Tia, Squirt Face, and Grumpy-June 2017 PT Report

[Jenny Sanders]

What a wonderful TR! I'm enjoying your family...

 

[Tia1977]

What a wonderful TR! I'm enjoying your family...

You're so sweet! It's such therapy to reminisce on your own and read others as you're waiting in the "real world" until you go back "home" lol!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

You're so sweet! It's such therapy to reminisce on your own and read others as you're waiting in the "real world" until you go back "home" lol!

Our best memories are from our Disney vacations. There are so many and I'm grateful for all of them...

 

[Tia1977]

Here we were, the night before her "real birthday". When we got back to the resort, she headed straight for her 2nd to last "present" of the trip. Courtesy of sweet grandparents we saved her biggest gift card for tonight. She was bed bouncing and squealing with delight (after she picked her jaw up off the floor-gotta love grandparents!) She called granny and grandpapa straight away to thank them Then on to her outfit.

Cracks me up bc of course she loved it, but it was the shoes...


That girl was more excited about those shoes than anything else we got her combined lol! (teenage girls and shoes). Like she put them on right away, had to text pics (to I think her whole contact list lol!), and even put them back on after her shower At that point, we were surprised she didn't sleep in them

On a thankful serious note, this is a good time to share how much I love DD's mom, and our family dynamics. DH and her mom have joint custody, and she splits time between us and her mom/stepdad.
They divorced when DD was very young, and they co-parent so well! I credit that to how warm & welcoming her mom was to me from the start (even when we were just dating). And I credit how welcoming her mom was to how close DD and I are. In the real world, she calls me "Tia" (a family nickname I've had since my oldest nephew), and I call her "Squirt Face" (goes back to the 1st time DH introduced me to her).

I think of all this bc the 1st person DD texted about her shoes was her mom (who had already seen them bc she was kinda a partner in crime I had throughout this trip's planning process ), then we face timed her mom so she could see the whole outfit on. I've thanked her numerous times for welcoming me. (The 1st year we were married, she took DD shopping for my 1st "Mothers "Day". Talk about when they gave it to me!).

But something about how she helped me with this trip, the eve of DD's bday, & Disney got me super emotional about the "bond" her mom has always extended to me. After DD fell asleep, I snuck outside to call her mom just to thank her again. She called her "our girl" who does that?!? (other than a special big hearted woman) It was meant to be. God meant for her to be DD's mom, and He prepared my heart (and hers) to be DD's stepmom

 

[Tia1977]

We woke DD up early to sing Happy Birthday. Teenagers lol, she just pulled the covers over her head moaning about more time to sleep But then all of a sudden it's like it "sunk in" we were still at Disney and her "real bday" was here-bc she threw the covers off, and jumped out of bed all like On the agenda was MK again and a bday Chef Mickey's dinner.

She strutted into MK on top of the world, on a Disney bday high


Hilarious too bc I ironed her outfit all perfect like (even the tutu) and spent extra time on her hair, and our 1st FP? Splash! Now we normally don't get that wet, even if we sit in the front. But, this is when Murphy's law kicked in, bc we got SOAKED! Like I was wringing her braid and tutu out!

We dubbed this:
#splashmountainhairdontcare

We FP Mine Train, Space, got a snack, and let her take the lead for wherever she took us (a lot of shopping with $$ burning a hole in her pocket). We did sneak this in. The photographers are so creative, and yes she's posing. But what's funny is we get close to the same reaction at home lol "Yuck, you do know I can see you right!?!"

Then it was time to hop the monorail to a bday dinner.

I have to say the character interaction was awesome for her (which again is why you go):


Twinsies! Minnie loved her outfit, and kept looking it over making her twirl.

And Mickey must've known she was coming (wink, wink):

Did we hardly touch it after a buffet? Nope. Did we ever eat the leftovers she took with us? Nope. But, she LOVED it! And she carried that cake box all through MK with pride, showing it off to anyone who came close to asking about it

The bday dinner was a success as far as her experience (which was all that mattered). It wasn't such a success as far as the food and service. I think at least until grandkids come along (her dad would at me even typing that, I'm gonna knock on wood lol!), CM's is a one and done for us.

After dinner, we went back to MK to close the place down. So sweet! After Wishes, she continued to shop. I went to hang out in the empty "alley" while DH stayed with her (I love sitting at that table when it's deserted listening to the "sisters"). When we met back up to watch the Kiss Goodnight, she hands me something. With her bday $, she got me a keychain with a Disney stick girl figure that says "#1 Tia" and she thanked me for the "best birthday ever!' I lost it in the middle of Main Street like a blubbering mess

Look at this precious bday Minnie! I wouldn't trade this trip for anything material in this whole world!

 

[Tia1977]

We said goodbye to MK, DD waving to "her" castle "see you in 2 months", then back to the resort. The plan was to pre-pack and wake up early for our half Epcot day prior to driving home. In reality, DH & I were already falling asleep watching her open her last "present". Not only did we not pre-pack; we didn't even take showers to wash MK off We slept hard, so hard we missed our 1st 2 FP's and barely made check out

I did however wake up early enough to book our FD BB offer for this June (yay, FP window opens tomorrow ). We were already planning on June & the FD BB just rolled out our arrival day woot woot! So thank you to everyone who didn't go last summer, forcing Disney's hand! Who would've thought FD for the summer

We barely got to Epcot in time for our Soarin FP, then we had some time to kill before DD's last character meal at Akershus. So, we met this guy!

Out of the new/new to us characters we met this trip, Baymax was my favorite! So cuddly, squishy, & darn cute! Cindy's sisters were DD's favorite, and of course Chewy & Kylo were DH's favorites.

We checked in for lunch and met this pretty lady.
The lil girl in front of us had her dark hair BBB'd did up & yellow Bell dress on. It was adorable! Like big me lil me.

We thought the quality of food was better than HV & CM's, but I got an "it's different" from DD about her "meatball thing". We thought our "pork loin thing" was delicious.

DD loved the princess time, but going back to lil kids. It was hilarious bc DD was the only big kid in the whole place! We saw big kids at the other character meals, but maybe bc this one was lunch? She literally towered over everyone.

So of course being loving parents, we "forced" her to do the parade march Aurora was in charge of our section. Upon our request, she pulled her up right out of her seat. Even our sweet server got into the action by blocking her from sitting back down

Right before this she was shooting us "you're dead" daggers.


I saved my phone in time before DD could delete the pictures (I made sure to get tons!). "You better not show anyone!" "Of course not sweetie". What happens on DIS stays on DIS

She picked a pearl, shopped, had some ice cream, then both her and DH were ready to go. I was torn between making them get a France picture or wait for me to drink a yummy martini slush But, this was her trip & there was no one in line for pictures.

You can SO tell we didn't have time to do her hair Minnie Ears are a quick fix. But, between that, the sun, & our accidental contrasting stripes (we should have @ least stuck her in the middle lol) my"nice France picture" went a lil sideways

We made our way to the front and headed home

In between naps, she non stop chatted about her "amazing" bday and how she "can't believe we did that for her" and wants to "one day do that for her daughter" (at which point DH said "shut your mouth " lol! And I imagined how he'd die when she got her 1st boyfriend; which in real life was just around the corner ). It was truly a wonderful trip, and one we know she'll never forget

 

[ktb2002]

A precious diser and her sweet son.... who in the world did y'all meet at that party!!?? I'm just here to live vicariously through you! I'm so glad we've stayed in touch over the bond created waiting on them to take their sweet time opening the ressies up!

 

[Tia1977]

A precious diser and her sweet son.... who in the world did y'all meet at that party!!?? I'm just here to live vicariously through you! I'm so glad we've stayed in touch over the bond created waiting on them to take their sweet time opening the ressies up!

LOL so hard!!!! You guys are what kept me sane (semi) while we waited...and waited...I'm so glad too! And I do credit that "precious DISer" for me getting them so easily when they were finally released!

 

[Tia1977]

(Pumped about making our June trip FP's this am! I started making them 4 minutes after the window opened lol! And found out it's going to be another extra special trip in getting to meet back up with someone while there! Score!!! Now I'm really getting into the Disney mode!)

On the way home from DD's bday trip, DH and I started talking about trying different TS places in October. Again, all the bday character meals were worth it for her, but left us lacking food wise We already had BOG, Ohana, MM (which ended up getting canceled courtesy of hurricane Mathew), and 50's PT booked. But, had two character dinners for DD. On her high from her bday ones, she was completely ok with cutting them out. So in the car, I booked Yachtsman and Citricos. Still being so new to Disney TS, they seemed like awesome signatures without getting "too fru fru" as DH would say (We're not fancy lol, he's 100% a steak and potato kind of guy) We got home way late in the middle of the night. But guess what the very next morning was!?!?!

Nothing beats the Disney blues more than booking your next trip's FP's the day after you just got home! Which btw will probably never happen again for us, so I was more than happy for the 3hrs of sleep I got to wake up right on the dot to book them!

Since I was previously put on an Etsy restriction from DH , I waited until we were home from her bday trip before I "started looking" for our MNSSHP costumes . (In reality I stalked Etsy months prior and had them in my cart ready to buy when I was out of the spending dog house). So surprise! I found them after just one day of looking (wink wink) lol. DD and I decided we wanted to Disney bound (more comfy for rides, etc) as our favorite villains. My girl is hers is Cruelly. DH was still refusing to wear a costume so we at least found a visor we talked him into (forced lol) wearing.

We ended up chillin like villains:

 

[Tia1977]

passed (slowly), and it was the week before arrival (and hurricane Mathew was starting to loom). This is when I digress into another "I love Disney service" moment

We were so excited to stay @ CBR, it spoke "future Disney home" to us; even before stepping foot on property. Like many who stay there, we were hopeful for 2 specific buildings. And neither are Pref, so it leaves it even more to chance. Since our stay was under our TA friend, I heard she had to fax the request for us. Unbeknownst to us, she had the GM's direct email from a previous client emergency situation. That nut (in a sweet way) doesn't just fax our room request like I asked, but emails him directly as well!!! Not that she's the type to try and "pull strings" if you will (She later shared the reasons behind why she did, along with the email copy. Which being a mush lol made me ). I was grateful for her efforts, but it was hurricane prep time! I didn't expect her to get a reply, and we fully know requests are just that (lol). Two days before Disney CLOSED (you KNOW it's bad then) & resort chaos (which was supposed to be our arrival day btw) he doesn't just take the time to email her back, he picks up the phone to CALL her?!?!?! Like for real, even if we got nothing close to our request, I'd still be writing this and it highlights his service. Just how many times has Disney closed?!?! And all that extra burden on their resorts in prep mode?!?!? He told her the room assigners got us close (I think a building maybe 2 away?), but he arranged for our #1 pick. Beyond that, he upgraded us to the 2nd story corner water view room that a lot of people drool over

IDK, maybe it's bc he already saw our June stay booked there, maybe a protocol to respond when he's directly contacted, or just maybe he's a sweet guy who saw an opportunity to sprinkle a little pixie dust. You better believe I tracked down who to send a glowing email to about him after we got home (I'd have sent it anyway, regardless of what building/room we ended up with. It was hurricane prep, booked to capacity, and heaven knows the behind scenes drama ...and he takes time to pick up the phone and call about a small room request.)

 

[Tia1977]

The day before arrival we're tuned in to the weather like everyone else. And while in our hearts we knew it was terrible, we were still on the fence. After Disney announced their closing, we still had the terribly irresponsible hopefulness of "what if we go early enough to beat it". That didn't last long of course, so trip delayed. I cancelled our MM reservation for what was going to be our 1st HS day, and our TA friend went to work on a refund. We consoled ourselves with a local day of fun and a big fat steak dinner. Then went to bed extra early.

On our way down, we did hit some pockets of traffic from locals who evacuated going back home. But, we left way earlier enough in anticipation for that to still make great time.

I couldn't resist getting another blackmail picture in the car :


And then...we were finally "home". In more ways than one this time. I giggled, squealed , and car danced when we saw the famous sign. I further giggled, squealed, and full force jumped up and down when I saw our room location in person (imagine the light with angels singing lol! ).

The view from right outside our door:

And closest building to the awesome bridge to OPR.

We threw our stuff in and went to eat Caribbean inspired CS. Well, I did. Yummy chicken w/black beans & rice with sweet corn bread and watermelon for dessert. Fave CS ever so far! DD & DH of course chicken nugget/hamburgered out Then we introduced ourselves to one cool a$$ pool lol!

And the unexpected bonus of pool night? Playing in the pool while watching SW's fireworks:

YEP! We found our "Disney home". Probably me a lil more than DH or DD bc the vibe just "speaks" to me. However, there were tons of things they loved about CBR too. A family pact was made in that pool on that 1st night "this is it forever" (que horror music again).

After they announced construction for June, we were like "ok no biggie, cool- they're making it even better for later"...after they announced the entire closing of OPR, etc for said construction we were like (DH more than me).

And this is Murphy's Law again bc I've told my TA friend a gazillion times (who gets "spoken to" by POR Riverside) that I'd "never want to stay there" I'd cough up Epcot deluxe before that (I grew up close to, & with family in LA; I was over that vibe come teenage years ) We'd laugh & talk about "different strokes for different folks" well...

Dang it all if for the sake of overall family experience...our June stay has now been converted to POR Riverside. At least with Pref at no up charge. But (You haven't seen the last of us yet CBR! Just wait til you're all gleaned up and shiny! And if DVC rumors come true )...

But, we didn't know any of this in October. We fell asleep having found "our Disney home".

 

[Tia1977]

We woke up the next day super early with the chickens and before Mr In an effort to recoup our lost HS day, these night owls were actually gonna RD EMH. Due to our excitement in waking up so early and how close CBR is, we made awesome time! Lol, like there were literally only two other families there when we arrived! We got settled to await our Rock Coaster mad dash. And we waited...and waited lol

While waiting, we met what appears to be a HS celebrity. He was just precious, and made our morning! He kept us laughing and continued to keep us company. (DD & I decided we wanted to "adopt" him lol!). He had a certain pin on that I loved. I thought it was so neat. With time now being close to RD, he disappeared to "get some stuff done". We shook his hand and off he went...only to return again...to give me my very own pin!!! That man! I was choking the tears back...until he hugged me. Then I just

What an awesome display of spreading Disney magic! I admired him so much that I later posted on a Disney FB page. The responses of so many others he's shared the magic with kept rolling back in!! And not bc of material stuff (we wanted to "adopt" him bf the pin!), but talk of his sweet spirit brightening their day. Mr. Les sure has earned himself one big fan club and its people like him that make Disney so special

 

[Jenny Sanders]

How precious.

 

[Tia1977]

After the "magic" from Mr. Les, we were all thrown into the "Disney spirit" that much further. We had so much fun that day! When the gates opened, we dashed to Rock Coaster and got our rock on (3x's in a row no wait!)

Then we got our scare on (Same thing! 3x's in a row!)

Next it was on to SW's fun, early lunch at Starring Rolls (not knowing it'd be our last ever ), our FP's, more SW's fun, and a bonus? The lovey dovey "feels" from DH all day I sent this to his momma and daddy and told them how sweet his "butthead" son was being to me.

By early afternoon we all felt like . So, we hoped a short bus back to the resort for nap time before our Ohana dinner.

Only I couldn't sleep! The room was dark, my two sleepy heads were snoozing away...and I laid there wide eyed! So, I got up and hung out at the Pool Bar with a couple of Banana Cabanas (minus the "yucky red stuff" aka grenadine). While there I booked a surprise massage for DH @ the GF before our Citricos dinner (courtesy of the "feels" for the day and our hurricane Matthew refund ).
Then it was time to get ready and head to the Poly for some yummy food. This lovely view is what awaited us when we arrived.

We sipped on pineapples, filled our bellies with delicious food, got fat and happy on bread pudding, hula danced (or at least tried ), and DH got to flirt with the cute entertainment lady. A wonderful dinner experience.


With our bellies full and happy fat and happy, we headed over to MK for shopping after dinner. All in all just a wonderful day!

 

[Tia1977]

With it being the last night of the electric parade and still only 2 days after the poor people on property were stuck with no park time, MK was most . Which we knew it would be. But, a certain girl who drooled over looking at "her" castle all through dinner really wanted to go. And who could deny that cute face begging pplleeaassee

We left it up to her for how long we stayed. We were gearing ourselves up for a jam packed Wishes and a crazy zoo at the buses afterwards. But, after tracking down the anniversary hoodie she wanted, she was "good" and "ready to leave" (Oh thank heavens! I mean sure sweetie if that's what you want ). So we high tailed it back outta there to catch a while the masses were still inside.

When we got back to the resort, we found our window was adorably decorated by mouse keeping. Again, another sweet touch that makes Disney so special. DD thought it was so cute, she didn't even pull out her favorites to sleep with that night.

Do you ever have those trips that you love so much bc of the kids, and then those trips you love so much because they're for you too? This trip from start to finish was definitely a "for us too". It became our favorite vacation (Disney & non Disney alike) we've ever taken. And while it was continued quality family time , it further opened our eyes to just how much fun Disney is for adults.

While they were getting ready for bed, I couldn't resist night strolling around the beautiful CBR lake, taking in the peacefulness. This would become a habit of mine. One night my 2 sweeties joined me, the 3 of us walking hand in hand Those grounds are like a relaxing breath of fresh air...Then it was off to sleepy land to rest up for the trip's inspiration, our MNSSHP!

 

[Tia1977]

We slept in late, woke up to slip on our best villain attitudes, and we were off to have some Halloween fun!

We joked DH didn't need to slip into his "tude" bc it comes naturally

We pre-partied the day away with typical MK activities and our FP's.

Even our "big strong guy" was enjoying himself.

Normally I don't share many ride pics, kinda the same across the board. But, the CM who just happened to ride with us on Mine Train had us in stitches...and apparently he's well acquainted with every photo spot along the way


We checked in for the party right on the dot, and headed straight to the Big Top gift shop to get DD's AP and party pins. No wait! Thanks to awesome DIS advice I read to get them so quickly!

Even though we were way ahead of schedule, we decided to settle in the area and be the 1st in line for Cruelly (DD just can't miss seeing her!). DH brought CS dinner over for us, and we decided to relax and rest up for later. He then took DD shopping one last time on Main Street while I fought the masses off to keep our spot (lol, we were still the only ones there).

I love sending them off bc #1 they need that alone time, and #2, the deal is to always come back with daddy/daughter pics (I'm kinda obsessed, they call me the paparazzi ). But, who wouldn't melt over pics of their sweeties together

They got back around the time people were lining up behind us, and the real party fun was just about to start

 

[Tia1977]

Cruelly came out right on time, and DD started jumping up and down when she saw her. She was so awesome with her! So sweet the extra time and attention she gave! (again, special CM's!). It made DD's whole night! And I got something in my eye again watching



(Lol! I can tell I'm gonna have to slow my roll with being pic obsessed. DIS keeps slapping my hand in the amount of uploads it'll allow me Yep, I have a paparazzi problem for sure!)

 

[Tia1977]

After that wonderful experience for DD, we went to meet this adorable cuddly teady bear

We planned on watching the last parade in Frontier Land. But, was making such great time-we decided to brave the 1st one in the hub. We found a comfy curb spot and settled in for the best parade we've seen yet

Then we scooted on over into our favorite spot for the castle show and Hallowishes. DD and I went to grab our ritualistic Starbucks and some magic shots.

And let me tell you! Hallowishes literally made DD gasp, gave me the goosies (didn't even take one pic bc I was so in awe!), and even had DH amazed as well! We knew they would be "surround sound" so to speak...But man! Just...wow!

After that, we went to Splash (BTMR was down for refurb). On the way, we stopped for some hitch hiking ghosts (that never properly uploaded to our MM ). Courtesy of the 2nd parade, we rode Splash 4x's back to back! Didn't even unload for one

Still making great time, we headed back to the hub for the last portion of the parade...and the mother of all grand finales!!!!

 

[Tia1977]

We...love...villains (who doesn't right!). We bee lined it over to the castle to get center front row for the last Hocus Pocus show. The spooky fog started and we were in for the best show ever!!!

DD and I fan girled out so hard throughout the entire show, DH kept hanging his head in shame and we grew hoarse!

All our favorites in one spot and perfect viewing!




I went a lil nutty over seeing "my girl" So much that I kept screaming "I love you!" (flashbacks to 7th grade front row NKOTB) She heard me and turned to point her staff scowling, then gave me a flirty wink and thumbs up, pointing at my costume. Talk about so cool!

 

[Tia1977]

We worked up an appetite and went to get our corn dog nugget fix (our version of the hungry hippo game when we share ), took some deserted castle pics, and said goodbye to our awesome MNSSHP.

Some might definitely think our time was wasted in what we got accomplished. But, we did everything we wanted to do and the lazy pace was just perfect for us!

We were still so pumped when we left, DD and I were singing the oogie boogie song in the back of the bus (while the other few passengers were nodding off and wiped out lol). I even fell asleep with it in my head lol! We all agreed it was a huge score for party success!