Screw In the Light Bulb-All New x 13 4/25!!

[shan23877]

Best laid plans...

This afternoon I was working away at my latest sewing project, you know so that I could do that HUGE update that I promised for this very TR, when I took my eye off the ball for a moment. I've shaved off the tips of my fingers with the sewing machine needle countless times, but today I managed to actually put the needle through my finger. All the way through it.

I just got a tetanus booster, and since I have limited use of my left hand now (it's taken me 20 minutes just to type this), I'll likely spend the rest of the evening watching basketball and catching up on TRs. Of course I can't really reply, but I'll be reading!

 

[Cinderella909]

Best laid plans...

This afternoon I was working away at my latest sewing project, you know so that I could do that HUGE update that I promised for this very TR, when I took my eye off the ball for a moment. I've shaved off the tips of my fingers with the sewing machine needle countless times, but today I managed to actually put the needle through my finger. All the way through it.

I just got a tetanus booster, and since I have limited use of my left hand now (it's taken me 20 minutes just to type this), I'll likely spend the rest of the evening watching basketball and catching up on TRs. Of course I can't really reply, but I'll be reading!

Ouch! That hurts just reading about it.... get that finger mended quickly as you'll need it for your next trip!

Hang in there! Karen

 

[pkondz]

today I managed to actually put the needle through my finger. All the way through it.

Ouch! That must've been fun... not!
Get better soon!

(Is it bad that I kinda laughed when Cinderella909 said to get that finger mended?)

 

[afwdwfan]

Best laid plans...

This afternoon I was working away at my latest sewing project, you know so that I could do that HUGE update that I promised for this very TR, when I took my eye off the ball for a moment. I've shaved off the tips of my fingers with the sewing machine needle countless times, but today I managed to actually put the needle through my finger. All the way through it.

I just got a tetanus booster, and since I have limited use of my left hand now (it's taken me 20 minutes just to type this), I'll likely spend the rest of the evening watching basketball and catching up on TRs. Of course I can't really reply, but I'll be reading!

Well, just think of the stories you'll be able to tell your grandkids one of these days about that old sewing injury.

It sounds extremely painful. I hope it heals quickly. I think your plan of sitting around and watching basketball is definitely a winner.

Ouch! That must've been fun... not!
Get better soon!

(Is it bad that I kinda laughed when Cinderella909 said to get that finger mended?)

If it is bad, then you're not alone!

I wonder if she's going to start offering stitches on her ETSY store?

 

[Clarf]

OMG, OUCH! That does not sound pleasant at all. Hope you heal quickly!~

 

[MEK]

Your shirts are so adorable! You did a beautiful job.

So sorry to hear about your finger injury. All I can say is Ouch and I hope you heal fast.

 

[KatMark]

Shannon, I hope you are doing better.

 

[shan23877]

I am so sorry for your terrible CRT exprience. That is truly unacceptable! Sure, anyone can have an "off" day, but even in an off day he should have done better! At least Maddie had a great time.


I am glad that Tiana and Naveen were able to brighten your evening!

That guy was really really awful. It could have ruined our night, thank goodness for Tiana and Naveen!

Bahahahahahaha, Drag Queen Aurora. I totally forgot about that.

You know Shannon, those really are great PP photos on Main Street. Just totally "In the moment".

Awwww my heart just literally broke reading about all the falls and near falls. Such a sin.

Such a shame too that Tiana and Naveen don't have an alternate indoor meeting location like so many other characters do.

Aww that last Cindy and Maddie picture is adorable.

Oh my, just a horrible experience at CRT. I guess it's so nice that Maddie would be oblivious to it, but all in all sad nonetheless. You know, it really does drive home a point to me though and why I so vehemently avoid TS restaurants (not to mention the time it takes up). I have read wonderful and amazing reviews of many of the Disney restaurants, many just glowing. BUT, at the end of the day, they are all really hit and miss. And for me to spend that amount of money on food, I just can't risk a miss.

Also I need to add that at $70 a head... I'M GETTING A WAND!!!!

OH... MY... GOD!!!!! That is the sweetest, funniest thing offering up her cousin like that. I just can't even... I am seriously dying here.

DQ Aurora will always have a place in my heart.

Those PP pics cracked me up, and the falling down broke my heart. Poor kid.

The CRT experience was awful. I honestly still can't believe it. I don't blame you at all. I wouldn't risk it at this point.

And you're right. Give me a freaking wand!

Tiana and Naveen are always spectacular. We have a great time with them.

Drag Queen Aurora! I'd forgotten about her too, but now I'm sitting here at my desk giggling like a child.

So sorry about the service at CRT. I am an ex-server my self (waited tables for 12 years!) and so is DH, and we get that there are bad days, but there is no excuse for how Joe treated you. The kicker for me would have been when Maddie asked for the sword and want for you and Bryan and he said kids only and then to look over and see 20 something girls with them at his other table? I'm so glad Maddie didn't notice, but I'm sorry you had such a terrible time. I would have been so tempted to complain too.

That meet and greet with Tiana and Naveen melted my heart. I have never heard anyone say they had a bad meet with them. We have to make meeting them a priority for September for sure. Glad they got things back on track!

I'm so glad I made you giggle!

Yeah, it was pretty unforgivable. Joe just really ruined the castle for us. Thank goodness Maddie didn't notice.

You have to meet them! They are always outstanding!

I love those photopass pics - just thinking that eating ice cream while in Disney with the castle in the background is a pretty perfect vacation

Sorry you didn't get to meet Tiana & Naveen - we loved our meet & greet with them last trip. Doubly annoying that you had to wait but then couldn't with the rain.

Oh my gosh - that server sound horrible - hopefully the fact that you mentioned something to the chef it gets noted somewhere in his file. I totally understand that people can have an off day - but if he is having that "off" of a day Disney shouldn't put him with customers. Glad that Maddie still enjoyed the experience though and her comment of "She told us that her wishes had already come true" got me a bit misty eyed

aw, love how kids can make friends so easily (i.e., Maddie and Boston Annie)

ok, guess I have to retract my comment above since you did get to meet Tiana and Naveen glad they came through for you!

Those PP pics make me want to be there right now. They're just so vacation to me!

CRT was a real disappointment. I'm guessing the chef probably told someone what we said. Hopefully Joe learned his lesson.

Tiana and Naveen to the rescue! they saved the night!

You would not believe the amount of tears that just came out of my eyes

Dying over Maddie offering her cousin up for Lottie

It made me cry too. Seeing her with the characters has that effect on me.

Shannon! It was too sad reading your dining experience at CRT... heartbreaking! But, so glad that Maddie enjoyed herself... isn't that what childhood is all about, not knowing the ugly reality of the world around us!

So glad to hear Tiana and Naveen brought happiness back into your day! Love all the excite that Maddie's brachlets give the characters, especially knowing how hard she worked on them.

I just love this photo! I'm happy that you are so close to another trip... I'm afraid I'm too far away from another trip... but if my DGD can convince her dad... we may just be able to work it out!

Glad you're not giving up on your trip reports... I really am living vicariously thorough your trip reports!

Hang in there! Karen

Karen I knew it would make you sad. I didn't even want to write it!

She had the best time with Tiana and Naveen though! They really came through.

I hope your DGD convinces her dad, I think you NEED another trip!

first of all, I LOVE all your pictures! the photopass pics in the rain and with maddie eating ice cream are PERFECT! they capture your day so well and you all look so happy! and I love all the borders! I wish some of those had been a choice this year!

oh, poor maddie falling at Disney! that is not very magical....

ok, i'm not going to say anything about CRT--we're just gonna wipe that from our memories! but I have to say, that's the best snow white I've ever seen and jasmine's abs.....little jealous is all i'm sayin'.

your tiana and Naveen meet! how awesome! we have SO got to see them next trip!

Thank you so much Lori! She loves those pics-they make her giggle.

Ugh Jasmine's abs are not something a normal person needs to see while they're eating...

You MUST! they're great!

I cannot believe your next trip will be here in 70 days!!!

The princess pics are great, and I adore the ice cream/poncho pics!

Ugh - I am still seething about the CRT experience. That is just NOT right. Terrible, just TERRIBLE service. I hope that you will be able to experience a great CRT meal in May to make up for this one. (BTW, that cheese plate is so paltry - I’m really shocked by it - surely in a World run by a MOUSE they could do better with the cheese???) Okay, wait, I’m still too mad to stop. The sword/wand thing makes my blood boil. That place has a LONG history of handing those out to adults without being asked - a little princess actually asks for something for her parents instead of herself (I mean, come on, it’s not like that happens every 5 minutes!), and this jerk can’t be bothered to walk over to where they are and bring them over???? GAH!!!!

OMG! I am laughing so HARD!!! I totally forgot about Maddie and her bracelets for the princesses. You must have been like when I was telling you the other night that Willow had decided to make bracelets for the characters. You must have been all, “DUH, Roni!” I swear - it was something she came up with on her own. I feel like a buffoon!

The Tiana/Naveen meet was FANTASTIC! So glad that they could save the night! I love Tiana - I have never met a Tiana who wasn’t totally into being Tiana. She is one of my favorites to meet.

I am still seething too honestly! It was so bad. May has to be better right?

Oh stop. I love that Willow is making bracelets. They were a big hit!

They are AMAZING. That Naveen is my special favorite.

SO MANY UPADTES FROM SO MANY AWESOME PEOPLE I AM SO EXCTIED!!!

70 DAYS?!?!?! Is it REALLY that few?!?! Urgh, it feels like its so much longer than that!! Oh well. You guys are at POR again, right?? We’ll have to compare notes sometime soon!!

Great princess meets! Lol. And those pp shots are honestly adorable and awesome! Sometimes you just need some poncho shots, and the caption! PRICELESS. We’ve decided that the remix of that “song” is going to be in our trip video….. OH MY GOSH MAYBE YOU GUYS WILL BE IN OUR VIDEO!!????!??

Oh no! No Naveen and two slips! That’s a rough night! Glad Maddie felt better!!

Awe, despite Cindy looking derpy in the photo it looks like it was a good meet and greet?

Oh. My. God.

My mouth seriously just dropped open at the fact that your server downright said NO to wands/swords WHAT THE ACTUAL EFF I WOULD RAISE SUCH A STINK IF THAT HAPPENED TO ME LIKE NO, JUST NO #GETOUT.

Seriously, I’m a little enraged, like, I’ve served for years now, and even if a table is being a complete nimrod (ie, today, Canada vs US hockey, gold, Olympics, lotsa not nice people in there today) YOU DON’T BE THAT MUCH OF A NIMROD BACK

#ugh

So glad that the chef was able to at least do his part to make your night a little more enjoyable. I do have to say, Steven & I did lunch there in Dec and the food quality definitely wasn’t the greatest, I thought maybe it was due to it being lunch not dinner, but who knows? I’m still interested in breakfast.

…I’m sorry….but WHAT is that Aurora…

Jasmine just LOOKS perfect, she’s actually like, the best/correct skin tone I’ve seen on one in a while! Most of them are just too white. I knkow that the friends share, and some can’t go that dark, but still, you should be the right like, shade of tanned…

Glad that you guys are returning. I find that the service really does make or break a place. I’ve done Tony’s twice now and both times REALLY not been impressed with the food, but the service has been OUTSTANDING both times, and has led to 2 new Disney friends lol) I’m sorry you guys had such a crappy time, and I really do hope that next time is far superior!

NAVEEN CAN ALWAYS SAVE THE DAY

Awe, so nice of the girls to let you go in front of them! I won’t lie, I usually do that in certain lines, but it’s usually because I know the characters friends and don’t want to waste too much time lol.

YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS MY BAAAAAABBBBBYYYY

But really…I had completely forgotten that you sent me a picture of the three asking if it was the one I knew the friend of until right now… Whooops! SO glad they were able to make the night end on a good note, he really is absolutely fantastic at his job, and honestly, far superior to the other friends Naveen has. I was actually able to see him twice last week, which was a first in MONTHS as the kid does so much other stuff he’s rarely hanging around the glen anymore That hugging picture is seriously priceless, so cute. Also the one when maddie’s running back towards the camera she looks adorable, and Naveen’s face is spot on.

Now I feel all warm and happy inside at the end of the update, this is lovely, glad that your day ended up ending on a positive note!!

I love that you're my resident character expert/critiquer LOL! The princesses were all pretty good at CRT, but you're right-there's no excuse for the service. i can't imagine waiting on a US/Canada hockey crowd. Shudder.

I was so excited to see your Naveen!!!! He is the best EVER. I love him.

I'm sorry our trips won't overlap anymore. Someday!

Excellent updates as usual, I had gotten very far behind.

Your CRT meal sound so disappointing and sad. What terrible service especially when you had a child with you. You could ALMOST expect to be treated slightly different if it is just two adults but when there is a young Princess dining in CRT, there is absolutely no excuse.

So happy you managed to rescue the rest of your night.

That's ok, I'm very far behind too! lOL

It was unforgivable for sure. Luckily Maddie didn't notice and Tiana and Naveen rescued us!

Oh, wow. I am so sorry about your CRT experience. I still think a letter to Disney about it would be in order. That man does not deserve to be a cast member in the most special place on Earth to dine.

Thank goodness for the Tiana Meet and Greet. I am glad your evening was redeemed!

Can't wait to hear the rest!

I probably should have said something or sent an email. I think now that I've written about it here I'm getting close to over it. It was rough though.

They were great!

I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience at CRT. I wish I could say I was surprised, but as I have told you in your PTR we had a bad experience there that really left a bad taste in our mouths about the restaurant in general (and I'm not talking about the food!). I'm glad that the princess interactions there were good, and that visiting with T&N managed to help redeem the night. It still is upsetting though, and it pretty much puts a cloud over things when you have an experience that is supposed to be one of the best of the best, at least for a princess lover, and it falls flat. I'm kind of shocked, to be honest, that this bad behavior is allowed to continue over time at CRT because people do go there paying a premium price and expecting a premium experience.

I am so sorry that you had a similar experience. It's shocking really. It's one of the most expensive meals, the least that they can do is provide good service-especially since the tip is automatic. I'm hoping that our lunch this year will be better.

 

[shan23877]

What horrible and wonderful updates! I'm so sorry about y'alls experience at CRT. Bad food is one thing but bad service just takes the cake. There's no excuse for someone in WDW to have that kind of attitude. Bad days are understandable but you still shouldn't be so rude.

I am so glad though that Tiana & Naveen came to the rescue! And that was so sweet of those girls to let Maddie go first. She has such great questions for the characters. I don't think I would ever think to ask those things.

Service really does make all the difference. It was hugely disappointing.

They were so much fun! I love meeting them!

I'm excited to hear all about your cruise!

Love the photos with the Princesses at Town Square Theater.

What a horrid experience you had at CRT. Our kids never went and Mark and I have discussed giving it a try once, but we just can't seem to pull the plug. After your recent experience, I don't think I'll be pulling that plug (sounds like our experience with the CM at Whispering Canyon Café...worse experience of our life).

Maddie looks happy though with her meeting her "fellow" princesses.

And what a way to make things better than for the people in the front of the line to let the girls go first and then Maddie's wonderful interaction.

Thanks Kathy! I'm going to get caught up on your TR very soon, I promise!

It was truly terrible and a little shocking. I'm sorry to hear that you've had a similar experience at WDW. I'd hold off on CRT if I were you...

It was such fun, the perfect way to end the night!

Forgot about her/him!
Did you check for an Adam's apple?

Next time, or maybe I can zoom in on it in photoshop...

I keep saying it.
Your daughter is very wise.

I think the two of you are kindred spirits.

I love that Maddie just goes on scarfing down her ice cream.

She could not have cared less that I wanted to get photos taken.

Ooh. I hate it when that happens.
When I'm in Florida, I want it to be major snow storms back home with record low temperatures.

Exactly! I'm supposed to be enjoying much nicer weather than I'd be getting at home!

I hear ya. Oh, I hear you all right.
I had the same struggle when I posted my last chapter.

And that one was a doozy. It's hard isn't it? You want to keep things fun and light, and then BAM! You're forced to tell a story like that one. It's not easy.

How dare you try to check in at the time you're supposed to check in!?!?



Good thing dining at CRT is going to be great, right?
Right?


Right?

My thoughts exactly.

Was their server Joe, too?
Or someone else?

They had Joe too. Kind of made me feel like he'd decided that he didn't like us from the moment he saw us.

Is there a word that means the opposite of pixie dust?

Yes, it's Joe Sprinkles.

In other words... ruined.
I know very few people who like their steak well done.

And we're not among them. It wasn't tasty.

"Oh, we don't need anything. We're happy with nothing. So I assume you will be too, when that's what you get for your tip."

And the tip is included at CRT. Joe got an 18% tip no matter what. I don't usually begrudge folks their tip money, but in this case...

I would've (in a normal restaurant) expected the manager, but at least the chef made an effort.

Me too. I thought it was good of the chef to stop by though. I assume Joe only reported the shortcoming of the food

If there's one thing I've learned, it's to trust a mother's instincts.

You're smart man Ponzi

Nope.
Not just "such a simple thing".
It's those "simple things" that make the biggest difference, don't you think?

they really do. I doubt those girls knew it made any difference to us, but it really did.

In real life, Maddie is 6'2''.

Obviously we're grooming her for a basketball career.




Can't wait! Thanks for the update(s) Shanickitty!

Sorry I made you wait so long Ponzipoppins. thanks!

Exactly! Because it isn't some random, posed picture. It's real. It's the 3 of you having fun on a damp day at Disney and enjoying ice cream!

thanks! that's exactly what I liked about it too.

Was it on the wooden bridge over by that M&G and Liberty Square? I may or may not have had issues crossing that thing in the rain before... [QUTOTE]

Nope, behind the Christmas store, and in front of LTT.

I've said it before, but I always appreciate your candid approach to dining reviews. I'd be disappointed if you didn't tell it like it was.


I'm still disappointed with how that bracket played out.

Thank you! I appreciate that!

And now so am I LOL

And that's the point... Yes, you're paying for the experience of eating there, but if I'm dropping that much on a meal, I at least expect the service to be better than average.

I'm glad that Maddie still managed to have a good time and enjoy the princesses. And it was definitely great of the chef to come out and do his best to make things right. But service like that would definitely ruin the experience.

I'm really glad she didn't notice. It was bad enough that it was ruined for Bry and I

But I just have to say that we were considering this for our upcoming trip. None of us has ever been to CRT... and we're thinking about trying it out. I don't know what impact this review has on our decision, but the whole $70/plate or 2 TS credits is already enough to make me think twice.

I know lots of people who have had great experiences there, and we have too in the past. However, I don't blame you a bit for thinking twice.


[QUTOE]That was a nice touch of extra magic from some other guests when Maddie and her new friend were allowed to meet Tiana first. And the characters were great! You always seem to have that kind of luck. Just when things aren't going great, Maddie seems to have one of those "perfect" interactions with a princess that just saves the day.

It was EXACTLY what we needed!

Sorry to hear about your sub-par CRT experience. I'm excited to keep reading more updates though. I love your trip reports; they are fantastic! What a joy it is to have a princess for a daughter

Thank you for reading! I hope you'll stick around!

I hated to read that you had such a bad experience at Cinderella's Royal Table. There is simply no excuse for Joe's behavior. I've had some really really bad days at work and the client's would have never guessed it. Joe needs a good lesson in "faking it".

How very sweet of the people in front of you to let Maddie and Annie go before them! The interaction between Maddie and Tiana and Naveen sounded like perfection. Thank goodness it panned out that way and your day ended on a high note.

thanks Lisa. I think we've all done better than Joe when we're having bad days. And we don't work at WDW!

it was a great way to end the day!

She was, but then when she realized that she would get to celebrate her birthday twice... she was A-OK with postponing her party.
Well, I have to say that my MIL came through!!! She bought Jorie the Merida set (not the one that I would have picked for her but she did have a "Brave"-themed b-day party last year so it does make sense) AND she said that she picked up the Rapunzel Tower for Isla's birthday in July. (She was actually planning ahead, I almost fell over when she told me that! )


I have to say that your Photopass boarders are much cuter than what I had to choose from! I had edited my pics right after they switched to the new website and the boarder options were just terrible!

I LOVE the poncho PP pics! Maddie looks so candid eating her ice cream. Too cute!

Sorry that you had such an AWFUL server at CRT. That just makes for such a terrible experience... and it REALLY stinks that that is what sticks out over all of the magical ones. That's how 1900 Park Fare is for us- we had such great character interaction there but having that rude server makes me want to cringe everytime I think about that dinner.

I'm so glad that you had such a fabulous M&G with Tiana and Naveen to help get some of the magic back!

I am so glad the girls are getting the princess Legos!

The PP borders were much better than they'd been in the past. I'm interested to see what they'll be like this year.

It was terrible. I hate that you've had a similar experience. It just shouldn't be allowed at WDW!

I'm a little late, but I just came across your report and decided to join in. Your daughter is adorable and I'm really enjoying reading about your adventures!

So glad to have you! There's plenty still to come!

What a shame about your CRT experience. CRT is one of the few restaurants I haven't tried at MK, and I seem to see so many mixed reviews I'm not sure I'd want to spend the money to see the inside of the castle. Maybe someday!

However, what an EXCELLENT meet and greet! Maddie is hysterical - I'm so impressed that Tiana and Naveen held it together!

I hope that you'll try it some day, and I hope that you love it!

They were AMAZING. Maddie always has questions for the 2 of them LOL

Shannon, those are great.

Thanks Kathy!

Wow, those are awesome!

Thank you!

I love the shirts! So cute! I had to put your etsy shop on my favorite list because I love seeing all the cute things you've done!

Thanks Lori!

Love the shirts!!

Thanks!

Great job on the shirts! My favorite is the Partners one.

Thanks so much! that's my favorite too!

 

[shan23877]

This one is my fave, but they're all really good!

Shannon! Love the shirts! They are all just wonderful and so well made. So, I see one for MIL, so I'm thinking that she is going back with you again! So are so good and have such patience to do it again!

Eagerly awaiting more updates whenever you are ready

Karen

AWESOME SHIRTS!!
I'm in love with the partner's statue & Tink ones!!! They're amazing!!!

Yay for more udpates! And the upcoming trip, that's super exciting!!

Me too!

Aw - you know I love all the shirts! Obviously, the partners one is a genius idea and just precious, but I'm a HUGE fan of the Pocahontas one! It looks amazing!!!

I'm here I'm here and loving every second of your TR! I don't always have time to post but I do try and keep up with your posts:good vibes Things are slowing down so I hope to be on here a lot more now! Another great report my girl!

I love the shirts you made, especially the walt/mickey silhouette! Very beautiful design.

I had to laugh though, 1 for me..1 for mil..1 for me...a few for Maddie *posts picture of 20 Maddie sized shirts*

great job with the shirts - especially the Partners one!

Love the Walt & Mickey silhouette shirt! Great job!

More Lilo dresses???? Who knew Lilo had such a huge cult following???

I really like the silhouette shirts!

Ouch! That hurts just reading about it.... get that finger mended quickly as you'll need it for your next trip!

Hang in there! Karen

Ouch! That must've been fun... not!
Get better soon!

(Is it bad that I kinda laughed when Cinderella909 said to get that finger mended?)

Well, just think of the stories you'll be able to tell your grandkids one of these days about that old sewing injury.

It sounds extremely painful. I hope it heals quickly. I think your plan of sitting around and watching basketball is definitely a winner.



If it is bad, then you're not alone!

I wonder if she's going to start offering stitches on her ETSY store?

OMG, OUCH! That does not sound pleasant at all. Hope you heal quickly!~

Your shirts are so adorable! You did a beautiful job.

So sorry to hear about your finger injury. All I can say is Ouch and I hope you heal fast.

Shannon, I hope you are doing better.

Thank you so much guys! I really really appreciate all of the support. I am having so much fun doing these shirts-I have more to share in the next update.

Finger is healing nicely. Not a fun experience. Luckily I had some antibiotics on hand and now know that I have an up-to-date tetanus!

 

[shan23877]

I’m back! And happy to report that I suffered no major –or minor- injuries this week! My through and through finger piercing is healing nicely and I’ve even gotten back to sewing.

This week I finally finished up my princess silhouette t-shirts. I haven’t done a Mulan yet, but I can’t seem to draw one up that I like. I had done 2 versions of Elsa previously that were terrible (she looked like DinoElsa), so I worked up another of those as well as an Anna, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Tiana.

​

Since I’m really enjoying the simplicity of the silhouette shirts I keep making them for myself as well. This is one of my new favorites. If you want to see a cool Lion King shirt, check out Lisa’s (Mickeystoontown) daughter and son in law’s shirts in her current TR.

​

I have a tiny little crossbody purse that I’ve carried on every trip I’ve taken for the last 15 years or so. This little thing has been to the Bahamas, Mardi Gras, Las Vegas, Philly, Boston, the Kentucky Derby, and countless other places. After all this time it’s finally showing some wear and tear. So I decided that instead of trying to find a bag that’s exactly the size and shape that I want, I’d make one! I just finished this today.

​

And in upcoming trip news---we’re 5 weeks from our next trip! I’m not usually one of those people who tinkers and shifts things around until the last minute. I obsess over ADR and resort choices for about 2 months before we book, and then leave everything alone. Not so this year.

While our resort choice hasn’t changed, after my brother decided not to join us MiL decided that she would. She plans to tour and have meals with us. It’s not ideal, but I have a better idea of what to expect from her this time around so I’m confident that we’ll all enjoy ourselves. Her birthday is April 1 and mother’s day is the day after we leave WDW so we’re treating her to the Gardens of the World Tour (she’s a big gardener-handy for someone who does not garden such as myself) at Epcot and will buy her a birthday gift or two from the festival. MiL decided to get us a little gift too-she’s buying our plane tickets!!!! Sooo nice of her.

Of course, after MiL and I spent several hours booking her trip and making her FP selections to coincide with ours (she has an AP and I’ve heard horror stories about MDE wreaking havoc with those so I didn’t want to link our accounts) the announcement that Anna and Elsa are moving to MK came down the interwebs. As you can imagine, meeting A&E is a huge priority for Maddie, so I got up at 6 am and snagged some FP for that.
Tinkering done right? Nope. Tuesday I was browsing the restaurant boards here on the DIS and saw the rumor that there were going to be Star Wars character meals offered starting on May 4. I’d scheduled us at DHS on the 4th hoping that do something special for the unofficial holiday so trying to get an ADR was a no brainer. After a family vote we decided we’d like to do dinner with Mickey and the gang dressed in their Star Wars finery. I was on hold for an hour the next morning, but I was able to secure the ADR and switch our HBD dinner ressie to lunch. I figure if the food is as horrible at H&V as I’ve heard that it is, we’ll have had a nice lunch

I also purchased Memory Maker and made Bryan’s tee time at the Palm.

So now I should be able to relax right? Nope. Rumor has it that the Seven Dwarves Mine Train will be opening on May2, so now I’m on the lookout for FP to open up for that.

All in all I couldn’t be more excited for our trip. Since I had all the injuries in January I have worked extra shifts and saved every penny to make sure this trip would still happen. I wanted to do a little dance the day I paid it off, and can’t wait to get there!

 

[shan23877]

The One With Tusker House​

As usual we were up an at ‘em bright and early the next morning. We got ourselves ready to go and Bryan went ahead of Maddie and I to fill our mugs while we took our time strolling and taking photos. POR is really such a beautiful resort. I hadn’t expected to love it nearly as much as I did.

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We only waited a few minutes for the bus, but a few minutes is plenty of time to pose for some pics.

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We joined the breakfast line at AK and were soon let in the park. I was in a picture taking mood that morning. AK is not my favorite park, but I am definitely enamored of the details.

This was our second visit to Tusker House for breakfast, and we were all anticipating a great meal. It had been our favorite character meal by a long shot on the last trip.








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We waited in a longish line to check in, but were called back to have our photo taken with Donald very quickly. The PP photog was nice enough to take both a family photo, and one of just Maddie with Donald.

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We were called in to our table right after meeting Donald and upon entering were just as wowed by the décor as we’d been the first time around. The buffet area of the restaurant is modeled after an African marketplace and it is stunning to look at. The pastries are displayed on tables meant to look like shipping crates and barrels, and above the hot food tables are balconies overlooking the market. This is Disney detail at its finest.

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We were greeted by our friendly server and ordered beverages right away before getting up to fill our plates. Bryan upheld his “no photos of my buffet plates” rule, but Maddie and I have no shame.

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Miss Maddie for one was quite pleased to find her favorite Krispy Kreme doughnuts available.

The food was just as good as we remembered as well. Everything was hot and fresh and Bry loved the carving station.

Soon enough some friends stopped by to visit.

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While the character interaction wasn’t as good as it had been last time, the restaurant was much busier. We didn’t feel slighted.

Maddie joined in the parade of children and was happy to have secured herself one of the musical instruments that they passed out.

After parading and stuffing ourselves, we asked for the check and the server brought this little beauty along with it



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Tusker House will remain our favorite character breakfast. The food is great, the service pleasant, and the atmosphere can’t be beat.

Tusker House

Food-- 5
Service-- 4

Will We Return -- Of course! We have an ADR for our next trip!

 

[jedimeg16]

Oh my gosh! I can't believe that you got the Star Wars dinner!!! I love SWW and I'm so bummed that we can't afford to go for a couple more years. I can not wait until you start that TR!

 

[shan23877]

The One Where Stacey Is In Danger of Being Sent to The Island
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After breakfast we emerged to see the July crowds out in full force. It seemed that most of the crowds were on their way to the safari so we decided to grab a FP for that and make our way to EE.

The line for FP was unlike anything I’ve ever seen (well outside of TSMM that is). Bryan volunteered to get them for the group and he was gone so long that we went looking for him. After 15 minutes he’d only just made it to the machines. After he joined us we made our way to Asia for Maddie’s inaugural ride on EE!

On our last trip she’d been tall enough to ride, but chickened out at the last minute. In preparation for this trip we’d watched rider POV videos on YouTube, talked at length about what would happen, and Maddie had made her decision. She was going to ride!

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We all have that group of famous and quasi-famous persons who just get under our skin for one reason or another, right? I used to keep a Permanent List of the folks that bothered me. The Permanent List was serious business. Once you got on it, there was no getting off. After a while I realized that the Permanent List was bringing me down. I didn’t like having that mental list with me where ever I went. Too much negativity. So, the Island was born.

The Island is a place where I can send those bothersome people and not let them bug me! I imagine it is much like the island on Lost-minus the Smoke Monsters and mayhem. There’s plenty of canned goods if you take the time to find them, open spaces for recreation, building materials at the ready for shelter building, and nice enough beaches.

I don’t send people to the Island lightly, in fact there are only 3 permanent residents- Bobby Knight (for those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Knight Google Bobby Knight and chair or Bobby Knight hits player), Alex Rodriguez (I assume most North Americans are familiar with his antics), and Alex Trebek. Mr. Trebek may seem like an odd choice, but I find him smug. Tyra Banks comes and goes from the Island. On one hand she annoys me, but on the other I find her show endlessly entertaining. When I’m being logical I know she could be much worse. She’s not out there flashing her private parts to the paparazzi or getting DUI, she doesn’t even clog one’s Twitter feed with political rants. She’s doing her best to parlay her former success as a model into a long-term career. I respect that, and yet she annoys me. I like to think she brings little color and fun to the Island.

So there we were, about to join the 5 minute standby line for EE when Maddie freaked out. She was not going to ride.

As we prodded, the full story came out. Maddie had been eager to ride-until she watched Stacey. Some people may know this delightful show as “Must Do Disney”, but in our house it’s simply called “Stacey”. You see, on the AK section of Stacey our heroine braves EE, AND THE GIANT ANIMATRONIC YETI BURSTS OUT AND ROARS. Well DisFriends, we all know that hasn’t happened in many years, but my little girl did not know that. She also refused to believe that her beloved Stacey would give any misinformation, or that her mom might know what she was talking about. She was scared of the Yeti, and I was ready to send Stacey to The Island.


During this time we sat down on a bench, and on that bench is where we would stay. I had taken the lead in trying to convince Maddie to ride last year and wasn’t about to do it again, so Bryan gave it a shot. First he tried logic: the yeti doesn’t work, then he tried bribery: he offered to ride KRR if she’d ride EE, both were met with tears.


I played Candy Crush, did some FB messaging (you again Roni), checked my email, played some skee ball, and kept silent as I watched the standby line climb higher and higher. Finally I couldn’t take it anymore.


Shannon: Honey we did not come all this way to sit on a bench and watch you cry. Let’s just go

Maddie : *crying*

Shannon: Do you want to ride then?

Maddie: *crying*

Shannon: Mads, let’s go do something else. We’ll see if we can find Pocahontas

Maddie: *cries harder*



That’s when I shut up.

About 30 minutes after we’d arrived and some terse negotiations it was decided. She’d ride, but only under these conditions:

1. She would close her eyes the entire time, and a parent’s hand would be provided in case she accidentally opened them

2. She would receive a prize for her bravery

3. Her father would carry her though the line in case there were any scary Yetis

4. She never had to do it again if she didn’t like it.


And so we joined a standby line that now read 30 minutes. I’d never been in the stand by line so I enjoyed taking photos.

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Bry did not enjoy it quite as much. Some of the time his precious cargo looked like this

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And other times she looked like this.

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I found it impossible not to laugh at her.


Friends please remember this story the next time you see a crying child in line. There is a chance that the child is not being forced by cruel parents insisting on getting the most out of their WDW vacations. We got LOTS of dirty looks in that line. I’m sure my laughter didn’t help though.


As we approached the loading platform I began prepping Maddie by telling her that if she didn’t want to ride she had to tell us RIGHT NOW. She began whimpering anew, but refused to say she didn’t want to ride.
All too quickly we lined up on our numbers and I told Maddie that this was her absolute last chance to back out. A sweet CM overheard and asked what the trouble was. I explained that the Yeti scaring some of us, and the CM said that if she rode in the seat closest to the loading platform she wouldn’t even be able to see him. With that Bryan scooped her up, tossed her into the seat, and snapped the seat belt closed.


The single rider that had been paired with us was horrified.


We ended up with one of my favorite ride photos ever.

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And what was the verdict?

This is the photo version of her Victory Dance

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She loved the ride part, and since the trip I have sat her down in front of the YouTube video again and asked that she show me as soon as we got to the “scary part”. We had a discussion about dramatic license and how not everything we see on TV is true. She’s excited to ride again this year.

I'm still a little mad at Stacey though.

 

[shan23877]

The One With an Awesome Princess​

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Our next stop was Kilimanjaro Safari. What else can be said about this? We saw animals, we enjoyed it, I took photos.

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After such a dramatic morning we needed some retail therapy. Sadly Maddie did not find anything she’d like for her ‘bravery’ prize, so we moved on.

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We’d met Pocahontas last trip and were very disappointed in her interaction with Maddie. Mads however was not letting this outfit go to waste and was determined to meet her.

After a short wait at Camp Mickey Minnie it was our turn.

I am pleased to report that we met the best Pocahontas EVER and her attendant and photographer were amazing as well. I don’t know if Pocahontas is usually overlooked when it comes to the little gifts that visitors bring to the princesses or if she’s a much better actress than any of the other gals, but she was very very excited to get her bracelet. She showed it off for a few minutes and gushed to Maddie about how beautiful it was the entire time.

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Buoyed by our visit with Pocahontas Maddie was in the mood for more characters. We stopped to get a snack first, and since there were no pretzels around, Maddie chose a frozen lemonade.

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Russell and Dug were up next. The line was longish, and while waiting a CM overheard me lamenting that AK is twenty degrees hotter than anywhere else on Earth. He told us that it actually is hotter due to the overhanging trees that trapped in the heat. Thank you CM for that validation!

We had fun with Russell and Dug as usual.

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After that M&G we’d lost steam. It was hot and we were getting grumpy. It was time to leave AK.

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We went to the bus stops and saw and AKL bus approaching. We hopped on and rode to the resort where we then caught a DTD bus. I’d never been to AKL, and while I can’t say that we explored, they do have nice bus stops! No sooner had Maddie settled in to watch the bus stop TVs when a DTD bus pulled up. All in all it was quick and painless trip.

 

[shan23877]

The One With Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express​

Our first order of business at DTD was lunch. Bry was jonesing for EoS, but I wasn’t in the mood for a sandwich. I decided to try WPE.

I got in the short line, but still hadn’t made up my mind by the time I reached the counter. The CM there suggested the mac and cheese over the pizza. I went with that.

A short time later my food was ready and I set off to find Bry and Maddie.

While I was getting my food Bry had ordered a ham sandwich for Maddie and meatball sandwich for himself. I am also not allowed to photograph Bryan’s EoS meals.

And how was the food??? The mac and cheese was divine. I have been dreaming of it ever since that day and cannot wait to have it again. The sandwiches? Bry says it was “amazing as always” and he too is planning to repeat that meal in May.




Maddie seemed to enjoy her sandwich as well. She ate most of it.

Earl of Sandwich

Food—5

Service—4 counter persons were reasonably pleasant and efficient

Will we Return-Of course! Bry wouldn’t miss it

Wolfgang Puck Express

Food – 5 The stuff dreams are made of

Service—5 Very pleasant, the restaurant was clean and calm

Would we Return?—You bet your bippy. It was amazing.

 

[shan23877]

The One with Some Shopping and Some Relaxing
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After lunch it was time to get down to business. Maddie has saved most of her spending money for this day and she was chomping at the bit.

First stop was Once Upon a Toy where she played at the Mr. Potato Head table, chose a Pluto pillow pet as her bribery/bravery reward, and built a light saber.

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We moved on to the now nonexistent Team Mickey where I got a Cubs Mickey Tervis, but was underwhelmed by the ESPN merch.


We steeled ourselves for the madness of World of Disney, and upon entering did not come out for nearly an hour. Maddie got herself a Merida bow and arrow set, Rapunzel Lantern, Tinkerbell jewelry box, and I agreed to buy her the Snow White dress in exchange for 3 days’ worth of stuffies.

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After a quick spin through the Lego store we were ready to head back to POR. Unfortunately it began pouring rain when we were about half way to the boat docks. Since the boats were out, we made our way to the bus stops which were crowded as can be. The bus ride from DTD was as pleasant as it always has been.



About 45 minutes later we arrived back at POR. Since it was still raining we hunkered down in the room. Maddie took target practice and watched Teen Beach Movie on the iPad and Bryan and I snoozed.

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[shan23877]

The One With Fulton’s​

After a relaxing afternoon we emerged from our room to see that the rain had finally passed. We enjoyed some of the POR scenery as we walked to the boat docks.

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The line grew quickly behind us, but we were lucky to make it onto the waiting boat.

After a quick stop at POFQ we were on our way back to DTD. The boats are a much more pleasant way to travel there than the buses.

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We arrived about 30 minutes later and went directly to Fulton’s to check in for our dinner ADR. Well, sort of

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There was a line to check in at the host stand, but most of the people waiting did not have reservations, we were led right in.



We were led up a flight of stairs to the second floor dining room and were seated at a table over-looking the water. Our server approached quickly, explained the DxDP options and left to fill our drink orders.

I didn't take any decor photos, but it's exactly what you'd expect the inside of a grand boat to look like. Lots of dark wood and nautical touches.



This was one meal for which I hadn’t made my choices in advance. After some discussion we were ready to order.


For his app Bry got the fried calamari. Flash fried strips, tomato basil sauce. $12

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Bry thought it was okay, not amazing and I didn’t like it too much. It was chewier than I like.

I ordered the crab cake. Jumbo lump blue crab, roasted corn maque choux, fried green tomato, remoulade sauce. $15

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I thought the crab cake was disappointing. It was one of those all soft texture- no big pieces of crab crab cakes. The corn relish was another soft texture, but the fried green tomato added a nice acidic touch.


Maddie chose fruit and enjoyed it very much. It appears that she also enjoyed the bread

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We were parched and the server did an admiral job of keeping our glasses full.


For her entrée Maddie had settled on “the legs”. 10 oz. of steamed snow crab legs with roasted red potatoes



And Bryan and I went for the Crab Experience for Two –which no longer seems to be on their menu. It was a sampler of King, Snow, Blue, and Dungeness crab with corn on the cob and red skinned potatoes. Being land locked Midwestern folks, we don’t have the opportunity to try different types of crab too often. While we were glad that we did, we probably wouldn’t order it again. We liked the snow and king varieties, Bryan liked the Dungeness, and I enjoyed the blue crab, but neither of us felt that we got enough of the ones we really loved. Next time we’ll stick to the good ‘ole king or snow.

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For dessert Maddie chose a build your own sundae which she enjoyed decorating more than eating. Bryan got key lime pie, and I got a warm cookie sundae. Bryan’s key lime was good, but mine was amazing. It was just delicious.

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Fulton’s Crab House

Food – 3.5 The apps were disappointing, but the entrees and desserts were good

Service – 4 Not overly friendly but efficient

Would we Return?—We will. As long as we’re staying at POR it’s a good signature option for us. We have an ADR for our arrival night in May.

 

[shan23877]

The One With the Relaxing Evening​

We emerged from Fulton’s to find that the air had cooled and a party was in progress. As we walked slowly through the Marketplace we stopped to enjoy the live music and performance art.

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I’ve never taken the time to pop into Basin, and knowing that I’ve always wanted to Bryan encouraged Maddie and I to take a peek while he returned some emails for work. We availed ourselves of all of the samples of soaps, lotions, and potions and came happily out of the store encouraging Bryan to smell our hands. We’d enjoyed ourselves so much that Bry insisted that we go back in and purchase some of the very expensive products. I resisted at first, but boy am I glad that he made us go back in! I got some of the sugar scrub, and every time I use it I am reminded of what a wonderful night we had at DTD.


We made our way back to the boat and sailed through the darkness back to POR. At the main area we saw the carriage letting it’s last passengers off for the night. The CM was kind enough to talk to Maddie for a while and let her pose for a picture with the horse.

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After filling our mugs we went back to Oak Manor where we changed into bathing suits and went to the pool. I believe this picture series shows how eager Maddie was to swim.

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We spent a short while in the main pool (too cold for me! The rains were making the water too cool for night swimming IMO) and then returned to the room where we “enjoyed” a showing of my nemesis Stacey and went to sleep. It had been such a relaxing and pleasant night that Bryan agreed to a longer trip this year!

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Wow so many fun updates!

Love your shirts! they are so simple but fun at the same time!
A Star Wars Character dinner, is amazing! I am glad you got it!

Maddie looks so cute in her Pocahontas dress! I always feel kind of sorry for Pocahontas, like people over look her. But, I love her. So I love to see kiddos excited to be dressed like her!

Yay for being brave and trying EE! I always say you never know if you are going to like something unless you try it, so try it once and if you hate it, it will be over in a few minutes and you never have to try it again. I hate to see people judging others with crying children. Sometimes being a good parent means letting your kid cry. If you are going to a place like Disney expect to hear some crying, it happens there!

Looks like a great afternoon and evening. Its so nice to have some more relaxing time at Disney.

Sounds like you have another wonderful trip on the horizon!