Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[RGirl]

OH NO! I'll be so sad when Maddie doesn't want to wear costumes any more! I think I'm safe for now though, she's requested that I make her both Merida dresses along with a new Aurora, and a new pink Ariel, and maybe a sparklier Cinderella.

It was such a great day! I really can't wait to share the rest of it because it was my favorite day of the vacation. I hope that the CM appreciate how much of a difference they really make. They are one of the biggest differences between WDW and other places. I think they're amazing.

I hope she keeps wearing them as long as she can! DD still wants them all, but then she acts all peeved about wearing them, they itch, she wants to wear Hello Kitty, something else is wrong. It's pretty much her all-over attitude right now, I guess.

I can't wait to read about the rest of the day! I love those just unbelievable WDW days!!!!

 

[merbobear]

I love the info about the crooked shutters, etc! Things like that are why WDW is just so amazing. Every detail has meaning.

I am glad that you have gotten to the point of looking back at your vacation with MIL as a good thing. It is so hard to vacation with other people...especially when it's a place that you love and know like the back of your hand. You know what to do and when to do it to have the best time, but other people will have their own ideas and own agendas (shopping non stop, for example! lol) but in the end, she had a great time and just doesn't show it the way that you (or I) would.

 

[laura74]

We made our way to Tortuga Tavern where we dined on cheese quesadilla with grapes, taco salad, and a beef burrito. The food was actually really good. My only complaint was that it wasn’t super hot, but by the time I loaded up the taco salad with scads of sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and tomato from the toppings bar I wouldn’t have been able to tell how hot it was anyway.

I've never had the taco salad but I think it's so funny that they just give you a bowl with some ground beef and have you make the salad at the toppings bar.

The CM at the counter couldn’t find the shoes on our receipt from the BBB, but she made the exchange for us anyway. I still have no idea if we paid for those shoes or not.

I'm sure you did one way or another.

In the last few months I’ve had the chance to reflect on the vacation. While MiL frustrated me on occasion, and actually made me out right mad on some others, I’d probably let her join us again.

Good for you. Maddie will have nice memories of her grandma at Disney.

We brought my mother-in-law on our first trip and while it changed the way we did things a bit, I'd do it again. She told everyone that you've never seen Disney World until you've seen it with a four-year-old. She's been gone a little over a year now and I'm glad we all have our memories of Disney with her and that we were able to give her a special time toward the end of her life.

I honestly feel as though I went into the trip with expectations that were too high. My MiL is not a demonstrative person, so doesn’t easily share her feelings. Yet I still expected that she’d be just like I remembered my loving and cuddly grandma was when she took me to WDW for the first time. That’s just not really MiL’s style.

Yeah, that can be difficult. I had a cuddly grandma too.

And, since we’ve been back she’d said several times how much she enjoyed the trip. She tells everyone that she meets that the only way to do WDW is on the Dining Plan like her daughter in law does, and that she can’t wait until I plan the trip for her whole family to celebrate her 60th.

Aww.

(I told her that I’d love to plan the trip, and that I think the best plan is for everyone to eat breakfast and dinner together, and go our separate ways during the day. She agrees ). So while the trip wasn’t perfect, maybe it wasn’t that bad either. Our learning curve was just a little steeper than I had hoped.

Sounds like a great plan!

The CM working at Heritage House was a wealth of information. I could have talked to him all day! According to him, Liberty Square is based on colonial America (mostly Philadelphia) and at that time shutters where hung with leather straps. Since the leather would stretch, shutters were often hanging askew. He went on to say that there are no bathrooms in Liberty Square proper (no indoor plumbing in the colonies), and encouraged us to check out Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (and even though the 2 p’s and e bother me, we did before the trip was over). He said that the Christmas Shop is divided into 3 areas representing 3 shops common to the time. We were encouraged to check out the music shop area of the store where he said we’d find an advertisement for music lessons. After doing that, we were supposed to look at the name of the ice cream kiosk behind Heritage House. Even though we didn’t go into the Christmas Shop until the last day of the trip, I won’t keep you in suspense. The music teacher offering lessons in Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is Ichabod Crane, and the ice cream stand is Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. I loved that CM! Unfortunately, the Hall of Presidents had just let out and a few people wandered in so I didn’t get to talk to him anymore. We did share the info with the original CM that we’d asked and she seemed really glad to know! Only at Disney people.

Wow! That is so interesting. I can't wait to play know-it-all on our next visit to MK.

The parade started and was just as cute as usual. The highlight for Maddie had to be when the gang from Aladdin walked by. Jafar pointed and stared our little Jasmine down, and the Genie came over for a hug from an old friend. And this my friends is why we’re never going to be able to skip a parade with Maddie around. Darn you Disney! Some things you just do too well!

That is just the cutest thing! What a great memory!

Great update Shannon!

 

[tinks_1989]

If you enjoyed learning about what the CM told you should read the hidden magic behind Disney world it has a lot of great Disney back ground info

 

[tralin]

I must have mentioned what a joy my SiL can be! The TR will write itself on that trip!!!!

I'm glad that MiL likes the idea because otherwise I probably would not

You might have metnioned it once or twice!

 

[shan23877]

I hope she keeps wearing them as long as she can! DD still wants them all, but then she acts all peeved about wearing them, they itch, she wants to wear Hello Kitty, something else is wrong. It's pretty much her all-over attitude right now, I guess.

I can't wait to read about the rest of the day! I love those just unbelievable WDW days!!!!

For the last 2 weeks Maddie's attitude has been horrible as well. I would have chalked it up to the move etc and wallowed in Mom Guilt, but thanks to you I know I'm not alone. We've really been cracking down on her with a 3 strikes and you're out policy. So far it's helping.

That's hilarious that you mentioned Hello Kitty. Mads always wants those shirts, and I'm asking her "Why? What do you know about Hello Kitty?" And they seem to run really small too, so it seems like every time that I give in and buy one it fits for about a week.

Update coming right up!

I love the info about the crooked shutters, etc! Things like that are why WDW is just so amazing. Every detail has meaning.

It was so cool to talk to that CM! I loved getting all of that info!

I am glad that you have gotten to the point of looking back at your vacation with MIL as a good thing. It is so hard to vacation with other people...especially when it's a place that you love and know like the back of your hand. You know what to do and when to do it to have the best time, but other people will have their own ideas and own agendas (shopping non stop, for example! lol) but in the end, she had a great time and just doesn't show it the way that you (or I) would.

I needed some time to gain perspective, but I'm glad that she has such fond memories of it. If she hadn't mentioned that, I might still be upset. On the next trip, I think that we'll give each other some space so that she can get her shopping done!

I've never had the taco salad but I think it's so funny that they just give you a bowl with some ground beef and have you make the salad at the toppings bar.

It is funny, but it's perfect for me. I always want extra toppings.

I'm sure you did one way or another.

Indeed.

Good for you. Maddie will have nice memories of her grandma at Disney.

Trying to be the bigger person.

We brought my mother-in-law on our first trip and while it changed the way we did things a bit, I'd do it again. She told everyone that you've never seen Disney World until you've seen it with a four-year-old. She's been gone a little over a year now and I'm glad we all have our memories of Disney with her and that we were able to give her a special time toward the end of her life.


That's very true. Even though she's young and in good health, she won't be around forever-for Maddie or for us.


Wow! That is so interesting. I can't wait to play know-it-all on our next visit to MK.

It was fascinating! Won't it be fun to play smarty-pants tour guide on your next stroll through Liberty Square?

That is just the cutest thing! What a great memory!

It was really sweet.

Great update Shannon!

Thanks Laura!

If you enjoyed learning about what the CM told you should read the hidden magic behind Disney world it has a lot of great Disney back ground info

I should! I'm fascinated by all of that stuff! I'd love to do one of the tours too!

You might have metnioned it once or twice!

 

[shan23877]

I took TONS of photos that afternoon/evening, and by gumby I'm going to share them! This will have to be a 2 parter.



Once the parade finished up, we set out in search of some characters. Not just any characters though, we needed to find princesses.

Since we were already in Liberty Square we stopped by to visit Tiana and Naveen first. We were second in line when she returned from her parade break, and only waited about 10 minutes. Seemed as though we were off to a great start. Sadly, Naveen was not with Tiana at the time so we didn’t get to meet him. Wasn’t that big a deal to Maddie though. She was really after the gals in sparkly dresses. Tiana was very sweet and of course complimentary of Little Jasmine’s makeover.

​

We took the logical princess stalking route into Adventureland, stopping along the way at Ariel and Eric’s M&G. The line there was insane. This was at about 3:25- the line for the 3:30 meet was closed and the line for the 4:30 meet was already 15 people deep. We sensed that terrible waits were to be the theme of the afternoon, so we moved deeper into Adventureland to see how bad the Jasmine M&G was.

Little Jasmine’s priority was meeting Real Jasmine and her beau. Unfortunately the line there was just as bad. The 3:45 line was closed, and we became the 10th persons in line for the 4:45 meet. Sweet Bryan told Maddie and I that he’d hold our place in line while we had some fun. I realize that some of you my be calling shenanigans on this move, but we only intended to have Maddie be photographed with them so we figured that one person in line was just fine. Most of the people waiting for the 4:30 meet with us felt the same way and sent their little ones off with one parent while the other waited.


While Bryan waited in line Maddie and I queued up for a spin on the Magic Carpets. The wait was a surprising 25 minutes, but we waited anyway. Maddie loves the ride, and it kept her from 75 minutes in an unmoving line.

Flying high above Agrabah

​

We detoured to the ladies room and browsed through some shops before joining Bryan, and by the time we returned, we only had to wait for another 15 minutes before it was our turn.

Waiting in line

Almost our turn!

This Aladdin wasn’t quite as wonderful as the one we’d met 2 days before, but he was still much more animated than Jasmine. He put Maddie’s wand in the vase pretending that it was a snake and told her they’d have to sing to get it out. Maddie just giggled, so Aladdin began to sing a little tune and retrieved the wand. He was very sweet about her outfit and called her Princess Jasmine several times. They posed for pictures and we were on our way. Little Jasmine was utterly charmed.

​

Maddie still wanted to meet Ariel so we stopped back by and discovered that the wait was still over an hour long. None of us had the patience for that so DH and I told Maddie that we’d make sure to meet her on our next MK day.

Our dinner ADR was still over 3 hours away and we all needed a little snack so we went to the Confectionary.

​

Bryan and I decided that were in the mood for something salty versus sweet, but Maddie had discovered her own personal nirvana. Choose your own color M&Ms!!! While I waited in line for a small bag of pastel colored M&Ms, Bryan ran down to the Rapunzel meet to check out the line for that. At an hour and a half, Rapunzel was out too. Instead we took Little Jasmine and her M&Ms to Casey’s where Bryan and I split a corn dog nugget meal.

​

Once we’d eaten our snack it was about 6 pm, and we decided that since character lines were all so unmanageable we’d squeeze in a few rides before dinner.

But first, some PhotoPass

 

[shan23877]

Maddie’s first choice? The teacups of course! The wait was only 10 minutes. Mr. “I don’t do throw up rides” sat this one out while Maddie and I rode.

And we're spinning

​

Next Maddie and her Dad took a spin on the Speedway.

The wait there was only 10 minutes as well. We were beginning to think that we were onto something here. Maddie couldn’t reach the pedals but she took charge of the steering. She had lots of fun, but Bryan was afraid that he’d suffered whiplash at the hands of our novice driver.

Maddie was on a roll, so we kept going. She was due for another turn on the Barnstormer, and the wait was only 15 minutes. I took lots of pictures of the new Storybook Circus area to share with all of you, but I’m moving so slowly here that I’m sure you’ve seen them by now.


But in case you haven't...

We're super brave, hands up!

Storybook Circus Costumes

​

After the Barnstormer, it was Dumbo time. Bryan sat this one out, and Maddie and I joined the longest line we’d seen that evening- a 20 minute wait. While we waited, Maddie was wondering where Dumbo keeps his magic feather since she didn’t see it represented on the ride vehicles. The sweet CM who she asked said that he keeps it under his hat so that it doesn’t fly away when the ride starts to spin. Maddie LOVED that answer.

and now we fly

​

It took a picture of my watch before we got in line for the teacups and again when we got off Dumbo. Exactly one hour had passed. I have no idea what made the character lines so long and the ride lines so short that day, but I’m glad that we had the chance to take advantage of it!

After Dumbo, we all strolled down to the Town Square Theater and snagged some FP for the Princess M&G. Not the best use of our time, since we then walked all the way back to Fantasyland for Maddie’s first visit to Philharmagic.

​

The show started about 10 minutes after we got there, and Little Jasmine adored it. She was reaching out trying to grab things flying through the air and giggling and singing along with the show. As we exited a young couple that had been sitting to Maddie’s right stopped us to say that they’d really enjoyed watching the show with DD because she’d been so clearly enjoying herself. It was a sweet moment.

 

[EKW]

I am loving your trip report...it's a window into how the other half lives!

Let me say, God knew what he was doing when he sent me boys! I'm a not character sort of person, and my boys aren't either...it would drive me up the wall if I had to spend all that time waiting in one line or another! We usually get in 20 or so rides a day...plus shows, parades, etc. As for shopping, we wander thru shops that are at the end of rides, but other than Star Traders, shopping really isn't on our Disney radar.

Your daughter is very lucky that her parents are the type who are willing to invest their time in the girlie sort of stuff. You have such a cute family...can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

 

[shan23877]

Our Princess FPs were already good so we marched back down Main Street to see some ladies. At this point, Maddie still didn’t know about our dinner plans, so she deemed it to be necessary. The standby time was 70 minutes, but as the only ones in the fastpass return line we slipped right into the room and met Maddie’s besties.

​

Maddie had a lovely time, but nothing noteworthy happened (I say this because I have nothing in my notes about it other than the wait times).

Bryan in a funny hat! If this doesn't get him out of hiding (to retaliate)-nothing will!

​

We browsed the Emporium next leaving with the gloves/purse/tiara set that matched Little Jasmine’s outfit as well as the stuffed animal of the day- Daisy. It was meant to be Lotso day but the Emporium was only stocking the smaller ones, so DD changed her plans. We also got her the “glass slipper” ears- we’d like to get her a set on each trip as a timecapsule of sorts to remember what she was into on each trip- and I got some princess dress notepads. (DD and I argue daily over whom those belong to). I looked for a sweatshirt that I liked since it was another cold evening and I was growing tired of wearing the one that I’d packed, but I didn’t find one that I liked well enough to spend $60. The Cubs hoodie would have to do. I had also been keeping an eye out for the Cubs Vinylmation en every store, but struck out again. However, another thing that Disney does that’s spectacular? The CMs offer to cut the tags off of these things so that little princess can accessorize or hug their new friends right away.

Finally, we spilled the beans to Little Jasmine about our dinner plans and made our way to the castle for a royal engagement.

 

[shan23877]

I am loving your trip report...it's a window into how the other half lives!

Let me say, God knew what he was doing when he sent me boys! I'm a not character sort of person, and my boys aren't either...it would drive me up the wall if I had to spend all that time waiting in one line or another! We usually get in 20 or so rides a day...plus shows, parades, etc. As for shopping, we wander thru shops that are at the end of rides, but other than Star Traders, shopping really isn't on our Disney radar.

Your daughter is very lucky that her parents are the type who are willing to invest their time in the girlie sort of stuff. You have such a cute family...can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

Thanks! and Welcome!

I never thought I'd be a character stalker, but it's a lot of fun to see her with the characters that she loves so much. I'd love to get that many rides in during a day!

We're shoppers by nature, but at WDW it's even worse.

We don't have long before the girly stuff is out, so we try to enjoy it while we can.

 

[kmedina]

I am loving your trip report...it's a window into how the other half lives!

Let me say, God knew what he was doing when he sent me boys!

This made me laugh. Even though I love my boys, I want a daughter so much. God may still give me one, because we are going to try one more time.

I love reading about the girlie things, because I may not ever get to experience them myself. That said, my boys still make me wait in many long character lines.







Tiana really is beautiful. Other than the lovely yellow dress you rarely see Belle in at the parks, I like the one Tiana wears best. Maddie looks so awesome. Sorry the Princess lines were so insane. I am one of the people who have no problem with a parent holding a place in line for the characters and have been instructed by cast members more than once not to bring the kids through the line. That happened most recently at Buzz and Woody at DHS when the CM told me to let Connor stay sleeping in his stroller and have Crap meet us through the exit. Xander stayed with them rather than in line with me. Connor was still asleep when I made it through the long line, and I am sure you remember that both boys were asleep in the pictures.

I love the pictures of Maddie with Jasmine and Aladdin. Good thing she got to see them all dolled up like Jasmine. Your castle pictures are just darling. Maddie is smiling from ear to ear. Those look like real smiles to me, so she must have been excited. You are probably having great luck with the rides, because everyone else is in the character lines. I love the answer about the feather being under Dumbo’s hat as well. I love Maddie’s pose in the side castle picture. It is adorable. How sweet of the couple to tell you that after Philharmagic! It sounds like Maddie had a great time.

 

[kmedina]

to getting right in to see these princess and bypass the 70 minute line. Other Mommas must not have known about the fastpasses. Even though there was nothing eventful that occured, I am glad Maddie got her Princess fix without another long line.

 

[RGirl]

Great updates!!!

I, for one, am thrilled that you posted pics of the new Storybook Circus area - I am WAY behind and have not seen a single photo until now! So thank you!

It looks like Maddie was having an amazing day! Loving all those princess pics! I dread the day when these little girls no longer care about meeting princesses. We must enjoy every second while it lasts!

 

[hardingk]

Another awesome update!! Maddy and Kathryn would get a long so well!!!

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, I'm glad Little Jasmine was willing to go along with the plan to enjoy some shorter lines rather than brave the long lines for Ariel and Rapunzel. That was a good use of time to take advantage of some shorter waits in Fantasyland.

Bryan in a funny hat! If this doesn't get him out of hiding (to retaliate)-nothing will!

Retaliation??? This TR might be on the verge of getting even more interesting.

Finally, we spilled the beans to Little Jasmine about our dinner plans and made our way to the castle for a royal engagement.

Wow, she really is getting the royal treatment all day long!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

What a great day for Maddie! I love all the pics of her with the princesses. She looks so happy! It's awesome that the ride lines were so short and good call on the princess M&G fp! And how sweet about Philharmagic - that was one of my boys favorites too.
Looking forward to hearing about your special dinner!

 

[RachVH]

Agree with the PP, another amazing update! And while I do not know the official "rules" I see no issue with your DH holding Maddie's place in line. As you said, one person in line, one person for the pictures. Makes everyone happier, and reduces the chance of meltdowns in line which would make everyone miserable. The trouble comes, I think, with people who have one person stand in line for 15 people, all of whom want individual pictures with the characters and then other pictures with different combinations of the 15 people. I can see that getting on my nerves. But your way, never!

 

[laura74]

Once the parade finished up, we set out in search of some characters. Not just any characters though, we needed to find princesses.

Of course! Maddie needs to hobnob with her own kind.

Tiana was very sweet and of course complimentary of Little Jasmine’s makeover.

I LOVE Tiana's dress!

This Aladdin wasn’t quite as wonderful as the one we’d met 2 days before, but he was still much more animated than Jasmine.

That Aladdin is pretty WASPY looking. And wow! That wig...

Little Jasmine was utterly charmed.

And she looks utterly charming.

Bryan and I decided that were in the mood for something salty versus sweet, but Maddie had discovered her own personal nirvana. Choose your own color M&Ms!!!

Why are these so much more expensive than regular M&Ms?

But first, some PhotoPass

Great photos!


Great update. Love the photos Shannon. With that headpiece Maddie looks like a beautiful Renaissance princess.

 

[MINNIEmeetsTINK]

She looks absolutly Precious as Princess Jasmine!!!

I'm always so jealous of the little princesses running around after they visit the BBB. I wish they had it about 13years ago I'm too old to run around in a sparkly poofy dress attempting to imulate my favorite princess... well in Disney World at least

So excited for your suprise dinner!!!