another 32 GB memory card to my bag since our last trip, but I'm thinking one more might be called for in these "extenuating" circumstances!

I do have some hope though. I've heard other rides and things have have soft openings 4 to 6 weeks before hand. They aren't going to just open, they are going to want to see how it all works with people. I hope I get to be one of those people!

My fingers and toes are all crossed that they'll need more practice and have some surprise soft opens when you are there! You're planning to "lurk" in the area, right?

Also, did you hear! Gaston will be meeting in FL!!!! I know that will make you happy!

I know! I know! I'm so excited!

 

[Caretames1]

Awww.... thanks Carey! I added another 32 GB memory card to my bag since our last trip, but I'm thinking one more might be called for in these "extenuating" circumstances!
Heck, I'd send you cards if that's what it takes!


My fingers and toes are all crossed that they'll need more practice and have some surprise soft opens when you are there! You're planning to "lurk" in the area, right?

Lurk, Stalk, Pester, Impersonate a CM....whatever it takes




I know! I know! I'm so excited!

I knew you would be! The second I saw it comes across my news feed, I thought of you!

In trying the find the sliver lining in all this news, (I try to find it in everything, sometimes I do, sometimes it's runs fast and far from me) I say this; if in fact I don't get to see the new FL, I will have 11 months of research and info to help with our Nov 2013 trip.

 

[mom2rtk]

In trying the find the sliver lining in all this news, (I try to find it in everything, sometimes I do, sometimes it's runs fast and far from me) I say this; if in fact I don't get to see the new FL, I will have 11 months of research and info to help with our Nov 2013 trip.

I would also say that if you just miss getting to see the new FL, then crowds will probably be lower for your trip than they would have been if it was open.

But it would be great if you were surprised and found out they would be doing some Be Our Guest walk-ups!

 

[rachel09985]

I love their BBB hairstyles!!

I have a question about your tripod and I have no idea where to start.
I thought you could give me advice on what you use.
The legs are separate from the mounting thing correct? Does it matter what kind of mounting thing I get? Do I only need the legs and the mounting thing or do I have to buy something else for my camera?

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[francis6306]

Well, if what you read is right, then I might have a better chance! I guess I need to go back and do some research on how they handled things at Via Napoli… Lisa said something like that on my PTR as well, so I'm getting a little hopeful again!

 

[mom2rtk]

OK, all you late October/early November folks.......

I really think Kenny the Pirate is pretty reliable. He thinks you'll start seeing spradic pieces being tested out during your trips!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45762193&postcount=2453

 

[Caretames1]

OK, all you late October/early November folks.......

I really think Kenny the Pirate is pretty reliable. He thinks you'll start seeing sporadic pieces being tested out during your trips!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45762193&postcount=2453

I saw that, and I'm a hoping!

It makes sense though. You just don't open things. You see how the crowds flow, how the rides run, any bugs can then be fixed.

I'm so eager to see how I could find out if a soft opening crops up, that we've downloaded the Touring Plans app, the Dis boards app, and FB app on Kadence's b-day present that she won't get until the day we leave on the trip! A new ipod Touch from Gramma!
My MIL gave us the money back in April, because John knows all about that stuff. He got it and has been setting it up with Disney apps and movies for the flights.
She may have to share it with me for important updates about important openings!