'There once was a girl...' - We leave today! (#56)

[BabyPiglet]

Gather 'round here, and let me tell you a story. There once was a freshman in college. Among her schoolbooks and advanced calculators, lay maps, plans, and books about a certain fairytale land. You see, this girl had dreamed for the entire semester that she'd be suddenly whisked away to this land, a place where your worries escape you and slowly transform back into a child. So, she might've visited this land 1,2...5 times before, but did that make it any less magical? Absolutely not. She shook her head in disgust at even thinking such a thing! It made it MORE wonderful! This land made her believe in magic and talking mice. It made her curious about the world, and most importantly, it made her innocent and young again.

But there was a problem, as there usually are in these situations. The mean, old, evil dean of the college demanded piles and piles of treasure from her, so she'd never be able to afford travel to the kingdom! How would she ever return!? So she locked herself away with books and pictures of the fairytale land, and slowly started to go insane...

One morning she heard a noise coming from outside the door! She couldn't be bothered with this, as she was frantically searching for the best way to get to the powder room from the enchanted, flying elephants. But then she heard it again. What was it? It was a voice! It was her elders...what were they saying? ... ... !!!

It can't be!? They've found a way? They've found a way to get the treasure! But...was she kidding herself? Had she finally done it? Had she finally gone over the edge, and was just living in her dreams now?

Nope, she ain't crazy. Never give up on your dreams people. The girl dreamed of going to the 'fairytale land' and Mickey granted her wish. As much as I'd love to narrarate this entire tale in third person, you and I would eventually get tired of it. So, let's get to the good stuff, shall we?

As you guessed it, I'm the 'girl'. And the story above...is completely true. I'm going slightly crazy with logarithmic formulas and exponential regression...I just really need some magic! We've been in September for the past two years, and since that month is approaching I've been getting all the wearier. Thankfully, my parents kind of 'surprised' me by booking a trip for free dining! Speaking of my parents, let's meet them...

Mom - She's a workaholic for the government, so *gasp*, she might need this vacation even more than me! She grew up near Disneyland, and from what I hear, she practically lived there as a child. So, of course she would raise me as a proper Disney lover! Has been on 5 trips to the World. Loves it almost as much as me!

Dad - When he was in the navy, he apparently was stationed in Florida right around the time Magic Kingdom opened! He tells me this story -- one night when they had some free time, him and his friends decided to go out. My dad suggested WDW, but got outvoted. So he was ALMOST there at the start! Isn't that exciting? He's been to WDW 3 times (2 of my trips were just mommy/me, so he didn't go). Secretely adores it as much as the rest of us.

Me (Jenny) - Well, my first taste of the Disney magic was at 18 months old when my parents took me to Disneyland. Since then I've been to WDW 5 times, and love it more after every trip! Surprisingly, there's still quite a few things I haven't done (even though we go for long trips...I know). I'm a major planner beforehand, but it seems like the minute I step out of that ME bus into the sultry (but magical) Disney air, all of my hardwork goes out the window! Oh well, I still plan. I'll never learn!

So, what else...OH. Of course! We'll be staying 10 nights at Pop Century with the free dining from September 5 - 15.

I hope everyone joins me on this magical journey into the movies! Wait...no. That's not right. I'm getting my brain mixed up. I hope everyone joins me on this magical journey to fairytale land! Yes, much better.

We picked up a hitchhiker and invited her to Disney (#5)
More on this little hitchiker (#6)
Pictures of the crew! (#13)
Movie review #1 (Dumbo) (#20)
Park Plans Part One (#25)
Supreme evil of the universe, that is, Priceline. (#28)
Photos and pre-trip such and such (#32)
Let's discuss some important PTR thingies (#35)
What will WE celebrate? (#36)
Movie Review #2 (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh) (#42)
Park Plans Part Two (#43,44)
Running away from school! (#50)
Update about updates (#51)
We leave today! (#56)

 

[mickeymum]

Love your story!! I will be waiting for more I hope you have a Magical trip

 

[TinkerTracy]

Awesome PTR Jenny! Can't wait to read more

 

[MickeyisBeast]

Whoa, you're an amazing writer, Jenny. I really love your PTR, It's really good so far!

 

[BabyPiglet]

(Well darn, I had this section written up and it disappeared!)

So, two days ago on..(sorry, I have to get my morning brain working!) Friday, my mom and aunt were at work talking (same office) and the topic of our trip popped up. My mom casually mentioned at what a great age my little cousin would be for her first trip to Disney. Unfortunately, my aunt is rathar new in the office, so she probably couldn't get the time off to go. We're not sure if she could pay for her whole family to go anyways, so my mom (being the generous person she is)...

...decided to just take my cousin! My aunt's fine with it, of course, since she of course knows the magic of Disney -- growing up with it and all. Well, she's sad she can't go, but maybe next trip? We could do a grand gatharing! ....uhm, that'd be a whole 'nother thread....

So, let's talk about our +1, shall we?

Laura Jane - She's in her 'feisty fives' as I like to call it. We love her though. She's super sassy, quirky, and intelligent. I think she is neither a girlygirl or a tomboy. She's whoever she wants to be. She has this practical OBSESSION with all things Ariel. I can't even tell you how many little mermaid themed possessions she has.

Hm, I've never went with a little one before. Everytime my family goes, I'M always the youngest! (Only child here). It should be fun, eh?

So now I have to change all of our ADRs to be for four, and of course re-arrange them a bit. I absolutely could NOT go to Disney with Laura Jane without eating at Akershus. Ariel is there, if you had a momentary memory lapse.

I'm reading allllll up on going to WDW with a 5 year old. There are going to be a few...bumps now, but whatever. I can't wait to see her when Princess Ariel comes over and gives her a hug.

 

[BabyPiglet]

I'm just a mixture of excited/nervous about a taking a 5 year old! I love her to death, but she can be a lot of handle sometimes.

We had her over this weekend to spend the night. That way we could watch Disney movies together, and show her pictures, etc. It actually was a lot of fun. There were some moments when I wanted to whip the camcorder out because she was singing 'Under the Sea' and dancing in a circle and my heart just melted. Then there were some times I wanted to just scream because she wouldn't listen to what we asked her to do.

All in all though, I think it was a success. I've just come to realize that she'll need sometimes to be free and run around like a crazy little girl. I mean, she's 5 she isn't going to sit still all the time.

On Saturday we took her shopping for Disney clothes, and I realized just how little her legs are. She seems to take tiny little steps. We walked a lot trying on different clothes and shoes and such, and I think by the end she was a little tired. We've come to the conclusion that we absolutely HAVE to have a stroller! We know she's five, and that might be a little old in real life to ride in a stroller, but I don't think it's too old for Disney. There's just a ton of walking and I'm afraid she'll get so tired with it.

We'll probably just get her one instead of renting it. That way we'll be able to use it on the longggg stroll to the Pop Century bus stop (it's a long walk, don't you think?) and around the resort. I'm also kind of happy that we'll get to use it as storage for some bags and cups!

Oh, speaking of shopping, we got her some really adorable clothes. We found this striped pink skirt and tank set that's perfect for the WDW heat and a princess breakfast! It's a light, breathable fabric, while being super cute. She loves it. When she tried it on, she exclaimed 'look I'm a princess!'. We plan to have her wear it to Akershus when she meets Ariel, but more on that later.

We found some nice shoes that will be great for Disney walking AND school when she gets back. Other than that, we just bought a whole bunch of cute tank tops and shorts.

Another thing I'm a bit worried about is food. She might be sensitive to certain food items, although my aunt says she has no allergies? She got really sick after we took her for pizza. We'll definitely have to make sure that she only eats small amounts at a time. Does anyone have any lighter kid menu iteams?

Oh, and I just realized I haven't posted any pictures yet. Let me get right on that. I'm uploading some pictures at the moment!

 

[MickeyisBeast]

Your cousin sounds ADORABLE! I can't wait to see pictures!

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

Great PTR so far Jenny!

 

[m!ssemmx0]

I love your PTR so far Jenny!

 

[kiranic]

Jenny, I am so in for the rest of your PTR!!!

 

[BabyPiglet]

Thank you everyone for joining me! It really helps to know that people are listening, er, reading!

I'll post pictures soon.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

Your little cousin sounds like a cutie!

Great report! I can't wait to read more.

 

[BabyPiglet]

Okay, as promised, here are some picture of my crew!

This is me. I couldn't find any good pictures of me at Disney, even though there are tons. I'm hoping to be more photogenic at the World this year! (You see that hair, that's one of the major reasons I look crappy in all the Disney pics. I look like a cat coughed something up on my head! It was awful. I'm bringing frizz-ease and some headbands this year, so hopefully that will work.) Oh, and if you look closely, you'll notice that I am, in fact, wearing a WDW shirt!

This would be Miss. Laura Jane. This was from christmas, so she's a bit taller now. You see her hair? Why didn't I get that gene!? (That pose! My my. I told you she was sassy.)

Here's Mom. Yes, that's actually her name now. Funny story about this picture. It was from our mommy/me trip in December. Goofy was completely flirting with her! He tried to run off with her too, but I got her back. I told Goofy I was going to tell my dad 'bout it! Now Goofy just might be my mom's favourite character (except piglet of course. You might see her post as MrsPiglet everyonce in a while.) See, I told you! She's even blushing.

Uhm, okay, and for some odd reason I can't find a good picture of my dad. I'll just have to use this one I found taken during one of the 2007 MNSSHPs. Mad Hatter looks bored, lol!

So, that's us. Don't run away just yet. We're not a vicious as we look.

In a few days I'll post some of our plans. Gotta string this sucker out til September!

 

[crazytp93]

Sub.

Good TR Jenny.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

I'm here, Jenny!

Wheeeee, great so far!

I loved your last TR, and I'm looking forward to hearing about this trip!

(And psshh, you're gorgeous!)

 

[deslynnpatterson]

jenny!! i love your PTR so creative!! I love the little story you put behind it We are going to be in Disney the same time as you we are going sept 10-20th i cannot wait!!! i love your pics also i cannot wait to read more!! keep it coming girl

 

[BabyPiglet]

Thanks Tom and Meg. I'm happy ya'll are reading! (Yeah, I put that ya'll in for you, Tom. )

deslynnpatterson, maybe we'll run into each other! If you see us, don't hesitate to say hi. I'm off to read your PTR now!

 

[JulielovesDisney]

I'm in Jenny! I love your PTR!!

 

[Smiley.Socks]

I'm here.
Loving the PTR so far Jenny!

 

[BabyPiglet]

Hey guys, I had a great idea to expand this PTR! Me and my dad have been watching a ton o' Disney movies in preperation for our trip. We have such an expansive collection of classic and more recent Disney animated movies, it's crazy.

So, since this is part of the 'pre-trip' experience, I thought I'd share it with you! Some nights we only watch one movie, and other nights we watch 2-3, so this should be a good way to add some interesting stuff to this. (But don't worry, I will infact share our plans soon enough. Just waiting a couple days for that.)

Anyhoo, last night Dumbo was on the menu, er, no, lineup. Dumbo was on the lineup. Who eats baby elephants anyway?

I hadn't seen this movie forever! I can't actually remember ever watching it fully through, although my dad says it used to be one of my favourites.

Let's start off with the intro. I think the idea of the stork delivering babies was such an adorable idea. This part of the movie is really cute for kiddos. Does anyone else think Disney can draw things that just really make your heart melt? When I saw them unwrap Dumbo (*coughJumboJrcough*) I let out this big girly 'AWWWW!' and my dad rolled his eyes. (Hey, leave the eye-rollin' up to me and Laura!) Then his little...big ears popped out and just oh. my. goodness. Adorable!

I just think it's awful the way everyone was making fun of him! Just for having big ears?! And those meanie little kids who were pulling on him. Of course Jumbo would let her momma-bear (elephant?) out! I love the connection that her and Dumbo had, it was so real and heart-wrenching.

I kind of LOLed at Timothy Mouse and his Jersey accent! Who knew? Haha. I really loved the way he decided to stand up for Dumbo, even if some of his ideas weren't the best.

Now let's get to the part that really caught my attention. Dumbo. got. drunk. He's just a baby!!! And then he starts hallucinating!? (There was a solid 5-6 minutes of his hallucinatory images on screen.) Was there acid or something in that alcohol? My, oh my. I find it funny that this is never mentioned. Does anyone else agree that Disney would NEVER put something like that in a film now-a-days? (I have the same comment about Pinnochio, but let's leave that for another post.)

Here's the funny part, they woke up totally hungover! Up in a tree. With no idea how the got there.

I'm trying to ignore the fact that the crows were all kind of stereotypes, and the leader was apparently named Jim Crow. I guess I'll have to give Walt the benefit of that doubt and believe that it wasn't meant to be racist. I loved that song though. That's one of my favourite parts of the classic Disney films, they're filled with amazing music! Songs that are so catchy they get stuck in my head, and other songs that are just so heart-warming and hopeful.

All in all, I like the ending. Dumbo flying around scaring the heck out of those clowns was just hilarious. I love that he became such a success! It was a really simple, happy ending.

I can't believe that this was such a low-budget movie to try and recover their losses from Fantasia! It seemed good quality, even at a mere 65 minutes long. It got to the point and I can really appreciate that.

So, except for a few scenes (thank god I couldn't care less about political correctness!) I really enjoyed this movie. I wish Dumbo had a meet and greet! I'm not sure how that would work, but I think it'd be really fun. I heard they're expanding the Dumbo area with this rumoured Fantasyland refurb, so maybe they'll come up with something. I'd be first in line to hug Jumbo Jr!

I'd love anyone elses comments or opinions on this movie.