smile4stamps
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2009
- Messages
- 4,427
Congratulations on your new little one! How exciting! Glad your DH got to be there!!
WDW vs. the terrible twos- and the verdict is... trip update 2/12
- Thread starter CandleontheWater
- Start date
amandaw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2011
- Messages
- 4,426
Congratulations!!!
So sorry I've been away from here the last couple of weeks & I missed your big announcement.
I'm so happy all is well with both of y'all and that Everett is taking to being a big brother. Foster is super cute!! And I love his name!
So sorry I've been away from here the last couple of weeks & I missed your big announcement.
I'm so happy all is well with both of y'all and that Everett is taking to being a big brother. Foster is super cute!! And I love his name!
Elleshoodat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2010
- Messages
- 1,428
Congratulations on your newest addition! He is beautiful. I love the birthday he chose for himself, too!
Fantasyland Mom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 1,595
So sorry that I've been missing from the boards the last few weeks, but even though I'm late, I wanted to say a big WELCOME TO EARTH to baby Foster!
I'm glad he got to choose his own (cool) birthdate. Happy it all went well and that he's adjusting and nursing well; I know those first few weeks can be the hardest in both those respects, but it gets so much easier after a few weeks!
He is absolutely lovely. I hope Everett is loving being a wonderful big brother!
I'm glad he got to choose his own (cool) birthdate. Happy it all went well and that he's adjusting and nursing well; I know those first few weeks can be the hardest in both those respects, but it gets so much easier after a few weeks!
He is absolutely lovely. I hope Everett is loving being a wonderful big brother!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
AHHHHH, congratulations, Marissa!!! I am so happy for you! I LOVE the name, and Foster is so handsome! What an awesome birthday!
Thank you, we had a hard time coming up with a name, but I think Foster fits him very well!
What a beautiful baby you are, Foster Nathaniel. Congrats to all.
Thank you, we think he is awfully cute as well!
Thanks!
His shirt says "Just arrived" which I thought was super cute!
I have been thinking about y'all all weekend!! What a precious little angel! I'm glad he got to come in his own time.
Congrats, Marissa!
His first trip is right around the corner, I can't believe it!
I think there was something about that date, because I had 2 other friends have their babies that day too!
I still feel so lucky that he made it home, it truly was a miracle!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
I'm pleased to report that Everett is doing great in his role as big brother. He is always asking to hold and hug Foster, which I think is just so cute!
I am loving your report. I have to boys 1 and 4 and this is exactly how they wuld be!Kepp it coming! Just saw! Congrats on baby #2! He is adorable!
Thanks for joining in! I'll have more trip updates soon!
I won't have any problems remembering his birthday, that is for sure!
Thanks!
Thank you too!
I'm glad you guys all like the name. Its a little different, but I didn't think it was too out there, its easy to spell and pronounce, and those were my two big requirements.
Congratulations on your handsome new arrival!!!!!! And welcome to the Dis, Foster Nathaniel!!!
That is so cute that he chose 12-12-12 for his birthday! He's already making awesome life decisions!
He is such a good baby, I feel so lucky!
Yup, I grow big babies. If he had stayed in longer, he'd have been a 9 pounder like Everett!
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!!!!
Foster did pick an awesome day to be born on, and I think it's especially neat that he decided the date on his own terms.
Glad Everett is taking to his new role as big brother, and everything's running as smoothly as it can with a newborn.
Thank you! I can't believe that in just a few months we'll be welcoming your little boy to the DIS!
Thank you, Foster did make Christmas especially merry this year!
Thanks!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Congratulations to all of you! Hope you are spending some very special time just bonding as a group of four now. Life will never be dull with those two little fellas plotting their mischief together in the years ahead.
I can only imagine the trouble the two of them will get up to when they are older. With Everett as an example, I'm sure Foster will pick up on the crazy soon enough!
Foster really is beautiful...
Enjoy your precious time together with your boys-all of 3 of them...
&
Congratulations...
Thank you, I do feel so lucky we were able to have some time together when Foster was so new to the world!
Pretty much everyone told me that going from one to two kids was a much bigger adjustment than from going from none to one. I dont' think that is true at all, everything was new with #1, there was so much to learn and get used too. Now with #2, things were already pretty crazy with Everett, it just adds a little more crazy. It think its been easier, because instead of going from no crazy to crazy, you are just adding a little more crazy to the pot. I can totally see how people have 4 or 5 kids, once you are in for a penny, might as well be in for a pound!
It was so great being able to share everything with him, I'm so happy he didn't have to miss this!
Thank you so much, everything has been running so much smoother than I anticipated, it really has been wonderful!
Just stopped by to say hi! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and hope that Foster is doing great!
Foster really should win "Best Baby Ever". He is so easy and sweet, I feel like I won the baby lottery!
Happy New Year! So happy to stop by and read your family was all together for new babies birth, Christmas and New Years!!! May you enjoy you beautiful beach view even in the cold
Thank you! We've actually be able to go out to the beach a few times already, the weather hasn't been too bad. I did have to tell Everett about 20 times that it was too cold to go in the water, but he eventually figured it out!
He does have the coolest birthday!
Thanks for stopping by with your well-wishes!
So sorry that I've been missing from the boards the last few weeks, but even though I'm late, I wanted to say a big WELCOME TO EARTH to baby Foster!
I'm glad he got to choose his own (cool) birthdate. Happy it all went well and that he's adjusting and nursing well; I know those first few weeks can be the hardest in both those respects, but it gets so much easier after a few weeks!
He is absolutely lovely. I hope Everett is loving being a wonderful big brother!
Thanks for stopping by, I know that things get crazy over the holidays! He is nursing like a champ and I am so happy. Everett had a really hard time getting the hang of it in the begining, so I'm really happy that Foster took to it right away and I didn't have to worry about his weight gain. I guess it helped that I was more experienced too!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Greetings from Norfolk!
We're here in Virginia and have gotten nicely settled in to our temporary home. Our apartment is actually really nice and we have a decent amount of space, so I count us as really lucky! We've also had some really nice weather, so we've been to the beach and I found a playground we can walk to. Mark's work schedule has also been really light, so we've been able to spend lots of time together as a family. We're here for about another month before he leaves again on deployment, so we're trying to enjoy our time together as much as possible.
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with everyone's TRs, but once things are back to normal, I'll be back!
I did get a new update finished, so I wanted to go ahead and post that before I got too far behind and forgot everything about our trip! So without further ado:
Episode 6: Living in a Toddlers Paradise Part I
Our next attraction is a personal favorite of Everetts. I know a lot of kids are not fans, but Everett has always been a little different, and even now if you ask him which ride he wants to ride at Disney, Haunted Mansion is always one of his top picks. In fact, one of his favorite games at my parents house is pushing open the French doors between the family room and dining room and yelling Welcome to the Haunted Mansion . Yeah, its cute the first couple of times, but I assure you, it gets old fast.
One of Everetts favorite parts of the HM is the newly redone interactive queue. I know its gotten slammed from the purists, but I think its a great addition, and its pretty much a toddlers paradise. A whole area of things to touch and push and with the added bonus of water features and bubbles, yes please!
The crypt is a favorite
As is the book case
And the organ
The only real issue we run into is the lack of inactive queue etiquette , there is always that awkward moment when people come up behind you and then do they pass, do they not pass, and Im constantly having to say Oh please, go on ahead , or well be here a while, please pass us . Can we all just come together on the DIS and make it a rule that if someone if playing with the interactive queue it is OK to just pass them and not have to worry about being overly polite or looking like your line cutting. Please, just go on ahead, well get there eventually. I understand not everyone wants to stand and press the books over and over again, so dont wait on us!
Eventually I was able to tear DS away from the line and into the actually attraction, which was awesome as always. Everett really loved the eyes in the wallpaper, and ever since weve been back hes talked about seeing eyes in dark rooms, which actually is a little creepy. I think hes going to take after his father and actually like spooky and scary things, and not be like his mother who will turn the channel if even a commercial for a scary movie comes on TV.
After the ride I tried to get Everett to pose in front of the crypt
You can see how well that turned out
After our time with the grim grinning ghosts, it was FP time for Peter Pan! Everett calls it the pirate ship ride and was very happy to be boarding his ship to Neverland.
Unfortunately the little boy in front of us was not, and was crying that he didnt want to ride. Everett was very concerned about this, and walked over to the little boy and told him little boy, It be OK, this be fun! While I dont think DS actually reassured the boy (in fact, I think it might have had the opposite effect
), I thought it was very sweet, and it is moment like that one that make me think that I actually might not be doing a terrible job as a parent. He may act like a wild animal sometimes, but he has his moments where he can be very sweet and compassionate. 
After Pan I was getting hungry, and I wanted to get DS some lunch before it got too crazy. I had asked my mom to meet us at the park around 11, and as we made our way over to the CHH, I texted her to see if she had arrived yet. She texted back that she was waiting in line for bag check, so I figured it wouldnt take her too long to make it over for lunch. To kill time, I took some pictures of the empty restaurant and Everett waiting.
After what felt like forever (I think my mom might have fibbed slightly about her exact location in her previous text- at bag check may have actually meant- packing my bag in the room ), she arrived and we placed our orders.
I got my old standby, the fried shrimp, and I have no memory of what my mom got. I think DS went for the ever so exotic, peanut butter and jelly uncrustable. I apologize for the lack of food pictures, but needless to say that everything was good. Unfortunately the same could not be said of Everetts behavior, he acted like he had ants in his pants for the whole meal, and just could not sit still!
Luckily I had the forethought to choose a table way in the back against the wall, so his human ping-pong ball antics didnt disturb any other guests.
We're here in Virginia and have gotten nicely settled in to our temporary home. Our apartment is actually really nice and we have a decent amount of space, so I count us as really lucky! We've also had some really nice weather, so we've been to the beach and I found a playground we can walk to. Mark's work schedule has also been really light, so we've been able to spend lots of time together as a family. We're here for about another month before he leaves again on deployment, so we're trying to enjoy our time together as much as possible.
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with everyone's TRs, but once things are back to normal, I'll be back!
I did get a new update finished, so I wanted to go ahead and post that before I got too far behind and forgot everything about our trip! So without further ado:
Episode 6: Living in a Toddlers Paradise Part I
Our next attraction is a personal favorite of Everetts. I know a lot of kids are not fans, but Everett has always been a little different, and even now if you ask him which ride he wants to ride at Disney, Haunted Mansion is always one of his top picks. In fact, one of his favorite games at my parents house is pushing open the French doors between the family room and dining room and yelling Welcome to the Haunted Mansion . Yeah, its cute the first couple of times, but I assure you, it gets old fast.
One of Everetts favorite parts of the HM is the newly redone interactive queue. I know its gotten slammed from the purists, but I think its a great addition, and its pretty much a toddlers paradise. A whole area of things to touch and push and with the added bonus of water features and bubbles, yes please!
The crypt is a favorite
As is the book case
And the organ
The only real issue we run into is the lack of inactive queue etiquette , there is always that awkward moment when people come up behind you and then do they pass, do they not pass, and Im constantly having to say Oh please, go on ahead , or well be here a while, please pass us . Can we all just come together on the DIS and make it a rule that if someone if playing with the interactive queue it is OK to just pass them and not have to worry about being overly polite or looking like your line cutting. Please, just go on ahead, well get there eventually. I understand not everyone wants to stand and press the books over and over again, so dont wait on us!
Eventually I was able to tear DS away from the line and into the actually attraction, which was awesome as always. Everett really loved the eyes in the wallpaper, and ever since weve been back hes talked about seeing eyes in dark rooms, which actually is a little creepy. I think hes going to take after his father and actually like spooky and scary things, and not be like his mother who will turn the channel if even a commercial for a scary movie comes on TV.
After the ride I tried to get Everett to pose in front of the crypt
You can see how well that turned out
After our time with the grim grinning ghosts, it was FP time for Peter Pan! Everett calls it the pirate ship ride and was very happy to be boarding his ship to Neverland.
Unfortunately the little boy in front of us was not, and was crying that he didnt want to ride. Everett was very concerned about this, and walked over to the little boy and told him little boy, It be OK, this be fun! While I dont think DS actually reassured the boy (in fact, I think it might have had the opposite effect
), I thought it was very sweet, and it is moment like that one that make me think that I actually might not be doing a terrible job as a parent. He may act like a wild animal sometimes, but he has his moments where he can be very sweet and compassionate. After Pan I was getting hungry, and I wanted to get DS some lunch before it got too crazy. I had asked my mom to meet us at the park around 11, and as we made our way over to the CHH, I texted her to see if she had arrived yet. She texted back that she was waiting in line for bag check, so I figured it wouldnt take her too long to make it over for lunch. To kill time, I took some pictures of the empty restaurant and Everett waiting.
After what felt like forever (I think my mom might have fibbed slightly about her exact location in her previous text- at bag check may have actually meant- packing my bag in the room ), she arrived and we placed our orders.
I got my old standby, the fried shrimp, and I have no memory of what my mom got. I think DS went for the ever so exotic, peanut butter and jelly uncrustable. I apologize for the lack of food pictures, but needless to say that everything was good. Unfortunately the same could not be said of Everetts behavior, he acted like he had ants in his pants for the whole meal, and just could not sit still!
Luckily I had the forethought to choose a table way in the back against the wall, so his human ping-pong ball antics didnt disturb any other guests.
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Episode 6: Living in a Toddlers Paradise- part II
After lunch I was hoping to get one more ride in before naptime (maybe against my better judgment) and the lines app indicated that there was a very short wait for Dumbo, so we began to head in the general direction of circusland.
On the way there I was waylaid by an interesting observation- there was a group of people standing next to a door in the construction wall separating the masses from New Fantasyland. Now, being a good DISer and up on all the latest scuttlebutt, I knew exactly what this meant- Enchanted Tales with Belle preview!
Now I also knew that generally people were invited over there, by CMs or from other attractions, but I like to live dangerously, and made the snap decision to just head over there and act like I belonged to see if I could get in. I let my mom in on the secret and we headed straight over.
There was a CM manning the door, but he didnt ask for any credentials , but just told us wed be included in the next group let inside. He explained that they were trying to keep the line down on the other side, so we had to wait a little bit before we could officially enter the queue.
At this point I was internally doing my happy dance, while trying to maintain a cool exterior. I didnt want to tip anyone off that I really shouldnt be there! My Mom went to park the stroller while I snapped a few pictures, and that is when I got a look at the line.
Holy Smokes!
Gauging from the numbers of people waiting, I knew we were in for at least a ½ hour wait, if not more. At this point I began to get a bit nervous, we were perilously close to naptime, it would just take the littlest instance to ignite a firestorm meltdown. Should I risk it?
Well, in what shall go down in the annals of bad parenting decisions, my inner Disney fan won out and we indeed entered the line.
The line itself was not only long and boring (no next gen here!), but hot too! Would it have killed Disney to put up some shade over these switchbacks! I know that it is supposed to look authentic, and youre supposed to be waiting to enter Maurices cottage, but they could have erected some arbors with grape wines for shade, we are in France, right?
We did our best to keep Everett entertained including
Nearly dunking him in a well
And pointing out some scenic buckets
But what really caught his fancy were two pieces of mulch he fished out of the shrubbery. He pretended those two sticks were trains and pushed them happily under and over the switchbacks, yelling Choo-choo at volume levels that ranged between deafening and ear-splitting. Umm, I have no excuse for this other than we were outside?
Well since he was entertained I was able to take some truly awful scenery pictures- look I never claimed to be a photographic prodigy.
Blurry little mermaid ride
A lamp post
mine train track
some crates
Beasts Castle with decorative scaffolding
some rock work
Slightly blurry decorative pavement
window
All was going well until it was time to enter Maurices cottage. At that point I told Everett he had to leave the mulch outside, because Belle didnt need sticks in her house. Well, you can imagine how well that went over, in retrospect never part a two year old and his sticks. As we entered Belles cottage Everett decided to go with the nuclear option and engaged in a meltdown of epic proportions.
DS: GIVE ME MY STICKS!
ME: (in a pleading tone of voice)- You dont need those sticks, were going to meet Belle, she doesnt want sticks in her house
DS: I NO MEET BELLE, I WANT STICKS
At this point I realized the error of my ways, and tried to backtrack through the line back outside, mumbling apologies and trying to explain to my fellow guests that I was on a quest for mulch.
Yeah, I know, I sounded crazy- but not as crazy as I looked when I got outside and began poking through the flowerbeds for two appropriate length sticks.
Sticks in hand, I made my way back through the line, and presented them to Everett- who took one look at them, and threw them on the floor in anger yelling NO, I WANT MY STICKS .
These sticks were apparently not adequate substitutes
At this point I had two options, one was bailing immediately and giving up on my chance to experience this soft opening, and the second was break down and give Everett the emergency paci I had hidden in the bottom of the diaper bag.
Mom of the year here! Paci it was.
With all quiet on the Western Front, I resumed taking terrible pictures including this gem.
Now, I love this picture. What I was trying to capture was the photo of Belle and her mom in the background, but take a good look at the guy in the forefront. As far as I could tell he was solo. He looks like a no-nonsense type of dude, I bet he drives a motorcycle and probably works construction and eats a lot of beef jerky, a real guys-guy. But- here he is, waiting in line to meet Belle and obsessively snapping pictures with his cell phone like a teenager at a Justin Beiber concert. And they say Disney is just for kids.
We made it into the magic mirror room with no further incidents, and I dont want to spoil anything for those of you who havent seen or experienced the attraction (which is probably a minority at this point), but the effects were awesome. The same goes for the wardrobe and the Lumiere animatronic. I think that these were certainly the highlight of the experience, because I really found the rest lacking.
I thought that the laminated cards they handed out as props for the parts were a little cheesey. For our showing, they couldnt find the card that went to the Wardrobe part, so that went unfilled, but they did hand out cards to everyone who wanted to participate. They had all sorts of kitchenware represented, down to the salt and pepper shakers.
Some photos of the experience
Belle and Lumiere
Belle
library
Chandelier
I fully expected to be wowed by the Enchanted tales experience, by all accounts, I am the target demographic for this attraction, a mom of a young child, but I found it lacking. Im not really sure who this attraction is aimed at, budding thespians perhaps? The whole premise of children acting out the story is a cute idea, but a little awkward in practice. There were kids in the room with us who would have loved to meet Belle, but were too shy to stand up in front of a crowd, and some of the children they did choose were definitely not interested in being part of the production. The little boy they chose for the Beast was about 10 or 11, and he obviously rather have crawled under one of the benches than be up there dancing with Belle.
I also wonder about the little girls who like a real interaction with Belle, as opposed to a scripted encounter and a lightning fast photo. I know that Im not the only one who feels this way, and I wonder if Disney plans to make any changes.
After our memorable (both good and bad!) experience behind the plywood curtain, we returned back to regular Fantasyland, and Mom took an over-tired Everett back to the hotel for a much deserved nap. This left me truly solo for the afternoon- so what was my first stop?
After lunch I was hoping to get one more ride in before naptime (maybe against my better judgment) and the lines app indicated that there was a very short wait for Dumbo, so we began to head in the general direction of circusland.
On the way there I was waylaid by an interesting observation- there was a group of people standing next to a door in the construction wall separating the masses from New Fantasyland. Now, being a good DISer and up on all the latest scuttlebutt, I knew exactly what this meant- Enchanted Tales with Belle preview!
Now I also knew that generally people were invited over there, by CMs or from other attractions, but I like to live dangerously, and made the snap decision to just head over there and act like I belonged to see if I could get in. I let my mom in on the secret and we headed straight over.
There was a CM manning the door, but he didnt ask for any credentials , but just told us wed be included in the next group let inside. He explained that they were trying to keep the line down on the other side, so we had to wait a little bit before we could officially enter the queue.
At this point I was internally doing my happy dance, while trying to maintain a cool exterior. I didnt want to tip anyone off that I really shouldnt be there! My Mom went to park the stroller while I snapped a few pictures, and that is when I got a look at the line.
Holy Smokes!
Gauging from the numbers of people waiting, I knew we were in for at least a ½ hour wait, if not more. At this point I began to get a bit nervous, we were perilously close to naptime, it would just take the littlest instance to ignite a firestorm meltdown. Should I risk it?
Well, in what shall go down in the annals of bad parenting decisions, my inner Disney fan won out and we indeed entered the line.
The line itself was not only long and boring (no next gen here!), but hot too! Would it have killed Disney to put up some shade over these switchbacks! I know that it is supposed to look authentic, and youre supposed to be waiting to enter Maurices cottage, but they could have erected some arbors with grape wines for shade, we are in France, right?
We did our best to keep Everett entertained including
Nearly dunking him in a well
And pointing out some scenic buckets
But what really caught his fancy were two pieces of mulch he fished out of the shrubbery. He pretended those two sticks were trains and pushed them happily under and over the switchbacks, yelling Choo-choo at volume levels that ranged between deafening and ear-splitting. Umm, I have no excuse for this other than we were outside?
Well since he was entertained I was able to take some truly awful scenery pictures- look I never claimed to be a photographic prodigy.
Blurry little mermaid ride
A lamp post
mine train track
some crates
Beasts Castle with decorative scaffolding
some rock work
Slightly blurry decorative pavement
window
All was going well until it was time to enter Maurices cottage. At that point I told Everett he had to leave the mulch outside, because Belle didnt need sticks in her house. Well, you can imagine how well that went over, in retrospect never part a two year old and his sticks. As we entered Belles cottage Everett decided to go with the nuclear option and engaged in a meltdown of epic proportions.
DS: GIVE ME MY STICKS!
ME: (in a pleading tone of voice)- You dont need those sticks, were going to meet Belle, she doesnt want sticks in her house
DS: I NO MEET BELLE, I WANT STICKS
At this point I realized the error of my ways, and tried to backtrack through the line back outside, mumbling apologies and trying to explain to my fellow guests that I was on a quest for mulch.
Yeah, I know, I sounded crazy- but not as crazy as I looked when I got outside and began poking through the flowerbeds for two appropriate length sticks.
Sticks in hand, I made my way back through the line, and presented them to Everett- who took one look at them, and threw them on the floor in anger yelling NO, I WANT MY STICKS .
These sticks were apparently not adequate substitutes
At this point I had two options, one was bailing immediately and giving up on my chance to experience this soft opening, and the second was break down and give Everett the emergency paci I had hidden in the bottom of the diaper bag.
Mom of the year here! Paci it was.
With all quiet on the Western Front, I resumed taking terrible pictures including this gem.
Now, I love this picture. What I was trying to capture was the photo of Belle and her mom in the background, but take a good look at the guy in the forefront. As far as I could tell he was solo. He looks like a no-nonsense type of dude, I bet he drives a motorcycle and probably works construction and eats a lot of beef jerky, a real guys-guy. But- here he is, waiting in line to meet Belle and obsessively snapping pictures with his cell phone like a teenager at a Justin Beiber concert. And they say Disney is just for kids.
We made it into the magic mirror room with no further incidents, and I dont want to spoil anything for those of you who havent seen or experienced the attraction (which is probably a minority at this point), but the effects were awesome. The same goes for the wardrobe and the Lumiere animatronic. I think that these were certainly the highlight of the experience, because I really found the rest lacking.
I thought that the laminated cards they handed out as props for the parts were a little cheesey. For our showing, they couldnt find the card that went to the Wardrobe part, so that went unfilled, but they did hand out cards to everyone who wanted to participate. They had all sorts of kitchenware represented, down to the salt and pepper shakers.
Some photos of the experience
Belle and Lumiere
Belle
library
Chandelier
I fully expected to be wowed by the Enchanted tales experience, by all accounts, I am the target demographic for this attraction, a mom of a young child, but I found it lacking. Im not really sure who this attraction is aimed at, budding thespians perhaps? The whole premise of children acting out the story is a cute idea, but a little awkward in practice. There were kids in the room with us who would have loved to meet Belle, but were too shy to stand up in front of a crowd, and some of the children they did choose were definitely not interested in being part of the production. The little boy they chose for the Beast was about 10 or 11, and he obviously rather have crawled under one of the benches than be up there dancing with Belle.
I also wonder about the little girls who like a real interaction with Belle, as opposed to a scripted encounter and a lightning fast photo. I know that Im not the only one who feels this way, and I wonder if Disney plans to make any changes.
After our memorable (both good and bad!) experience behind the plywood curtain, we returned back to regular Fantasyland, and Mom took an over-tired Everett back to the hotel for a much deserved nap. This left me truly solo for the afternoon- so what was my first stop?
Fantasyland Mom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 1,595
We did that same long, super-secretive wait for Belle in the testing phase, but we took away some spectacular memories and were wowed by it...
But that may be because Julia was chosen to be The Beast! She got to wear the cape and have a long dance moment with Belle (watch our video, magical moment!!). Even Brynn got to play a picture on the wall and they walked her through it so even she got to participate, which was nice. And, yes, the laminated props could have easily been so much more; how much would it take just to use a real picture frame instead of a poster board one??
It would be just as sturdy, if that's what they're worried about.
If my kids weren't in the show, I'm not sure I'd care one way or the other, honestly. I definitely don't think I'd wait through that sort of line in the heat again, especially holding a sleeping two-year old
(yep, our nap time, too), but as long as I have kids who want to be in it I probably will.
You know what I realized? We missed the Haunted Mansion queue this time around. I can't recall why we did that, because usually the girls really like to push those books FOREVER. I may not be as polite as you, though.
CHH is my favorite quick service. Mmmmm. Brandon is a fan of the shimp like you, but I go fish all the way!
I'm glad you're spending some great time as a family and was so happy to see your post! Kiss those babies an extra time from those of us here on the DIS!
But that may be because Julia was chosen to be The Beast! She got to wear the cape and have a long dance moment with Belle (watch our video, magical moment!!). Even Brynn got to play a picture on the wall and they walked her through it so even she got to participate, which was nice. And, yes, the laminated props could have easily been so much more; how much would it take just to use a real picture frame instead of a poster board one??
It would be just as sturdy, if that's what they're worried about.If my kids weren't in the show, I'm not sure I'd care one way or the other, honestly. I definitely don't think I'd wait through that sort of line in the heat again, especially holding a sleeping two-year old
(yep, our nap time, too), but as long as I have kids who want to be in it I probably will.You know what I realized? We missed the Haunted Mansion queue this time around. I can't recall why we did that, because usually the girls really like to push those books FOREVER. I may not be as polite as you, though
.CHH is my favorite quick service. Mmmmm. Brandon is a fan of the shimp like you, but I go fish all the way!
I'm glad you're spending some great time as a family and was so happy to see your post! Kiss those babies an extra time from those of us here on the DIS!
shan23877
I make lists about my lists
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2011
- Messages
- 3,381
Marissa, I've missed your updates. I was laughing the whole time. We've all been there, and I would have done the exact same thing. Parents of the Year Unite!
DD is really excited to try the Storytime thing (she saw a youtube video), but yes-as a parent of a princess obsessed kid I am very disappointed that this is the substitution for traditional M&G. On our last trip Belle was far and away the best princess we met each and every time. I'm super sad that we won't be able to have the same experiences with her again. (and Prince Eric's gone too! Boo!)
Enjoy the time that you have with your DH and beautiful boys.
DD is really excited to try the Storytime thing (she saw a youtube video), but yes-as a parent of a princess obsessed kid I am very disappointed that this is the substitution for traditional M&G. On our last trip Belle was far and away the best princess we met each and every time. I'm super sad that we won't be able to have the same experiences with her again. (and Prince Eric's gone too! Boo!)
Enjoy the time that you have with your DH and beautiful boys.
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
We did that same long, super-secretive wait for Belle in the testing phase, but we took away some spectacular memories and were wowed by it...
But that may be because Julia was chosen to be The Beast! She got to wear the cape and have a long dance moment with Belle (watch our video, magical moment!!). Even Brynn got to play a picture on the wall and they walked her through it so even she got to participate, which was nice. And, yes, the laminated props could have easily been so much more; how much would it take just to use a real picture frame instead of a poster board one??
If my kids weren't in the show, I'm not sure I'd care one way or the other, honestly. I definitely don't think I'd wait through that sort of line in the heat again, especially holding a sleeping two-year old
You know what I realized? We missed the Haunted Mansion queue this time around. I can't recall why we did that, because usually the girls really like to push those books FOREVER. I may not be as polite as you, though
CHH is my favorite quick service. Mmmmm. Brandon is a fan of the shimp like you, but I go fish all the way!
I'm glad you're spending some great time as a family and was so happy to see your post! Kiss those babies an extra time from those of us here on the DIS!
It sounds like you guys had a much better cast than we experienced, which I'm sure would lead to an overall better attraction. I don't know what was up with the people I was in the room with, but it seemed like no one really wanted to participate, so the poor CM in charge had to draft people (which is how we ended up with an overly-embarrassed tween beast). I think I also would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't so worried that Everett was going to loose it any second. I'm definitely going to give it a second chance, I bet Everett would really get into it if he was better rested and in a good mood, but I still think it is a strange hybrid of an attraction.
Marissa, I've missed your updates. I was laughing the whole time. We've all been there, and I would have done the exact same thing. Parents of the Year Unite!
DD is really excited to try the Storytime thing (she saw a youtube video), but yes-as a parent of a princess obsessed kid I am very disappointed that this is the substitution for traditional M&G. On our last trip Belle was far and away the best princess we met each and every time. I'm super sad that we won't be able to have the same experiences with her again. (and Prince Eric's gone too! Boo!)
Enjoy the time that you have with your DH and beautiful boys.
I was thinking about Maddie when I was siting through the show and wondered how little girls like her would feel about being rushed through meeting Belle. I was thinking that they would enjoy the acting part, but then be disappointed when they couldn't talk shop with their main princess. I can understand why they rush people through, the line are long enough as it is without personalized interaction, but there has got to be a better way.
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Oh and if any of you guys are interested in seeing some super cute Foster photos, and some Everett/Foster brother shots- you can check it out here
http://www.elizabethfrederickphotography.com/site/#/client-viewing/
The password is Foster12
I think it will be up for a few more days!
http://www.elizabethfrederickphotography.com/site/#/client-viewing/
The password is Foster12
I think it will be up for a few more days!
jedijill
Chiefs fan living in Bronco country
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2005
- Messages
- 7,331
I'm glad I did Belle once (I was the picture frame!) but I don't ever see the need to sit through it again. I just don't think its going to work well during high attendance times....
The baby pics are so cute!!!!! Both little guys are gorgeous. Congrats!
Jill in CO
The baby pics are so cute!!!!! Both little guys are gorgeous. Congrats!
Jill in CO
afwdwfan
DIS Dad #460
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2010
- Messages
- 14,164
It's good to hear from you, but we'll definitely still be around later. Enjoy the family time while you have it!
I've never even thought twice about it... if somebody seems to be hung up on playing with one of the features for longer than we are I just go.
We have a few pictures like that from our trip. Not necessarily with the crypt for a background, but just trying to get DS in a non-action shot while looking in the general direction of a camera.
Taking on that big brother like role already!Unfortunately the little boy in front of us was not, and was crying that he didnt want to ride. Everett was very concerned about this, and walked over to the little boy and told him little boy, It be OK, this be fun! While I dont think DS actually reassured the boy (in fact, I think it might have had the opposite effect
That's always the number one consideration... find the table out of the way with the least possible escape routes.
Tough call, but I certainly can't fault you for it.
I see only one option there... paci it is!
Well, I haven't seen it... Your half hour wait was far shorter than anything going on the whole time we were there.
Obviously, having not experienced it myself, I don't really know how I feel about it, but I know I've kind of wondered how it would work out and have a lot of the concerns that you expressed.
Ooooh!!! Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain... oh yeah... nevermind...
It certainly didn't work well the week the FLE officially opened. Consistently the longest wait in the park.
I'm sure the newness played into it, but it obviously isn't a high capacity attraction.
amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
- Messages
- 6,349
Those photos of Foster are adorable! I can't wait to get photos of DS this summer.
The interactive queue for rides is pretty ingenius when it comes to toddlers. But, I had no idea about queue etiquette. I always just assumed I could pass people that were taking a long time. Woops.
I'm sorry that the whole Belle experience didn't go over so well. Taking away the regular Meet and Greet aspect does seem a little odd. I know way too many shy kids who just want to go up, say hello, and take their picture, definitely not risk landing in a skit with strangers. I can't see that lasting very long.
The interactive queue for rides is pretty ingenius when it comes to toddlers. But, I had no idea about queue etiquette. I always just assumed I could pass people that were taking a long time. Woops.
I'm sorry that the whole Belle experience didn't go over so well. Taking away the regular Meet and Greet aspect does seem a little odd. I know way too many shy kids who just want to go up, say hello, and take their picture, definitely not risk landing in a skit with strangers. I can't see that lasting very long.
My sister's princess
<font color=green>These boards have grimmer police
- Joined
- May 29, 2008
- Messages
- 3,098
Great updates!!!! Love the photos, and as ever your little guy is just so cute!
-
The New 3-Piece Disney X Loungefly Wedding Series Is Here
-
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens in 2026 at Disney World
-
All Day Disney Waffles for Your Summer Vacation at Home
-
Disney Releases New 'Freakier Friday' Trailer
-
Disney Debate: Is Hollywood Studios in Stage Show Overload?
-
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Unveils New European River Cruise Itineraries
-
The New Gideon's Bakehouse Cakes You Don't Want to Miss at Disney Springs
New Threads
- Poll
Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!
Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE
