Taking Little Miss to Meet the Mouse! ~ A May 2015 PTR ~ Trip Report Link Posted!!

[Gracefulskinny]

First of all,

I thought I had commented on here before but now I don't see it!
So I will try to summarize all my thoughts so far on your PTR!

First of all, Also I totally understand how that could have slipped your mind till now. You've been busy planning epic surprises and enjoying Disney World!

First of all- your little girl is so adorable!

Thank You.

I love all your movie nights!

Thank you. I'm glad I started them so early. It can be harder to get them done then I thought. We're going off the disney track tonight for a special movie night. I'll explain why when I post my update about it.

And what you did with Lambie is adorable.

That was shear quick thinking and parent survival at its finest!! On that Topic.... Turns out the British Lambie that we had sent over is the wrong one. Its shorter then our Lambie.

Anyone need a $40ish Lambie! We're thinking we should put it up on Ebay to save some other poor in a pinch parent from disaster.

Your autograph book looks amazing!!

Thanks! I'm really excited for how it turned out. I really wanted it to be something that Little Miss could look back on and enjoy for years to come.

And your plans sound good too.

Good to get another Mommy's opinion. Glad I'm on the right track.

 

[ashw100]

Yeah I'm not telling her that she can meet them until I have the fastpasses in hand.

She wants 3 things for christmas... Anna, Elsa, and "Snowman". Good thing that We've been able to find them.

LOL totally get it. I was helping a friend plan her February trip and I said "well if you don't get FP just don't tell them they're there." I totally forgot her oldest can read. It does seem to be getting easier to get so I'll be rooting for you.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

LOL totally get it. I was helping a friend plan her February trip and I said "well if you don't get FP just don't tell them they're there." I totally forgot her oldest can read. It does seem to be getting easier to get so I'll be rooting for you.

She can always use my back up, back up plan... if I can't get a fP before we leave I just plan on saying that Anna and Elsa's appointments were filled. So while we will get to wave at them in the parade we won't be able to meet them in person. (Which in reality is true enough really).

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Quick Excitement

Okay as fellow Disers I am sure that you are at least familiar with the Dis Unplugged Podcast. You may also be aware of their weekly contest of sorts where they draw a name from someone who has taken the survey on Facebook and gives them $50 bucks.



So here I am this morning dragging myself out of bed checking Facebook while I am waking up. As I wake up I noticed that I had a new friend request to look at. When I do I notice its Pete Warner. So I think to myself, “What the heck? Why would Pete Warner want to friend me on Facebook? Unless….. No! I never win anything….. I’ll check”


Sure enough!

Y’ALL!!!!

GUESS WHAT?!?! GUESS WHAT?!?! GUESS WHAT?!?! GUESS WHAT?!?!


I JUST WON THE GIFT CARD FOR THE WEEK!




Such a better way to start the day then yesterday when I had to clean poop out of Little Miss’s bed.

Excuse me I’m going to go dance excitedly now.

 

[KatMark]

How exciting. Congrats on the gift card win.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

How exciting. Congrats on the gift card win.

Thank you!

 

[annegirl]

Nice!! Congratulations!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Thank you!

 

[ashw100]

Congrats on the win. It is so funny I was listening to the podcast tonight and when they read the names I thought, "lucky, I never win " Now what to do with your extra play money???

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Congrats on the win. It is so funny I was listening to the podcast tonight and when they read the names I thought, "lucky, I never win " Now what to do with your extra play money???

We'll probably put it towards food or use it for souvenirs. I haven't decided yet. But having it is rather nice.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

This update took a bit longer to post than originally planned. I was going to try to get it posted last week but then DH came home from work with the Flu on Wednesday and today is the first day that he’s been able to really shake it off and get some good recovery rest. Crossing my Fingers that Little Miss and I don’t get it! Of Course we go in for a checkup tomorrow and I’ll have to deal with the after effects of Vaccines the rest of the week so I am trying to gain some sanity back today while things are quite.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Movie Night and a Christmas Adventure with a Side of Disney Training

So we are going to shake things up a little this update. While we do have a movie night to report on its NOT a Disney Movie! You see this year our Santa set up was sponsored by Dreamworks and a bit more of an interactive experience that required some fore knowledge and Familiarity with the Shrek Characters. So the night before our Reservation to see Santa we had a Shrek Night. I’ve decided to include it anyways because I know that Shrek has a bit of a presence over at Universal and so Still might be relevant to some.

For our dinner we had Chili Cheese “Flies” {A.k.A Fries}

With Shrek Juice

And “Ogre Snot” {A.K.A. Mint Chip Cookies and Cream Milk Shakes}


We were planning on a side of Cinnamon Apples under the name of “Slugs” but DH and I both decided that no one would have room for them so we skipped the slugs. But I have filed the idea away for Lion King and Monster’s Inc.


So the next day we all got dressed up and went over to the local mall for our adventure with Santa. As I am about to show you, this is no ordinary Santa Experience. Reservations are required. And even the wait in line is entertaining.

We ended up getting to the mall a bit earlier than planned so we killed time letting Little Miss explore and look at the different window displays.

After checking in we first were first sent to get our picture taken with Shrek and Crew.

Next we went over by Santa’s Cottage and stood in line to get in through the experience. This normally tedious task was made quite fun because the walls of the cottage were made of LED screens so different things kept happening.

As you can tell we also passed the time taking pictures. There was also a cute little girl right at Little Misses age that was very friendly and the two of them had big fun with each other. (Photos with said little girl not included for obvious reasons.)


We don’t have pictures of the next few parts because photography was not allowed inside of Santa’s Cottage.

Soon we were called in a group of 3 children and parents to go to see Santa. Once we got in to see Santa it was discovered that we had missed him and that he had gone back to the North Pole. Shrek and Donkey come around and tell us that we are going to build our own sleigh and then we will fly there ourselves. The ride to the North Pole was very cute. (Think very mild Star Tours) Little Miss squealed with delight the whole time. Better Yet, I didn't get Motion Sickness in the Slightest! I got off of the ride looking to DH telling him that I really hope she can reach the 40” mark for the trip because she will have big fun on Star Tours and with as well as I handled the sleigh ride I think I will give Star Tours a second chance. If only to enjoy Little Miss Riding the ride.

After we got off the Sleigh ride we were filed into the Waiting Room for to see Santa. They had a cute game in there on a windows tablet that helped pass the time. Each family was called in to see Santa separately.

Santa’s room was absolutely magical! But DH and I both fell into the trap of being so focused on getting good pictures that we rushed ourselves through the experience. In hindsight I wished that we had stepped back and let them do their thing and be more in the moment of the interaction with Santa because I ended up seeing none of it.

That being said, while it’s a slight bummer now, I’d rather learn that lesson through a visit with Santa (whom we get to see every year at the mall) then through a visit with Mickey or Anna and Elsa who are harder to see and are a more special trip. So I will chop that up to a Disney training moment and will move on. In the end we had a fun time going through everything and we got an extra lesson out of it so that’s a bonus.​

 

[KatMark]

Great "meal" for your movie night.

Where is your mall? I want to go.

What a fun set-up. It looks like Little Miss really enjoyed herself. And the picture of her with Santa is precious.

Always good to learn a lesson BEFORE hitting Disney.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Great "meal" for your movie night.

Where is your mall? I want to go.

What a fun set-up. It looks like Little Miss really enjoyed herself. And the picture of her with Santa is precious.

Always good to learn a lesson BEFORE hitting Disney.

Thanks. They have this set up at a few malls across the country. Check here: http://www.adventuretosanta.com/ to see if there is one in your neck of the woods.

I'll warn you though, while the experience is free the actual pictures with Santa are PRICEY! To get the digitals we had to cough up $50. It's quite fun though.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks. They have this set up at a few malls across the country. Check here: http://www.adventuretosanta.com/ to see if there is one in your neck of the woods.

I'll warn you though, while the experience is free the actual pictures with Santa are PRICEY! To get the digitals we had to cough up $50. It's quite fun though.

They do have one about 25 minutes from my house. Too bad the reservations are all gone, plus I don't have a little one to take. But I'll keep that in mind for the future. Thanks.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

They do have one about 25 minutes from my house. Too bad the reservations are all gone, plus I don't have a little one to take. But I'll keep that in mind for the future. Thanks.

Yeah that doesn't surprise me. I got my reservation right after Halloween. Hopefully they do this again and you'll have a little one in tow next year! Might be worth going over there to see the outside of the Cottage. Its quite something to see.

 

[francis6306]

Hi there! Just found your PTR! I'm gonna catch up, so excuse the long post! LOL

First of all- I LOVE taking my little girls. My oldest's first trip was when she was 2.5 and my youngest has been twice before she turned 3! Can't beat that "free" price tag!

Flower and Garden was amazing- I wish I had spent more time there. We found a play ground hidden right before we left for the night and my girls were in heaven! LOL They also have a passport thing so if your daughter is into stamps, make sure you get the passport so she can collect stamps as you see different parts of the festival!

We LOVE POR!! OMG. It's the best. I had some pixie dust on my last trip and got an upgrade to a royal room- so I'm hoping you get some yourself! :good vibes We aren't staying there this time, unless we get some extra Disney Money from Santa as well. We chose Pop.

I have the same issues with Ohana as you- WHY must they change a good thing!?!?!?!

We do a lot of walking- hopefully we have good weather before the trip so we can practice walking to the playground near our house! However, at the parks, I always use a stroller for my girls, even my oldest. She was just shy of 6 on our last trip and I know that while she can totally handle walking, if I can keep her in the stroller, she doesn't get tired as early and we can keep up out a little later. Of course, we are big break/nap people! We go back to the resort and nap almost every day of the trip. My youngest will nap in the stroller, so that helps. If we stay in the park, then we find a quite area and have a 30 minute rest time in the stroller.

LOVE the Snow White movie night dinner! I need to get into the themed dinners like this! It always looks so fun!

I HATE sneakers as well!! I'm always more comfortable in cushy flip flop/sandals! I have added those Rainbow flip-flops to my Christmas wish list! Thanks for the suggestion!

I think I'm going to try and make an Autograph book for Disney this year... We'll see if it happens!!

OH MY GOSH! Poor Lambie! I am so glad that you were able to get a replacement so quickly! I know how that could go poorly with little ones! My Catie was totally addicted to her Pooh bear and I would have cried if anything happened to it. Mommy guilt is very hard to overcome! I LOVE how you explained that Lambie was at Doc McStuffins Clinic! Super smart move mom!!!

I'm with you. I just CANNOT start a trip at a park other than MK! LOL I don't care what the Crowd Predictor says! We have never park hopped with the girls... But overall your plans look great!

We LOVE the H&D breakfast. They have some amazing character interactions there! I hope you keep that!

Little Miss makes an ADORABLE Snow White!

Mickeystoontown is the CBR queen! I love her! I'm sure that you will enjoy CBR. One day, I'm gonna try that resort!!

Congrats on winning!!!!!

What an AMAZING Santa set up! Wow. I'm really impressed!!! I wish we were a little closer to Chicago! 3 hours is a bit long to go and meet Santa.

And YES, that whole trap of getting a good picture and missing out on the experience is what keeps me going back to the Memory Maker! I seriously can't imagine not enjoying the character meets without the photographers.

Yay! All caught up!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Hi there! Just found your PTR! I'm gonna catch up, so excuse the long post! LOL

Wow! Hi There! This was a fun post to scroll through. I enjoyed it!

First of all- I LOVE taking my little girls. My oldest's first trip was when she was 2.5 and my youngest has been twice before she turned 3! Can't beat that "free" price tag!

You really can't. And it will be nice to have a Mommy experienced in Toddlerdom at Disney looking at my plans.

Flower and Garden was amazing- I wish I had spent more time there. We found a play ground hidden right before we left for the night and my girls were in heaven! LOL They also have a passport thing so if your daughter is into stamps, make sure you get the passport so she can collect stamps as you see different parts of the festival!

I'm looking forward to it. I have a few vague memories of it from visiting as a child but it will be fun to see and explore. I know that Little Miss will enjoy seeing the gardens and playing in the playgrounds. Good Idea on the Passport. We definitely should have plenty of time to explore everything. We are spending quite a few evenings there.

We LOVE POR!! OMG. It's the best. I had some pixie dust on my last trip and got an upgrade to a royal room- so I'm hoping you get some yourself! :good vibes We aren't staying there this time, unless we get some extra Disney Money from Santa as well. We chose Pop.

It really is a favorite and I truly hope that CBR can live up to it. At least this way I don't have to worry about getting stuck in the Alligator Bayou section. That being said, should Santa drop off a surprise fund to book a Royal room I think the CBR/ POR debate would be renewed.

I have the same issues with Ohana as you- WHY must they change a good thing!?!?!?!

Here's hoping its still a favorite come May.

We do a lot of walking- hopefully we have good weather before the trip so we can practice walking to the playground near our house! However, at the parks, I always use a stroller for my girls, even my oldest. She was just shy of 6 on our last trip and I know that while she can totally handle walking, if I can keep her in the stroller, she doesn't get tired as early and we can keep up out a little later. Of course, we are big break/nap people! We go back to the resort and nap almost every day of the trip. My youngest will nap in the stroller, so that helps. If we stay in the park, then we find a quite area and have a 30 minute rest time in the stroller.

Little Miss is very much NOT a stroller napper so breaks back at the room are a must. But if I am honest, I think they will be as much for me as they will for her. Part of me is really dreading dealing with a stroller in WDW but I know its a must.

LOVE the Snow White movie night dinner! I need to get into the themed dinners like this! It always looks so fun!

They are rather fun. And they are turning out to be a good way to introduce things to Little Miss.

I HATE sneakers as well!! I'm always more comfortable in cushy flip flop/sandals! I have added those Rainbow flip-flops to my Christmas wish list! Thanks for the suggestion!

Yeah the Rainbows are really nice. I'll warn you, once you get used to them your ballet flats you once thought comfy won't feel that way any more. I have been finding myself wishing they made close toe shoes. Even my Birkenstock clogs are now too hard on my feet. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to wear them in. The person I bought mine from recomended that I wet them and then wear them around the house for a few days when they are brand new. It allows the leather to stretch better to your foot.

I think I'm going to try and make an Autograph book for Disney this year... We'll see if it happens!!

Check out Pixiesprite's cards if you decide to do it. A good number of what I used came from her.I just hope I don't regret doing it so early, but I just couldn't pass up that deal.

OH MY GOSH! Poor Lambie! I am so glad that you were able to get a replacement so quickly! I know how that could go poorly with little ones! My Catie was totally addicted to her Pooh bear and I would have cried if anything happened to it. Mommy guilt is very hard to overcome! I LOVE how you explained that Lambie was at Doc McStuffins Clinic! Super smart move mom!!!

I am ever greatful that we were able to fix it so quickly. The whole debacle will make this Anniversary that much more memorable thats for sure! I'm sure she will appreciate the whole story when she is older. The magic of the return was pretty worth the whole debacle though. Makes me excited to see how she reacts to Santa this year.

I'm with you. I just CANNOT start a trip at a park other than MK! LOL I don't care what the Crowd Predictor says! We have never park hopped with the girls... But overall your plans look great!

There is just something about stepping on to main street that just bubbles up inside of you and gives you that feeling of pure magic. Good to hear that the plans are somewhat sound.

We LOVE the H&D breakfast. They have some amazing character interactions there! I hope you keep that!

I'm SO glad to hear that! I have decided that we are going to keep it.

Little Miss makes an ADORABLE Snow White!

I sure thought so but then I am a bit biased! Shockingly that dress is already starting to get slightly small on her. I sure hope the ones of the same size that Santa picked up still fit come Christmas at least. GOod thing I got a few in the next size up for the ones I want to be sure she can wear at Disney.

Mickeystoontown is the CBR queen! I love her! I'm sure that you will enjoy CBR. One day, I'm gonna try that resort!!

It will be fun to try out a new resort and I'm looking forward to having a beach and a hammock to relax on. ALso the toddler splash area looks super fun.

Congrats on winning!!!!!

Thanks! It was quite surreal thats for sure!

What an AMAZING Santa set up! Wow. I'm really impressed!!! I wish we were a little closer to Chicago! 3 hours is a bit long to go and meet Santa.

It was amazing. I hope it returns next year!

And YES, that whole trap of getting a good picture and missing out on the experience is what keeps me going back to the Memory Maker! I seriously can't imagine not enjoying the character meets without the photographers.

I'm just glad that I was still able to get a few good ones out of it. At least we learned this lesson now. The annoying thing is that I KNEW not to do it. I've read a few tips warning against it here on the boards, but we did it anyways!

Yay! All caught up!

 

[ksl5f123]

Whew! All caught up.

First, I think your Magic Band is adorable. I read the entire custom MB thread on the Community board the other night and I can't wait to decorate ours.

Congrats on the gift card! There is nothing better than a little extra Disney money!

Your Santa experience looked awesome! Good meet and greet lessons. I also get caught up in picture taking and forget to enjoy the moment. Good reminder.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Whew! All caught up.

First, I think your Magic Band is adorable. I read the entire custom MB thread on the Community board the other night and I can't wait to decorate ours.

Congrats on the gift card! There is nothing better than a little extra Disney money!

Your Santa experience looked awesome! Good meet and greet lessons. I also get caught up in picture taking and forget to enjoy the moment. Good reminder.

Hi there!

Thanks! I can't wait to wear it. And I am already working out how to decorate the new one when it comes.

Extra Disney money is always fun!

Santa was quite fun to visit. I hope they bring back the same set up next year.

 

[ashw100]

Wow that santa experience is awesome. I hope they do that next year because I will definitely go to the one near Chicago. We had to pay $35 and got none of that good stuff. I love your ideas for movie nights. Do you come up with these ideas yourself? I think I need to start getting creative. Last trip I just showed movies but a theme night sounds fun.