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

[Backstage_Gal]

Shannon, thanks for the updates, great as always! Hope they fix your knee soon.
Just wanted to let you know I passed your ode to Oscar along to my collegue at Y&B to share with the food & beverage team there.

 

[katt789]

SO MANY UPDATES! SO EXCITED!!

Hope your Christmas & holidays were fantastic!! Good on ya for finishing up that much sewing and cooking that quickly, that’s super impressive! Glad that Maddie loved Frozen! Her & I both!! Lol. Those lego sets sound/look awesome! That’s so great! Arg! What a crazy shenanigan with your knee, I really hope it feels better soon and is good for your May trip!!

Boourns about the tour groups, ugh, there were girls in front of us at MVMCP like that, like stop, you don’t EACH need a solo picture and a group one, that’s just insane, and takes up SO much extra time, and I’m all for extra time with characters, but really….

Seriously, Maddie and I love all the same things, bahah. I’ve always wondered when kids not….stop believing…but start to wonder about things, I’d never thought about the fact that you could see Chip’s feet, never crossed my mind! Good cover for it though!

PP really has started to go downhill, I have to agree. It used to be wonderful, and there were photographers all over, specifically I remember WAY more locations in WS and even on the streets of America!

Those pictures are beautiful! I also seriously love them, they’re perfect! That beach is perfect, YC is perfect, ARG it is another place I would have my wedding…that beach, it would be perfect *sigh * A girl can dream, right? Love the pictures!

Yachtsman looks lovely!! Baha, here I am sighing at the windows, but once you raised the point of people out there I realized it probably wasn’t as lovely of a view as I was picturing lol.

Oscar sounds like he was lovely! Haha a great server so far! I also definitely study the menu’s online before going, it’s a rare occasion that I don’t know what I’m going to get before the trip arrives . Awesome that he got the fruit for Maddie!! Baha, I would’ve left the cantaloupe as well! Those desserts look absolutely amazing! Weird that the steak wasn’t butchered right, and good on ya for knowing that kind of stuff, impressive!! I think it’s safe to say I’ve added Yachtsman to my list of must do ADR’s! And Oscar will have to be my server, lol!! Glad you guys enjoyed everything so much!

….pretty sure I have that Ariel watch….we’ll see if it pops up in pictures…

This was a first fantasmic for you?! WOW! Glad you guys loved it! I really do find the show to be amazing and purely magical! It’s not a “MUST MUST do” for me, but it’s pretty high up there, bahah!

Yay! BBB! This was the invitation I helped with, correct? Lol, everything this past year is such a blur! Bahaha Wow, they really put everything on a great display in there hey?! That’s awesome, I have never been in to see anything, but now that Jess works there I’ll have to poke my head in from time to time lol! The FGIT is super pretty!! Baha, Maddie looks so excited and happy to be there, I cannot wait to have little princesses to do the BBB haha! Maddie’s such a beautiful princess, glad that you guys got to experience it again!

 

[afwdwfan]

Upon further research at home, these Disney sets were to become available on January 1, but for some reason they let us buy it a week early. They also have Rapunzel’s tower, the ‘Kiss the Girl’ scene, and a Merida set. I have the feeling Maddie will be getting some of those for her birthday in early February.

Ok. These seem like some really cool Lego sets, but isn't releasing them a week AFTER Christmas a little bit of a marketing fail?

Bryan picked me up (right knee-he didn’t want me driving) and we went to an urgent care facility nearby. The doc was awesome and told me after listening that it sounded like ligaments-probably the ACL-and since she didn’t have an MRI machine I was better off at the ER.

Sorry to hear this.

Hearing that, I, of course, immediately began referring to myself as Derrick Rose.

The positive part of this is that I may have significantly less knee pain for our May WDW trip

Hopefully you're right. I just hope you get healed up well enough by then.

Please excuse the writing in any updates posted this evening. I’ve been prescribed painkillers, and they seem to affect me more than most people.

This should be fun.

Maddie isn’t one for relaxing, and she was dying to “dip her toes in the sand” so we made our way over the beach. I am so glad that we did because I got some of my favorite pictures ever while we were there.

Great pictures. She looks like she was having a good time!

As we headed in Bryan cautioned Maddie not to run and then did this

Well played, Bryan!

However, it did taste good. I assume this was an off night, and that the steaks are usually properly butchered.

That is a shame that it wasn't butchered properly, but taste is the most important detail!

This did not alter my view of the restaurant at all. The potatoes were delicious, not overly cheesey, the potato was allowed to be the star.

Wow, that looks like something that might be written by a professional food critic. If I was writing it, it would probably be something more like this: Mmmmmm... potatoes... cheese... good.

She ate every bite of the steak and potatoes.

Smart girl!

Oscar was incredible. He is probably the best server we’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. He’s a rock star waiter and deserves to be treated as such. If he had a fan page on Facebook, I’d “like” him, if @OscarfromtheYachtsman was on Twitter, I’d follow him. I’d look at all of his photos on Instagram, and pin him to my “people I love” board on Pinterest. Oscar is outstanding, and I hope that each and every one of you has the pleasure of meeting him when you dine at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.

I've read enough of your reviews to know that this is certainly high praise, coming from you! Yachtsman just moved up a few spots on my list of "Disney restaurants I've never been to, but need to try."

Finally a boat came along, and we slowly made our way to the park. Usually the snail’s pace of the boats makes me crazy, but after such a good meal I was more than happy to relax as we cruised along.

Probably helps to relax too, since you have that reserved seat for Fantasmic instead of having to get there and fight the stampeding herd.

We found some seats and then I jumped back up to procure Maddie a soft pretzel (apparently the huge dinner hadn’t left her as full as it had Bryan and I).

She loves her pretzels about as much as she loves her characters...

I went to the lobby to have a new KTTW card made. I did mention that this was not the first time I’d had problems, but the CM didn’t seem too upset by that.

Back at the room, Bryan’s KTTW card no longer allowed him entry to our room, so for the 4th time one of us had to make the trip to the lobby to get a new card. I’m fairly certain that Bryan also mentioned all the problems we’d had, and again no resolution was offered.

First time, I understand. Fourth time, I'd be a ticked.

Inside the room we found a birthday card signed by on M. Mouse and a very cute towel chicken.

And... anger fading.

If you’ve never done the BBB, or are on the fence because of the cost, I say do it! There is nothing like seeing your little girl feel like the most beautiful girl in the kingdom. The royal treatment doesn’t stop at the door of the BBB, nearly every CM you encounter during the day will bow, greet, and make a fuss over your little princess. It’s Disney Magic at its finest, and it’s worth every penny.

I'm glad that Maddie enjoys her visits to BBB... and it is really cool how you and Bryan go to extra lengths to make it happen for her and make arrangements for her to receive a special invitation.

We were first in line at the Fantasyland rope, where would the morning take us?

I see a character meet in your future...

 

[KristinAnne]

One of the reasons I love your Trs is because it makes me think about future trips! I can't wait to take my daughter to BBB! Poor thing though, her hair is SUPER curly. I'm not sure how they would even brush through it since I can't unless she's just had a bath! Are character meet and greets still top on Maddie's list or is she starting to move more toward rides? As I think, where she's all dressed as Belle, you are heading back so she can try to be the Beast!

 

[hstrickland]

Hi there

I'm just a little bit late I was perusing through the TRs and guess what I saw....your name! So needless to say I started reading and finally finished up.

You captured some awesome shots of Maddie!!! And the dresses are absolutely adorable. Wish I could sew, but just not gonna happen. Love the picture of hubby and daughter in black-n-white with blue dress. Precious!!! Definitely a keeper.

You've kind of sparked my interest with the Plaza. It hasn't been on my list of must-dos but we may have to try it, especially if the service is good. That will definitely make or break a dining experience for sure.

Looking forward to reading more! Hope y'all are staying warm

Heather

 

[marDgreen88]

First of all, DANG, have you been busy! You are such a talented seamstress. And I'm so sorry about your knee! I hope it isn't too painful.

Also, I hope y'all loved Mary Poppins! I saw it last February and I'm still obsessed. I still get chills when I listen to the soundtrack.

AND!!! I couldn't help but notice that we have the exact same ticker... how cool! I hope I get to meet y'all!

Okay, I've already talked so much that I'll keep the actual update comments brief... Yachtsman sounds like it was incredible. Princess Maddie is adorable. Great updates! (Told ya they'd be brief. )

 

[Clarf]

Holy updates! Let's see what I can remember...

Sorry about your knee. Ouch! I hope you get it fixed and feel better soon.

Love the Christmas pics. My girls also love Lego Friends and Lucy (7) desperately wants the boat! I think they'll love the Disney ones...

The picture of your dogs with Olaf? OMG. We are FINALLY going to see Frozen tonight.

What did you think of the Mary Poppins musical? I saw it 2 years ago and was not impressed, but my oldest loved it.


Love Maddie's BBB pics and the ones on the beach are gorgeous! Great job!

I am not a big steak eater, but my DH would love the Yachtsman. Maybe one day...

 

[danielle79]

Shannon, Great updates! I love all the pic! I hope you take care of your knee and have a speedy recovery! We are soooooo excited to be going back at the end of THIS month!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!

 

[jash08]

Wow, what a busy schedule! I hope everything goes well at your appointment. Knee pain is miserable!

Of course Maddie looks precious in every picture. We have never been to Yachtsman, but looking at the meals, I believe we will have to make a stop there to enjoy dinner. It looked amazing. And having an excellent server can really make the difference.

I haven't seen Fantasmic in years and I am trying to ensure we see it this trip. It was amazing the last time I saw it and my husband has never seen it. Gotta make time for it!

I always love the early entry on Main Street and the ability to take some great pictures because you won't get run over. Even though I am tall, I still get walked on or ran into. I just want to say, "how can you miss me?"

I can't wait to see what else went on during your trip!

 

[disneylvr4vr]

Wow!!!! You have been very busy, Shannon!

Maddie's hair is SO long in the pics with her Elsa/Anna dresses! Very cute by the way!

If you are going to see Mary Poppins, I suggest you go see Saving Mr. Banks. It was an amazing movie!

Sorry to hear about your knee. I hope you get good results from the orthopedist.

You don't appear to be very short (Napoleon complex?) but I completely understand, as I am only 5'2". How tall are you? ( I guess I always thought Bryan was SUPER tall)

I wish I had gotten to meet sully and mike in their MU outfits. I love your matching OK shirts! GO OOZMA KAPPA!!!

Maddie is very precious in her Belle dress! Belle has always been my favorite, as she has beauty AND brains! Last time I met with her, we discussed reading and books at great length.

 

[mickeystoontown]

What great updates to get caught up on! Now, I just have to remember everything that I wanted to comment on.

Yachtsman sounds and looks fantastic! I don't think that I've ever read a bad review.

Of course, Maddie had to have a new pair of dangly earrings. Princesses always need a pretty pair of earrings.

I so wish that BBB was around when Lacey was a young girl. I am not so sure that I could have talked her into it since she wasn't a girly girl, but I would have loved to have the option to try and get her in there. Maddie looks so very pretty in the BBB photos....a true Disney Princess!

 

[merbobear]

Shannon, I have to agree that the Castle package is totally worth every penny, and then some. We have had absolutely magnificent experiences at both the MK & DTD locations, and have a (surprise) appointment scheduled for our next trip at MK. Maddie makes a beautiful Belle!

 

[ashw100]

Just found your TR. Your DD is too cute. Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip.

 

[MEK]

Holy Mega Updates.

Maddie looks beautiful after her BBB makeup and hair session. What a treasure to be able to have those pictures as a keepsake! Just lovely!

Your dinner at Yachtsman looks lovely. I am not a huge steak fan. Given the choice I always pick a seafood entree which is probably why I have never eaten there. That's not to see I don't enjoy a good steak, but its few and far between. However, I found it really interesting what you said about proper butchering and how they can affect the taste and the location of the fat. I think its the fat that really turns me off.

So - bottom line - Oscar sounds like a gem and DH and I are planning on trying it next October. Thanks for the review.

Very cute picture of you and Maddie at the end of your meal.

 

[BeckyEsq]

I really enjoyed your Christmas pics and BBB pics! I think American Girl had a very good year from what I've seen in real life and on the net! I think my 3 year old is still a couple of years away from that but I look forward to it.

 

[Lisa29]

Wow, so many great updates, thank you, must have taken you an age to do!

So happy for you that you got all your orders sorted for Christmas. Hope you have caught up on your sleep now.

I love those new Lego sets. Will have to keep a lookout here in the UK.

I totally agree with you about BBB. My eldest went for the first time in September and it was amazing, like you say, worth every single penny. I also have the exact same shots from inside, the three dresses on the wall, the costume area, the scroll on the wall, it is just such a perfect palace for girls.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Catching up may take me a while here!

Love the new sewing room (well- not so new anymore!) It looks like A LOT of work went into it.

Wow. You guys packed a lot into that meal by 8:35! Commence my note taking !

Donald & Daisy's DHS outfits are my favorites!

OH NO! You got hit with a DHS pretzel hunt too! Chris led me on one of those last January. They appear to be few and far between in that park! Glad you were successful!

the Ralph and Vanellope shots.

The same thing happened to us at Mama Melrose! The lobby was full with people waiting & when we were finally sat-- the restaurant was 1/4 full. How strange.

Sorry to hear about all the knee troubles. Sending pixie dust your way & hoping for positive news!

Glad Maddie donned her matching shirt for the photo! You guys look great! Ugh-- I hear you on the million photo combos. I started to lose it about that during MNSSHP!

OMG the pictures of Maddie in front of the lighthouse are SO precious. I hope one of them gets framed!

Sounds like a great meal at Yachtsman and I love that you got a great server. It just makes the meal that much better!

I'm so glad you guys loved Fantasmic! I love it now, but one of my only memories of it from when we went when I was little was being terrified of it so I'm really glad Maddie was able to appreciate it!

That's a ridiculous number of KTTWK problems. My goodness. I hope this was the end?

Maddie looks absolutely gorgeous as Belle. I'm hazarding a guess that some enchanted tales were in your near future!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

It may take me a bit to catch up (holy cow, 28 pages!), but I will! I look forward to reading about another trip, your fabulous dining, and more adventures with Princess Maddie.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Shannon! I followed you over from my TR and wow!! I've missed a lot her but I read through the last updates and I have to say that YSH is one of my absolute favorites. (You may already know that! ) I'm glad you had a rock-star waiter! That makes a huge difference. Your photos are amazing.

Awww Maddie is adorable and BBB is the perfect little princess touch of magic to make it even more amazing.

You are so creative if you are on Etsy! I can barely sew a button.

I'm glad I found your TR even though I'm late it makes all the reading that much better.

 

[afwdwfan]

Nooooooo.... It's Friday morning. Where's the update???