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

[kmedina]

Hey Guys! I had the best intentions of getting an update done this evening, but I had 7 Etsy orders due and just now finished. I'm wiped out! I have the pics uploaded and I promise I'll get it posted as soon as I finish typing it up! Thanks for hanging in there with me!

I am so happy to see you opened an Etsy account. As soon as I have my daughter (not yet pregnant or even trying but someday), you have a customer.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[LilAnn]

So, I totally thought that I had subbed and commented already on this TR, but I guess not. Anyways, here now! Glad you had a nice time in Beantown. Awesome that you were able to see a concert in Fenway. Excited to see all the princess and glitter things to come!

Oh, and by the way, I am pretty sure my little gal will be Jessie for Halloween again this year. She's been wearing her boots around all the time and likes to dress up in the outfit still. Thanks so much again!

 

[IheartDDuck]

All right, commenting on what I've missed!

Haha! Screw in the light bulb. Leave it to Maddie to be so clever.

50 something men appointing themselves fashion police? What is the world coming to?!

Who gets on seats at concerts?! That's rude regardless of how tall you are.

Wow! What a set list he had! Love love love. And I'm totally jealous!

 

[shan23877]

Sounds like an awesome birthday present! Your hotel room looked nice and modern!

The concert pictures are spectacular and WOW that set list is long! He played so many songs. How great!

The fact that you guys went and came back to go to Disney so quickly must've only made it more exciting!

I loved how modern the hotel was. It was nice!

It was such a long concert! I couldn't believe how long he played. I was so excited to go to Disney!

Very cool pictures from the concert. the one of his reflection in the piano is especially cool. You must have had really great seats. What a great experience to see a concert like that. thanks for sharing the pics.

Thanks! That is my favorite picture too

Thanks for sharing the pictures of the concert; great pictures of Sir Paul and Fenway!!! Love Boston, but haven't been there in a long time.

It looks like you had a great time.

It was great! A perfect way to start the vacation!

Joining in! With a title like Screw in the "Lightbulb," how could I not! What a great surprise from your DH. I also want to visit every MLB park, and am totally jealous you have visited Fenway! And to see Sir Paul, no less.

Can't wait to read more!

Welcome! Thanks for joining in! It was an amazing birthday present, and I'm so glad we got to go to Fenway! It was awesome!

Your great intro caught my attention, so I'm joining along!

I couldn't help but laugh at the explanation of your TR title, and ended up, sheepishly, trying to screw in said light bulb. Definitely a new way to look at the classic princess wave!

Welcome! Thanks for joining in! So glad that you've perfected the princess wave!

What a great birthday present! Your husband really went all out for you.

I got the chance to see a game at Fenway Park a few years ago. Very cool experience. Those old ballparks really have a neighborhood charm about them that doesn't get duplicated in the newer parks.

I'm not much of a concert-goer...and your experience with the peope standing in front of you is part of the reason why. I love it when the person next to you decides he/she needs to sing/scream along with every single song. Because you paid $50 to listen to them, right?

Anyway, I'm glad you had such a good time! Sounds like it was very memorable!

I LOVE the neighborhood ballpark. Such a cool way to enjoy a ballpark, with city buildings all around you.

We don't go too many concerts anymore, and you're right-people are just incredible.

That concert looks like it was amazing! He was here July 16th, but I missed him this time. I was fortunate enough to see Sir Paul at County Stadium in Milwaukee (before Miller Park was built) in June of 1994 when I was 19. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen, right up there with Billy Joel/Elton John. Sir Paul sure is aging gracefully! My dad, the diehard Cubs fan, is also a diehard Beatles fan, so I grew up with them too.

Your hotel in Boston looks really cool!

And yes, I do know about the pink, purple, and glitter, but I also know alot about pirates! One minute it's princesses, the next minute, pirates!

Can't wait to hear about Disney!

So cool that you saw him in Milwaukee! Great show huh? I think your dad and I would get along great

haha! We are all princess all the time!

Oh Shannon that was amazing!!! My DH is so jealous but had to look over and play all your videos. A friend of mine went to see him and they said the same, played for a very long time, no break and it sounded awesome.
Bryan did good!!

Yay! So glad that you guys enjoyed the videos! You'd better take your husband to see him someday-it was great!

 

[shan23877]

What a fun present! So glad you had a great time and got to see the stage (for most of the time at least). Can't wait to hear more!

It was a lot of fun, and I'm really glad that Bryan spoke up. I would have been really annoyed if I couldn't see anything.

So glad you enjoyed it. Looks like it was slightly different than when he was here. I do agree, Elton John and Billy Joel are ones I would actually pay to see again. What a great way to start vacation. That husband of yours deserves many bonus points.

He does get some bonus points! It was an amazing birthday present, and a perfect way to start the vacation!

I think it might be the coffee…or the “I’M TOO EXCITED FOR LIFE” right now because I’m so close to going, but I seriously just squealed when I saw that you had updated…that’s how awesome your TR’s are!

You know, I’m surprised that more concerts aren’t delayed for reasons like that, like, these guys fly so much like, do a concert one night, fly to a new city the next day to do another one. I’m surprised they make it on time as much as they do! Like…we’ve all seen Spice World...the fact that they made it was unbelievable

I actually really like that photo of someone holding up their phone, I feel like it captures the spirit of a concert really well…maybe that’s just me?

Ugh, if you’re a pre teen, don’t stand on chairs, that’s just rude, glad that she moved when asked, even if there were dirty looks!

Yay for Disney coming up! The concert looks like it was an awesome time. I’d have to say, that is one that I would probably go to, pretty epic set list if you ask me!

P.s. don’t know if anyone beat me to it, but your videos are all set to private and aren’t working…at least for me they arent

Aww, thanks Katt!

You're right. It would seem like it would happen more often-and yes I've seen Spice World more times than I care to admit.

You should try to see Sir Paul if you ever have the chance-it was a great show. And thanks!

Ok... awesome trip!!!!

When you first mentioned this one night trip to Boston, I kind of wondered how tight the timing would be on everything. I mean if you had it all planned out and an airline screwed you with a delay, that would be horrible. I'm glad that your delay was only minor (and coincidentally offset by Sir Paul's).

Fenway pictures are always very much appreciated.

It looks like it was a fun show and a fantastic Birthday present. I've always liked Paul and The Beatles, but I guess I've never really felt the pull to see a concert. Having read through your experience, I think I might like to catch him somewhere. I mean the man is a living legend and he won't be around forever.

Thanks Andy! I knew you'd like the pictures! I think I have as many of Fenway as I do of the concert

I was a little worried about it too-we got really lucky.

I also learned that song from Life Goes On! lol

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

As much as I like a good concert, I'm ready for the Disney fun and excitement!

Your photos are really good though!

Disney comin' right up!

Yay for Boston! I actually felt the same way about Chicago when we visited the city awhile back - that it felt just like Boston, only different!

No photo with a stranger's calves? Talk about a missed TR opportunity!

The concert looks amazing! I'm glad you enjoyed your time at Fenway Pahk

That is one of the few things not so great about Boston, how early everything closes here. At least you found something!

Can't wait for DISNEY!! Come back to our city sometime for a proper visit!

I'd love to visit Boston for a longer trip. We loved our short time there. So glad you felt the same about Chicago!

Disney is coming up next!

Yeah, another update!!! Looks like you guys had an amazing time!!!! I think I figured out how to subscribe to this one so I can read it as you go along instead of catching up after its all over lol.

Awesome! Thanks for following along!

It was a great quick trip!

Great update! My husband is a lifelong Beatles friend too and just barely snatched two (very expensive) tickets when he was in Orlando (that is where he opened the tour, actually, amazingly). I bowed out of going though and let me daughter go with him. They loved it, of course. Hubby came home with 4 new shirts...

Oh yeah, those were not inexpensive tickets. Totally worth it though!

So glad that your DH and DD had a great time! I actually bought Red Sox shirts instead of Sir Paul ones

 

[1000HappyWishes]

Oohh, you're posting! Will we get an update soon?

 

[shan23877]

I'm not a Beatles fan, but it sounds like the concert was amazing and that Sir Paul McCartney sure knows how to put on a great show!

It was great!

Bahahahahaha, I ALWAYS think of "Life Goes On" when I hear that song! ALWAYS.

That sounds like such a great concert. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit (or a lot) jealous!

I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I love that song, and I loved that show!

It was awesome, and another one off the bucket list!

How amazing was that show?!?!

I am so jealous. I know this sounds corny, but one of the BEST concerts I have ever seen was Chicago about 16 years ago. I also really enjoyed the Beach Boys.

Can't wait for Disney!

I would totally go see the Beach Boys and Chicago! That sounds great!

It was a fabulous show!

Shannon! Boardwalk wi-fi seems to be on a roll tonight, so I got to read the beginnings of your TR!

You know how much I shared your excitement for the concert. The set list was amazing! Even more jealous now!!! Your pics were great too.

Now, no more updates until I get off the Fantasy next week, okay?

Thanks Roni! It was awesome.

No updates-you're welcome

I've never posted on your reports before but I have read them and I have to say that your daughter is beautiful. and like you I am a reality tv junkie. Can't wait to hear about your trip

Welcome! And thank you so much! I'm happy to have you join in!

Hi Shannon

I just had to subscribe and follow along on the source of all of Katt's "Princess Maddie" videos.
Yes, I believe I have now perfected the "Screw In The Light Bulb" princess wave, and I'm anxious to try it out in person on my next Disney visit!

And then to have a post all about Sir Paul!!! I had the absolute pleasure of seeing him here in Halifax in 2009, and without a doubt, the best show I have ever seen!! I guess his eyes were a little better back then as a young lady in the crowd (from California) had a sign that read "Will you sign my arm so I can get it tattooed?" He brought her up on stage and signed her arm. And it was on the local news that she did in fact get it tattooed. The show was filmed for PPV and here's a clip I just have to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R59UhZN_SSk

Looking forward to Disney day!

Welcome! Thanks so much for joining in! Katt is very, very good to my princess.

You're officially part of the TR now that you've completed the wave-it's like the secret handshake

Thanks for sharing the video! It was an incredible show wasn't it?

I've been awaiting! And, now it seems I have some catching up to do! THANKYOUVERYMUCH!!!!!

Now on to the TR!!!

WOOHOO!!!! I just love the title! So perfect! And love the photo with Paul peeking over Fenway... the must have fan shot! And, just love the guy at bag check... like to think that Paul just brings out the best in everyone! He sounded like he was a real fan too! My goal is to see Paul more than once on a concert tour! And, the folks at Nationals Stadium need to learn how Fenway does, as it took forever to get to see Paul in DC.

And, here's to Bryan! He is the best!

Sounds like the day was fabulous! Karen

Thanks Karen! I hoped you'd approve of the title!

That was my favorite picture of the whole night-I loved that you could get a feel for everything going on in the shot.

Bryan is the best!

Good lord, that is possibly the longest set list I have ever seen. How amazing! I like when mega stars do not act like mega stars and still put on an amazing show that is worthy of their fans money and time! By the way, I t ried to watch a video but youtube says it is private and won't let me view it.


Boston is a really nice city, very old and fairly easy to get around, either by foot or by cab. I have lived in upstate NY all of my life (Yankees fan) and we have been to Boston too many times to count, several times to go to Fenway (usually to see the Yankees win, just saying lol) I'm glad you guys enjoyed it! It's a great place to take kids too, by the way..if you are ever in the market for a non disney vacation, that is. The New England Aquarium is awesome.

It was an incredible set list, and you're right-it's refreshing to see such a huge star give his fans their money's worth.

Boston was great! We'll try to get back there again for sure. We've driven through upstate NY (on our way to Cooperstown) but that and 5 days in Philly are the extent of our New England experience. We'll explore more some day I hope!

Bryan, is the man! You had great seats! And, great photos, but somehow I missed seeing the banner in the first photo in DC... and I sat in the 2nd row right infront of the big screen. But, then usually missed most the graphic on the big screen as I can't take my eyes off of Paul!

The big surprise for me was All Together Now, and I was wishing and hoping for I've Just Seen A Face (which wasn't always on the set list) and I Saw Her Standing There (and, again wasn't always on the set list). In Nationals in DC, I did get I've Just Seen A Face, so one out of two, well you know that can't be bad.... yeah yeah yean.

But, your photos are so good! Amazing job! I just don't manage to capture such good photos as I'm usually shaking with delight that he, Paul, is just feet away from me! So, I've stopped trying and just take the moment to 'soak it all in'! I really do like that photo, as it's so great with the different perspectives and different focus points! Perfect!

Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da is very very special to me as I actually heard this song (along with Back In The USSR) prior to the release, while standing outside Paul McCartney's house back in 1968. Both of the versions that I heard that night were different, as they were still in the studio working on them. When Paul first added Back In The USSR to his set list, I actually went totally crazy, crying and screaming... and it still excites me to hear these two songs!

And, really glad that you got to hear him do I Saw Her Standing There, as that one always takes me back to being 16 years old all over again! While I didn't get that one, we both got All My Loving, which, when The Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, Feb 9th, 1964, and he started singing... 'Close your eyes and I'll kiss you...' well, my life was changed forever! And, that song too always tugs at my heart strings and brings tears to my eyes!

THANKYOUVERYMUCH and AVERYSPECIALTHANKYOU to Bryan for giving you this fabulous birthday present! You did an awesome report!

Paul really loves his fans and no one connects with his fans as well as Paul does. Although, I've been to a few Paul McCartney show through out the years since 1993, this is the first one that I've not had a special Paul Moment. But, rumor has it he may add some dates this fall, so who knows, I may just have to see if I can have my moment!

THanks for such a fabulous report and so glad that you really enjoyed the show! Karen

I had to take pictures Karen, I didn't know when I'd get to see him again!

With a set list like that I'd have been foolish to be disappointed at all. I was super impressed with the amount of songs he did, and the variety.

What a cool story! How did you come to be outside his house?


I hope you get your moment!

Wow! What an amazing concert!

I want to see all the major league ballparks too. I'm not doing too well though! (Although I have been to Wrigley Field...amazing!) Do you still have a lot on your list?

It was great!

I have A TON of ballparks still on the list I think Great American Ballpark will be the next one.

Even though I missed Princess Maddie, I loved the updates. What an awesome gift! Crap was in Boston a few months ago and almost went to Fenway on the only night he was work free. It was raining that day, so he decided not to go. Now, he is trying to talk us into going to Boston this April. We are taking a family trip for his mother's 60th birthday, but no one has agreed on a location yet. I am personally rooting for DC, since no one other than me wants Disney. I really enjoyed Love at the Bellagio, do seeing McCartney in person would top that for sure.

I had a fashion police experience today myself. I took Xander to our local water park today. The girl behind us in a line on two different rides commented on others outfits choices for their body types nonstop. She was quite rude and no super model either, so I found it hypocritical.

Princess Maddie will be back in the next update I promise!

Boston was great, I'd love to spend more time there. DC would be great too though. Bry gets so mad at me because I just want to go to the Smithsonian. He was a history major, so he finds that offensive

What's up with people? So rude!

 

[shan23877]

Well, you already know that I am completely jealous of you getting to see Sir Paul live. But, now that I've read the set list......I'm insanely jealous!! He played a lot of great songs including my all-time favorite, Let It Be.

Great pictures by the way!

Amanda, you have to go see him if you ever have the chance. It was great. Let it Be gave me chills. Incredible to hear it live.

Subscribing.

Welcome!

Haha, I like that! I may have to add that title to my signature


Wow, it sounds like the concert was AMAZING!! What a great birthday present!! Your TR is off to an awesome start! Can't wait to read more

You should! "Reigning Queen of Shannon's PTR" I like it!

It was an incredible start to the trip!

How am I just now finding this?? Yikes! And I'm at work and can't see the pictures til I get home! Grrrrr....patience is not my gift! I do have the songs running through my head, though! Can't wait to see the pics....seeing Fenway is a dream of mine!

Hahha! I'm not good at waiting either. So glad that you're here.
Fenway lived up to my expectations. So cool.

I waved while you waited. I am all in for the TR.

Welcome!

Im here! Gotta go read the posts i missed! Can't wait to follow along!

So glad to have you! Welcome!

I'm here my friend!

I am so happy to see you opened an Etsy account. As soon as I have my daughter (not yet pregnant or even trying but someday), you have a customer.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

You're the best Kimberly! Thank you!

So, I totally thought that I had subbed and commented already on this TR, but I guess not. Anyways, here now! Glad you had a nice time in Beantown. Awesome that you were able to see a concert in Fenway. Excited to see all the princess and glitter things to come!

Oh, and by the way, I am pretty sure my little gal will be Jessie for Halloween again this year. She's been wearing her boots around all the time and likes to dress up in the outfit still. Thanks so much again!

So glad that you're joining in! Boston was great-we'd love to be able to spend more time there someday.

That seriously made my day! I'm so happy that she loves it so much! Yay!!!

All right, commenting on what I've missed!

Haha! Screw in the light bulb. Leave it to Maddie to be so clever.

50 something men appointing themselves fashion police? What is the world coming to?!

Who gets on seats at concerts?! That's rude regardless of how tall you are.

Wow! What a set list he had! Love love love. And I'm totally jealous!

Hahaha! She got it from a TV show I think. It does work great though!

Seriously, they were no prizes either...

I wouldn't and I'm a short as a 6th grader!

It was awesome! you have to go see him some time!

Oohh, you're posting! Will we get an update soon?

Yes!! Right after this!

 

[shan23877]

The One Where We Get Ready to Go To Disney!​

This update is going to be short on photos, but don't worry I have plenty for the rest of the TR


Once we returned from our whirlwind trip to Beantown it was time to get down to serious Disney business. That Wednesday night I finished up an order for Etsy and finished a sewing project for the trip. The next day Maddie and I went to her last swimming lesson and then spent the rest of the day packing. I can’t say enough good things about the giant sized Ziplock bags. We were able to fit 3 or 4 princess dresses and accessories in each one. They kept the glitter at least a little contained, and helped us stay much more organized. Can’t recommend them enough!


We took a break for dinner (Red Lobster-Maddie’s choice) and while we were eating we showed Maddie the special video that Katt had gotten for us. It was Cinderella personally inviting Maddie to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique! Maddie was of course 100% thrilled, and quite pleased with herself for being such a good girl that she got invited again. (Maybe Katt would be nice enough to share the link?) After dinner I finished up the packing, and Bryan started his (it’s so much easier for men!)


The next morning Maddie colored her last countdown page, and then we decided to treat ourselves to vacation pedicures. Maddie was going to get one sparkle on each of her big toes, but predictably wasn’t able to stop there and needed them on every toe. She also insisted that I get them too so that we could match. After our cute toes dried we grabbed some lunch at Chipotle and then went home to wait for Bryan to pick us up.

​

He came to get us around 1, and we piled ourselves and all of our bags into the car. We were finally going on vacation!
We got to the airport and got through security quickly (you know what’s not easier for men? Security at the airport. I breeze right through, but it takes Bry forever with the belt, wallet, shoes, watch etc. Much easier to throw your purse in the bin and go). The flight was on time, and easy as could be. Before we knew it we were landing at MCO.


For once we didn’t get lost on our way to DME, and after our ME documents were scanned, they waved us right onto a bus! Unfortunately, once we were on the bus we sat there for 20 minutes or so. It seems that one of the families on the bus was missing one member of their party so the whole bus was waiting for him to get back (he was getting snacks. True story). Maddie was trying her best to hold it together, and only hit us with about 47,651 “are we leaving soon?”s.

In between queries-Pluto was our travel companion. I'm sure he was excited to return to his homeland




​

Eventually we were on the road though. The bus dropped off at a few resorts that I can’t remember and finally at POR. We were actually the 4th stop, so I’m assuming they weren’t expecting too many POR guests that evening and just put us on the first bus to leave. In fact we were on that bus for so long that the video was over, the cartoons they play after were over, and the TVs went back to the main screen.


Eventually though, we arrived. There was no line at check in and we were quickly given our KTTW cards and room number. I asked, and the CM said we wouldn’t have to change rooms when our package started the next day. It was time to check out this room!


Up Next: We finally Check out the Room!

 

[shan23877]

The One With the Royal Room​

We were immediately impressed with POR. Even at night it was easy to see how beautiful the resort is, and the mansion buildings certainly did not disappoint. As we approached our building we saw that the outdoor movie was set up right outside and the centerpiece of our courtyard was a lovely fountain (don’t worry I have about 4356 pictures of it). Having never been to POR before, we didn’t really know how the building was set up, and we ended up making a full circle around the building before we found our room number.


We’d booked a standard view, but quickly found that we’d been given the best darn standard view in the whole place! Oak Manor is an H shape. Most of the standard views are in the back of the H overlooking the parking lot. Our room was in the crook of the H on the right side as you’re looking at the courtyard. It technically overlooked the roof of the north-south line of that H, but if you looked straight ahead or even slightly to the left we had a perfect view of that fountain and the beautiful gardens surrounding it.


Once inside, Maddie almost burst with the sheer princessness of the room. She ran from detail to detail exclaiming and asking me to take pictures of everything. To say that she loved it would be an understatement. Maddie had planned to do a video tour of the room for all of you, but we never got around to it. She intends to do it next time.


For those of you that aren't aware, the story behind the Royal Guest Rooms is that Princess Tiana has decorated these rooms with some help from her royal friends.

Towel Mickey-can't not photograph that!





Maddie trying out the fireworks for the first time





Portraits of the gals-these have recently been changed. Previously they were less formal/silly photos I believe. Hard to get a decent shot without glare





Super bad picture of the Tiana portrait. It was a lenticular portrait with subtle changes depending on where you were standing





Ottoman courtesy of Belle





Faucet from our gal Jasmine





Ariel's contribution





The princes got in on the act as well





I was too excited to hold the camera straight apparently





Wallpaper border








Lamp above the table





Close up of the comforter





Cindy's coat rack





Magic Carpet on the floor





Letter of welcome on the table-not a souvenir, it's permanent







Over view of the vanity area



​

After photographing every square inch of the room I put the camera away and we decided to find our way to the food court to grab a snack. I can’t say enough good things about our room location. It was a short, beautiful walk across the bridge to the main building. I’d seen plenty of pictures of POR, but what I never realized is that the arcade/lobby/River Roost lounge/Boatwrights/gift shop/food court is all one building! It’s a massive L shaped building with the lobby in the center, gift shop toward the front, and restaurants on the end by the water wheel.


Even at 10:30 pm the food court was pretty crowded, but the lines moved fairly quickly. Maddie got grapes and orange juice, I got hummus and pretzel chips, and a Coke. Bry decided he was more hungry than we were so he got a bacon cheese burger and fries. Maddie and I took our snacks back to the room, but Bry ate in the food court so that his burger would be hot. Back in the room, we ate our food in our princess beds while enjoying Stacey and fiberoptic fireworks from our headboard. Trust me when I say that the headboard fireworks did not go unused during our stay. We enjoyed them often.


Our flight had landed at 8:30 and by midnight we were getting antsy for our luggage to arrive so that we could get some rest. I called bell services hoping that I could find out if our bags had even gotten to POR yet, because if they hadn’t I was going to ask them to hold them until the morning. The call center transferred my call to POFQ bell services by mistake, and the CM there transferred me to what should have been POR bell services. I’m not sure where my call was answered, but the Spanish speaking CM who answered had no idea what the heck I was asking. I speak some Spanish, but not nearly enough to know how to ask for the ‘suitcase room’ or even front desk. After trying to communicate with her for 5 minutes or so I finally just said “gracias, gracias” and hung up. I hit the front desk button again, and this time was transferred to the right place.


The awesome CM who answered the phone very nicely told me that the bags could take up to 5 hours ONCE YOU CHECK INTO THE RESORT-not once your flight lands like I thought (oops!), but checked to see if our stuff was there yet. He was back on the phone in a jif saying that he had our stuff-all 3 bags and he’d send them up right away.


Unfortunately we had 5 bags. He said it was possible that the last 2 hadn’t been scanned in yet and not to panic yet- he’d send the ones they had, and find the last 2 overnight and we’d have them in the morning. We spent the next 20 minutes wondering what bags were missing and imagining the freak out we’d see if one of the missing contained princess dresses. It seems silly now, but at the time we were really worried that someone wasn’t going to have any underpants.


The bell services CM was there really quickly, and thank goodness, was pulling 5 suitcases behind him. We thanked him profusely and tipped generously (even we know that we had an obscene amount of luggage for 3 people, but one of those bags was nearly empty and earmarked for souvenirs on the way home-love that 2 free bags policy that Southwest has!) Bryan and I toyed with the idea of leaving the unpacking until the next day, but ultimately decided that we’d feel better knowing that it was done before we went to sleep. After getting all of the clothes, toiletries, dresses, magic wands, tiaras, and shoes put away we finally, finally went to bed around 1:30 am.



The next morning we were up bright and way too early at 6 am. After various beauty routines were completed we went to the lobby to check out and back in for our package reservation.


Some photos along the way. What an excellent standard view!

Excited princess! Our room was on the top floor in that corner of the building right behind Maddie





Goofy princess





Told you there'd be fountain pics






Even the "don't drive here dummy" posts were pretty!





Courtyard details-I think I photographed these every day as well








Spanish moss?




​

The sweet CM that took care of us as we re-checked in noticed the birthday notation on our reservation and took her time making me a super fancy birthday button. She did my name with lots of princess towers, spires, flags, and Mickey ears and covered the whole thing with tape so that it would be protected from any water I’d encounter. (foreshadowing?)


Bryan and Maddie headed out front to the bus stop, and I made my way to the food court to grab our mugs so that we could get some much needed caffeine in our systems. As I was paying I focused my attention on making sure that I used the new card readers properly, rather than any dollar amount that might have shown up. But as I walked away I happened to glance down at the receipt in my hand. Luckily I did because the receipt showed that I’d just agreed to pay over $50 for the mugs that were supposed to come free with our dining plan. I went straight back to that register, and the CM called over a manager to help her. She said that our mug entitlements hadn’t shown up at first, but she’d gotten it taken care of and refunded the money. Finally I filled those mugs and went out front to meet Bryan and Maddie. We were on our way to our first breakfast and then the Magic Kingdom!


Up Next: Our First Character Meal of the Trip!

 

[1000HappyWishes]

Yay, finally some good Princess Maddie photos! Glad she enjoyed the Royal Room, the details look pretty intricate. I'm glad for the pictures of POR, this is where my family will be staying in April. Can't wait for more updates!

 

[epsmith921]

Great fun so far! Good thing Bryan told you to pick the royal rooms and they were such a hit! The things daddies do for their little girls!

Side note, my husband started emptying his pockets and tossing his belt into my bag for security at the airport. This typically means a larger bag for me (that I would carry anyway) but it's much less frustrating for him. Works for us, but I totally agree tossing the purse in the bin and being on your way is awesome!

 

[courtneybelle]

Your pictures are making me sooooo excited to stay in a royal room! It looks amazing! I might never leave! Glad to hear you got such a great location and view, too!

Maddie looks adorable! I had a similar dress when I was little

 

[afwdwfan]

Unfortunately, once we were on the bus we sat there for 20 minutes or so. It seems that one of the families on the bus was missing one member of their party so the whole bus was waiting for him to get back (he was getting snacks. True story). Maddie was trying her best to hold it together, and only hit us with about 47,651 “are we leaving soon?”s.

I can't blame her. I'd be the same way. I mean somebody is keeping me from getting to Disney World because they need a snack.

Hey, guess what they have plenty of at each resort?

Snacks!

And if we'd left 20 minutes ago, you'd be eating a Mickey shaped ice cream bar right about now.​

I think I'd have lost it. I tend to be tired and irritable after flying anyway. If it is a bathroom emergency or something, I could understand, but holding up a bus load of people for snacks. I'd lose my s#!t.

Once inside, Maddie almost burst with the sheer princessness of the room. She ran from detail to detail exclaiming and asking me to take pictures of everything. To say that she loved it would be an understatement. Maddie had planned to do a video tour of the room for all of you, but we never got around to it. She intends to do it next time.

I'm glad that it had the desired impact. I think a video tour from her would have been a lot of fun.

The bell services CM was there really quickly, and thank goodness, was pulling 5 suitcases behind him. We thanked him profusely and tipped generously (even we know that we had an obscene amount of luggage for 3 people, but one of those bags was nearly empty and earmarked for souvenirs on the way home-love that 2 free bags policy that Southwest has!) Bryan and I toyed with the idea of leaving the unpacking until the next day, but ultimately decided that we’d feel better knowing that it was done before we went to sleep. After getting all of the clothes, toiletries, dresses, magic wands, tiaras, and shoes put away we finally, finally went to bed around 1:30 am.

I'm glad that they were able to get all of your bags located and to your room. I always feel like I can relax a little more once I'm unpacked and settled into the room for the week.

And most importantly, I'm glad that no dresses, tiaras or underpants were lost in transit.

Excited princess! Our room was on the top floor in that corner of the building right behind Maddie​

She really looks like she should be on some Disney World TV commercial or something the way she's posing around in that Alice dress.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

After getting all of the clothes, toiletries, dresses, magic wands, tiaras, and shoes put away we finally, finally went to bed around 1:30 am.

Gotta love a trip to Disney with a young girl

great pics! We stayed a few times at Port Orleans when I was a kid but the new royalty rooms look great

 

[katt789]

First off: YAYAYAYAYA

Second off: Every time I scroll past the into pic with you and Maddie I’m all “IT’S SO CUTE” seriously, love it.

So glad that Maddie loved all the videos!! I’ll always do what I can to create magic for anyone!! Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3bCF5AtmNs

Cute toes!! I have to say, I’ve gotten a pedicure once and that will be the only time. The polish chipped off so soon, and being a dancer, it was NOT great to have them rub off all the calloses on my feet, like, I need those, bahaha!!

Aw man, security at airports can be so annoying, I’m one of those people who has my shoes off, the things I need out of my bag out and I’m ready to roll once I can grab a bin, yet I’m always trapped behind someone who’s slow as molasses and has no idea what they’re doing!

Wow! WAIT TO GET SNACKS TIL DISNEY! It’ll taste better! #truestory

Aw man, that’s insane that everything was over! I’ve got to the second and third? Cartoons before but never had them finish! How great that you wouldn’t have to switch rooms!

Ahaha, I always make like, three circles around the building before finding my room!

Awe, I liked the less formal pictures of the princesses! Although, I do like that they updated them with the redesigns!

The room looks absolutely AMAZING!! I will have to definitely splurge for one of those when I’ve got a little princess! Or maybe in the near future…lol…

Oh man, five hours after checking in?! That’s insane!!

Okay…Maddie is seriously the cutest thing in the world, the poses! Ah! So cute!

So excited to read more, it’s looking like a great start off to the trip, glad all the bags showed up when they did too!

 

[wiigirl]

Really cute pics!

 

[marDgreen88]

This update really had me missing POR and the Royal Rooms! They're so beautiful! I think we were in the exact same building. So fun!

Edited to say: Just kidding. Definitely not the same building! Hahaha. I spoke too soon, I forgot to click through the pics before I commented. This is what happens when you have to do your DISing on your phone.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[kmedina]

I love the pedicures. The jewels make them awesome.

One the Princess Maddie photos. Her Alice outfit is way too cute. That is the outfit I bought myself for the a halloween parties (although not as cute as Maddie's I am sure).

Don't drive here dummy! I am still laughing. You are too funny. Yes, the poles are cute.

I LOVE the room. You were right to switch. My favorite details (after the headboard of course) are the genie lamp faucet and the magic carpet in the carpet. Such clever ideas that were executed well.

I like to unpack the first night too but staying up until 1:30 just to get up at 6 does not agree with me. More power to you. Even though you were super tired, you caught the $50 mistake sooner rather than later, which was good.

 

[disneygirl520]

I love all of your room pictures. I have a feeling we would also definitely make use of the fireworks headboard. This sounds like a good beginning to your trip, cannot wait to hear more!