The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I loved the pictures from CBR. I wish I was sitting on the beach in a chair right now. I love morning walks at Disney. The sounds and smells are wonderful.

Yes they are! I really had no idea what I had been missing out on with those morning walks. No more though. I'm hooked!

 

[katt789]

Man I really need to work on actually keeping up with all my TR's, I'm so far behind... again!!

That's sooo gross about the VOTLM experience, just so not cool, like, you're in public, and a family environment at that! Ick Nice that you eventually did get in and see the show, I haven't managed to see it in a bit, but it's one of my faves thanks to LM being a fave movie.

RnR! Ieee!! I have yet to go on it, but I think I'm going to try it this upcoming trip..we'll see how that goes!! As IF you managed to walk onto TSM, that's some madness right there!

I know how you feel about the Indiana Jones show, I've seen it and Lights Motor Action enough times now, and thats twice each, they just don't keep my attention enough.

Asdsdngd!! Beach Club! I would LOVE to stay there or Yacht club on some trip, even if only for a couple of days, they're so beautiful.

Your early morning walk has now made me so excited for our upcoming stay at CBR, I very possibly will take a walk one morning to explore as well!!

 

[TiggerFan3590]

Love your TR... Your pictures are fabulous and make me long to be there now..... Can't wait for more....

 

[Woth2982]

I am very glad that I didn't meet Jack too! I actually passed by one older man while I was walking back across the island and he scared the puddin' out of me! I guess because I was already feeling paranoid. But I never even heard him coming and then there he was. I'm a big chicken anyway though. We had our house broken into years ago and I've been overly cautious and untrustworthy of people ever since.

You definitely have a right to be paranoid! I was hit by a drunk driver who ran a red like in 06 and I still have slight panic attacks when people come up fast from the right side. So I understand completely! But those silent creepers are the worst! I have jumped a few times when they come up on me too lol.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

In the last update, I stayed out a bit too long on my morning stroll around CBR. When I got back to the room, I realized that it was 8:00 and we needed to be walking out the door right then! I don’t know how they did it, but DH and DD managed to get ready in a mere 15 minutes! We grabbed up the backpack, hoping that everything was in there that we needed for the day, and made a brisk walk to the bus stop.

And then we waited…

…very impatiently…

…for about 20 minutes for a bus to come! Why is it that you never have bus mojo when you’re running late? I tried to calm myself down by taking a few pictures.

I love ya, but can you please get rid of that hat!

Yes, that’s much better!

We made it to the Magic Kingdom by 8:50! Whew! That was cutting it close! DD had an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at 9:00, so we needed to get into the park before the masses. I also wanted to snag some empty Main Street pictures and get some Photopass shots taken without hoards of people in the background.

The opening show was out in full force and I sure did want to stay and watch it since we have never made it to rope drop before. I knew we didn’t have time to see the show and make it to the BBB by 9:00 though, so I just snapped a few quick pictures and we headed for the early ADR entrance.

As soon as I reached the CM at the gate and began to ask if we could go on in, the countdown started. WHAT?!?! It was only 8:55! Why, of all mornings did they have to be running ahead of schedule that day? Oh well, no empty Main Street for me this time. I couldn’t help but think how funny it was that I was up at 6:00 a.m. and still couldn’t get to MK early!

Walking in with the herd…

It’s the little things like this that make Disney World head and shoulders above the rest. How many other theme parks have people standing on the street as you enter just to give you a smile, a wave, and greet you with ‘good morning’?

We stopped for some PP pictures, and even though they were not exactly what I had in mind, they still turned out to be some of my favorite ones of the trip.

Alright, it’s time to get to the castle and start that magical transformation!

I thought this would make a nice picture since there wasn’t another soul around, but they look like ants in front of that castle!

I went back and forth for weeks on whether or not to book this for DD. She did this on our first trip to the world when she was four and LOVED it! Finally, about two months before our trip, I decided to go ahead and make a reservation. With DD getting older, I knew this might be the last time she would be interested in the BBB. I learned a valuable lesson through this though. If it’s even a remote possibility that you want to do something at Disney World, you need to go on and book it early! You can always cancel later if you change your mind. When I made this reservation, the 9:00 time slot was all they had left for either of our planned MK days! I called back about three times a week for a month before the trip and still nothing else had come available. I knew that this was PRIME ride time in the park and I would hate missing out on it. And when I caught sight of the freshly opened Fantasyland, I was really regretting that 9:00 appointment!

I did send DH on to get us some Peter Pan FPs while I got DD checked in at the boutique, so all wasn’t lost.

A look around this beautiful boutique…

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I don’t know what I was thinking, but I forgot to tell the lady at the front desk that DD had a dress to change into. I guess I was in a fog because they called her back and she got in the chair with her regular clothes on.

The before picture…

I knew right off the bat that we had a great fairy godmother! She was so sweet and made the biggest fuss over DD.

They told her that they loved all her beauty marks, otherwise known as freckles!

The last time we were here, I made all the selections, but since DD was now seven, I decided to let her choose what she wanted on everything. I have to say, it was very hard for me to relinquish that control, especially on the hairstyle choice! It did make for some interesting color combinations though. For example, her dress was solid purple, but she chose…

… turquoise blue eye shadow, even though purple was an option.

I was pretty sure that she was going to choose the Diva hairstyle, and she did! Not only did she choose the very hairstyle that I didn’t want, but she picked the light brown hair when hers is much darker. I know it’s terrible of me, but I had to REALLY bite my tongue the whole time in order to keep my mouth shut and just let her do her own thing! It’s the type A, control freak beast in me!

It finally dawned on me that she didn’t have her dress on. I told our FGM that I had forgotten it at check in and she said we better go change now b/c her hair might be too big for the dress to fit over her head by the time she was done! GREAT!!! Just what I wanted to hear!

I was so impressed that she put DD’s shoes on for her in true royal fashion!

Time to tease up that big hair!

She wanted a crown to go with her new do, so she picked one out. Anyone want to take a guess at the color she chose to go with her solid PURPLE Rapunzel dress?

Carolina blue, of ‘course!

And no makeover is complete without a hefty sprinkling of pixie dust. Thank goodness that wasn’t blue too!

The big reveal is always the best part. It’s so fun to see their reaction when they look at themselves for the first time.

While we were checking out, I noticed that she kept staring at herself in the mirror. I think she was amazed by the fake hair.

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We took some pictures in the ‘tunnel’. I love looking at the mosaic murals through there.

And for anyone who is interested, here’s what is included in the Crown Package (hair, make-up & nails – currently $55)…

You get everything in that picture except the small crown (that was extra). The brochure even has your child’s name printed on it!

The best tip that I can give anyone who is thinking about doing this and wants to save money, is to get the cheaper package and bring your own dress from home. They have a portrait studio across the way in Castle Couture where you can have your child’s picture taken and added to your PP card at no charge. And that’s just what we did!

We had to wait behind one other family…

Overall it was a great experience at the BBB (once I got over letting DD make her own choices). I will say that as much as I tried to like the Diva hairstyle, I just couldn’t fall in love with it. I MUCH prefer the princess do that she got last time…

But, DD was very happy with herself and so proud that she got to make her own decisions, so that’s all that matters. I did get a good taste of what it will be like taking her shopping when she is a teenager though!!! I have a strong hunch that we will never agree on anything!

Now… my princess was all dressed up with no place to go, but her mother still had a few tricks up her sleeve. We set out in search of the latest and greatest Princess to be added to the Disney family.

Since Rapunzel is so popular and the line to meet her so long, they have a table set up for the kids to color while their parents wait in line.

As soon as DH saw all those people ahead of us, he bailed out! He said he would starve to death if he had to wait that long before getting something to eat , so he walked over to Cosmic Ray’s in search of food.

Her masterpiece…

After a 20 minute wait, it was finally our turn.

I LOVE THIS!!!

What a great girlie morning we had that day, but the fun wasn’t over yet!

Up next: More good times at the Magic Kingdom!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Man I really need to work on actually keeping up with all my TR's, I'm so far behind... again!!

That's sooo gross about the VOTLM experience, just so not cool, like, you're in public, and a family environment at that! Ick Nice that you eventually did get in and see the show, I haven't managed to see it in a bit, but it's one of my faves thanks to LM being a fave movie.

RnR! Ieee!! I have yet to go on it, but I think I'm going to try it this upcoming trip..we'll see how that goes!! As IF you managed to walk onto TSM, that's some madness right there!

I know how you feel about the Indiana Jones show, I've seen it and Lights Motor Action enough times now, and thats twice each, they just don't keep my attention enough.

Asdsdngd!! Beach Club! I would LOVE to stay there or Yacht club on some trip, even if only for a couple of days, they're so beautiful.

Your early morning walk has now made me so excited for our upcoming stay at CBR, I very possibly will take a walk one morning to explore as well!!

Good luck on your first RnRC ride! I don't know what else to say about that.

I think we'll be skipping Indie next time. Maybe if we take a break from it, it will seem better.

I think everyone here wants to stay at the BC! I can't imagine anyone not wanting to though.

You really should take an early morning walk around CBR... or one right before dark. That's a pretty time too. Either way you won't regret it!

Love your TR... Your pictures are fabulous and make me long to be there now..... Can't wait for more....

Thank you! I want to be there right now too! I'd even take a seat on one of the lily pads if nothing else was available!

You definitely have a right to be paranoid! I was hit by a drunk driver who ran a red like in 06 and I still have slight panic attacks when people come up fast from the right side. So I understand completely! But those silent creepers are the worst! I have jumped a few times when they come up on me too lol.

That's terrible! I hate that happened to you! Things like that really do affect people for a very long time. It's a shame that the bad deeds of others can change us forever.

 

[sharonW]

Again, enjoyed this update ever so much!! BBB is such an amazing experience for a little girl not to mention how much mommies and grammies enjoy the experience too!!! So much magic at WDW, can't help but look at those pics of your little girl and think about how fast she will grow up... gotta bottle the memories, thank heavens for pictures that keep those memories alive!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

BBB looks like such an amazing experience for little girls!! And how nice of you to let her make all her own choices. I know that must have been hard for you!

What a great morning for your DD. Getting to do BBB and then meeting Rapunzel.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day. I hope your DH found some food before he starved to death!!

 

[katt789]

I will definitely take an early morning walk around CBR, maybe nighttime if I can't get up that early, depending on sunset times lol
I love the CRT experience, I cannot wait until I have a little princess to take there! And I do have to agree that I like the Princess hairstyle the most. Such awesome pics with Rapunzel!!

 

[jenseib]

I love those morning strolls too. I try to take them often when the 3 of us go. I even did it when my Mom was on the ship with us.

DD looks so wonderful...and don't fret about her choice...at least she didn't pick PINK!!!!!

I actually prefer the diva over the bun one. But I know I'm strange.

That was a short wait for Rapunzel. I'm impressed.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Again, enjoyed this update ever so much!! BBB is such an amazing experience for a little girl not to mention how much mommies and grammies enjoy the experience too!!! So much magic at WDW, can't help but look at those pics of your little girl and think about how fast she will grow up... gotta bottle the memories, thank heavens for pictures that keep those memories alive!

I know. It kills me to see her growing up so fast. I think it wouldn't bother me so much if I could have more children, but I know she is my one and only. I don't want her to stop growing up, just slow down!

BBB looks like such an amazing experience for little girls!! And how nice of you to let her make all her own choices. I know that must have been hard for you!

What a great morning for your DD. Getting to do BBB and then meeting Rapunzel.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day. I hope your DH found some food before he starved to death!!

Well you better get ready. I'm still predicting that you'll have a boat load of granddaughters starting in about 10 short years! You better start saving now b/c they are going to break the bank at BBB!

It was really hard for me to let DD do her own thing, but she is now at the age that she doesn't want me picking out everything for her and I understand that. I'm trying to let go some. I really am.

My DH... what can I say... food is a HIGH priority to him.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I will definitely take an early morning walk around CBR, maybe nighttime if I can't get up that early, depending on sunset times lol
I love the CRT experience, I cannot wait until I have a little princess to take there! And I do have to agree that I like the Princess hairstyle the most. Such awesome pics with Rapunzel!!

You sound like me. It can be very hard to roll out of bed on vacation. Especially when you are so tired from all that walking! It will be wortht it though if you can manage.

You will love doing the boutique! It's a really special experience. And I'm glad it's not just me who isn't crazy about the Diva hair. It's just too poofy on top. I even tried to smash it down some but it wouldn't budge! They had a ton of hairspray on it!

I love those morning strolls too. I try to take them often when the 3 of us go. I even did it when my Mom was on the ship with us.

DD looks so wonderful...and don't fret about her choice...at least she didn't pick PINK!!!!!

I actually prefer the diva over the bun one. But I know I'm strange.

That was a short wait for Rapunzel. I'm impressed.

Oh my! Yes, the pink would've made me crazy! I can see why little girls like it though, and I REALLY tried to talk myself into loving it, but I couldn't. But she did, so all is well. And you're not weird for liking the Diva better. We all have different tastes. That is obvious between me and my DD! I didn't hate it though, I just thought they teased it up too high or something.

I didn't think the wait for Rapunzel was bad either. I was expecting an hour or more, so I was pleased. We walked up just as they were letting the next group in and we were the very last ones to make it in that group. So I guess we just timed it right.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was sooooo far behind! But caught up now and enjoying every moment.

What a perfect morning you had! Despite missing the "prime time" for rides, I think you spent it very wisely having DD all Princess-ed up and then getting to meet Rapunzel without waiting in line for 1.5 hours.

And she looks darling, even with the Diva "poof ball" hairstyle!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh, she looks beautiful!!! Even with Diva hair! I hope your poor DH didn't starve!!!
The Rapunzel meet and greet looks so much better than when we were there in March. She was still new, and people lined up HOURS ahead of time and they had nothing to do for them. Yeah, we skipped it.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I was sooooo far behind! But caught up now and enjoying every moment.

What a perfect morning you had! Despite missing the "prime time" for rides, I think you spent it very wisely having DD all Princess-ed up and then getting to meet Rapunzel without waiting in line for 1.5 hours.

And she looks darling, even with the Diva "poof ball" hairstyle!

That's ok! I'm way behind on yours too. With Easter, soccer and all the work I've had with tax season, I just haven't gotten caught up with everyone yet. I'll get there though! Things are already slowing down.

I was SO glad the wait for Rapunzel wasn't bad. I don't know if that was because crowds were low during our trip or b/c the new has worn off for the m&g. Either way, I was very happy to only wait 20 minutes and not an hour!

Yes, the poof ball... it made her happy, and that makes me happy! It's funny though that I really didn't like that hairstyle but I loved it when she got her hair painted, frizzed and covered in confetti at the Main Street Barber shop. Not much logic there, I admit!

Oh, she looks beautiful!!! Even with Diva hair! I hope your poor DH didn't starve!!!
The Rapunzel meet and greet looks so much better than when we were there in March. She was still new, and people lined up HOURS ahead of time and they had nothing to do for them. Yeah, we skipped it.

Thanks Sheree! I guess I can deal with the Diva hair as long as she doesn't ever develop a diva attitude! Then we will have problems!

I think the Rapunzel m&g had settled down a lot. From what I read before our trip, the lines had really shrunk since they got rid of Flynn. I think the new had worn off as well and there just weren't as many people making a run for her first thing. And crowds were low during our trip, so that all combined for a decent wait time. We didn't even have to wait to be let into the greeting area. As soon as we walked up, they let us in. They cut the line off behind us though. So we were the last ones in our group to meet her and it still was only 20 minutes. Overall, not bad. You should try again when you go back in October and I bet it won't be bad at all.

 

[MeMom]

I like this one.

So glad your husband did not starve right there in that Rapunzel line. That could have really messed up the whole trip!

The mosaics always are fascinating to me.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I like this one.

So glad your husband did not starve right there in that Rapunzel line. That could have really messed up the whole trip!

The mosaics always are fascinating to me.

I know you can relate to having men in your group who are highly focused on food! I knew better than to drag him out without breakfast though. I guess I just thought he could handle it for ONE day.

I agree about the mosaics. I love them and always have to take time to admire them. They had some gorgeous ones on the cruise ship too.

 

[pmama]

Where did you Get the dress DD has on before changing for BBB? Love how it looks more mature!

Also, the pic. With Rapunzel is beautiful.