Why, My Little Guppy Has Groupies! - A Dec. 2013 TR *Completed

[amazingact21]

Grrrr....typed up a whole response and the DIS ate it!

Let's try again...

This update was really full of highs and lows!

So glad you got to spend that special one-on-one time with Landon! Magical moments there for sure!

That Photopass photographer needs to watch what he's saying. I had a whole story written up about how I relate and had a similar thing happen when I was in college and stopped at a waterpark alone while driving back to school - but I don't feel like re-typing it. So, suffice it to say, I understand those feelings and still remember them to this day.

Can't believe those rude people waiting for the parade! I'm a very non-confrontational person and I want to yell at them for you! I probably would have passive-aggressively stood up to watch the parade, just to spite them. The crowds that night in general just seem crazy - everyone sitting there so early for the parade - no wonder people were grumpy!

So glad that the parade was a success and Landon loved it so much! Super cute!

I'm thinking that Eric saw Landon's glasses and wanted to show Ariel the "thing-a-ma-bob". He probably thought the baby glasses would be a great addition to her collection of treasures!

Hope the rest of the night goes more smoothly and people are in better spirits!

Spot on! I love your theory on Eric and the thing-a-ma-bob!


I'm not a confrontational person, either, but if there ever was a time I wanted to pick a fight...that would have been it!

Yeah, I thought that PP was very rude! Heaven forbid some people have fun on their own. Heck, sometimes going at it solo can be less stressful due to not working around multpile interests/goals.

Way to go from a high to a low to a high again!

I love that you got to sneak in a few mommy - son rides with Landon. I'm not sure what was up with the PP photographer. Maybe he figured someone else was going to suddenly appear for the picture with you and you were delaying him. IDK.

Then the parade fiasco. UGH. I never line up for parades. I just sort of look for a spot where I'm not in anyones way and I just look through the crowd of people in front of me. It just sounds so frustrating.

Love your pictures of the parade.

We don't normally line up for parades anymore, either, but we really wanted to catch the Christmas one for Landon. And since he was so tiny and we were already there...the opportunity sort of presented itself.
Never again, though... At least not until Landon's old enough to request that.

Ok so I'm trying to keep up better than normal.

I told you I wanted to try to go check and see if they had any of the party pins. Here is how it went for me.... sitting there looking at the time..... thinking wow it is taking her a long time to change that diaper. She knows I want to try to get one of the party pins. I asked your mom if she thought she could handle it too.


We have to make sure that we plan this early enough to get an O'hana reservation sooooo good!

Yeah, I got that you wanted to check out the pins, but that's what texting is for. We had an hour and a half to kill. Plenty of time once I got back.

Agreed. We have to plan early enough to eat at ALL the places we want to try. It would be a perfect trip. Maybe I need to start a PTR so we can collaberate while you're gone.

Oh man. I'm reading the start of your update and I feel like I know where this is going.

I'm so glad you had time to do things with just Landon and yourself. I can see exactly why you would feel emotional about it.

Wait, what if it really was only you and Landon? What an odd thing for the PP photographer to say! Like you couldn't enjoy a trip with just him.

It's totally okay that you had an un-Disney moment. They happen. I've had plenty of them. Unfortunately, there are so many rude people out there, it just doesn't surprise me anymore.

Awww, Landon! I love that he enjoyed the parade so much.

That Eric interaction sounds so awesome. But I mean, come on. I've met him, Landon is totally the cutest ever. And is the cutest ever without glasses.

Yeah, the comment by the PP bugged me. I told myself he didn't mean it the way it sounded, but still...
Because, honestly, a trip with just Landon and I sounds fun. It'd be brutallly hard, but at least I'd control everything we did for the entire trip. Talk about freedom.


I loved that Eric interaction! It was so special, especially since Landon enjoyed the Ariel meet and greet the night before.

I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the parade and that Landon became the center of attention with Prince Eric despite the rough lead-in events. We haven't see the Christmas parade but it looks like a lot of fun!

Sadly, I always observe those types of guest behavior before a parade at Disney. It's gotten to the point where now when I scope out a spot along the parade route that I look for some structural help that can help fortify our positions as the crowd behind us builds. Sometimes we sit next to a trash can, once I picked a spot to sit down on the curve right in front of a lamp post so that no one would come behind us, and once I picked out a spot in front of a planter. It makes it worth avoiding the aggravation.

I can definitely see myself avoiding the parade waiting game when Landon gets older. Simply because I don't want him to witness such rude people. I don't want him to go to Disney and see grown adults at their absolute worst.

I will say, though, that the Halloween parade is not nearly as bad. Alex and I didn't even have anyone sitting behind us during the first run. So I think if I do another party event it'll be MNSSHP.

Totally understand. The couple of hours I had with DS one afternoon at MK alone last trip is probably one of the best memories I have from that trip.

It''s nice to get that one-on-one time with your kids while in Disney.

Such a shame... I always hate it when something like this happens that puts a damper on a night or a trip. This is why I avoid waiting for parades at all costs. Even if it means standing the back with a kid on my shoulders.

I've got to say that your mom definitely went above and beyond. I think if I was in her situation trying to hold spots when everyone else was off somewhere else, I'd have reached the point where I'd just say "screw it, if nobody else wants to wait, I'm out of here." But that's just me. I've got to give her credit for sticking it out, and the other guy who stepped up to her defense. At least you can take that away from it. Despite the less pleasant experiences with humanity there are at least a few good ones out there still.

Yeah, we learned our lesson.
I told my poor mother that we wouldn't have been mad at her if she had to give up our spots. I'd much rather lose a good seat than have a fight break out on Main Street. But hopefully (*hint hint, Alex*) that won't ever happen again.

Yep... stay classy with your passive aggressive behavior.

I can't say too much. After an especially aggressive knee jab I might or might not have pushed my folded stroller backwards a little and onto a foot.

That really is cool! I'm glad he got some of that special attention... from Ariel and Eric even if it was in 2 separate instances. Too bad Ariel didn't quite pick up on what Eric was trying to show her.

A major highlight of the trip. I just wish Alex wasn't in his own little world and had witnessed it.





And it totally outweighs the less than stellar moments from the evening, doesn't it? [/QUOTE]

 

[amazingact21]

Thursday, December 5th, 2013:


It only took a few milliseconds after the parade had passed for the guests around us to stand up and swarm the middle of the street. The craziness was continuing on!

My mom, who hadn’t gotten a chance to stand up in several hours, took that opportunity to stretch her legs for a bit and get a better look at the castle with its holiday lights.


It did look mighty fine that night.








Despite the rough night, my mom kept her spirits high and smiled through it all.


And, of course, she had a moment of excitement when she saw the castle turn her favorite color, a gorgeous shade of purple.






Alex and I tried to get a special family photo to commemorate that night, because goodness knows when we’ll get to go to another party, and we got Landon to look directly at the camera. Hooray!



But Alex was squinting….

Sigh.

It’s impossible to get both those boys to cooperate.



Landon was in a bit of a playful mood since he’d been sitting in his dad’s lap for so long, but unfortunately we couldn’t put him down to play. There wasn’t any room for that. By then, people were packed in around us like sardines. Thankfully, Alex had had the bright idea to unfold our stroller, so all of us had a small buffer in front of us to kind of give us a break.

Of course, we also had to put the brake down on it, because folks kept pushing it out of their way. As if they could magically make the thing disappear and free up that extra two feet of space.

Some people…



My mom took over baby duty in that restless, pre-show timeframe and kept him entertained with bounces and funny faces. (While Alex decked him out in his spiffy blue earmuffs, the best pre-trip purchase we have ever made.)



It’s those little moments like up above that make the trip. I can only hope in twenty years, Landon’ll be wheeling his grandma around the Magic Kingdom while she thinks back to that night where she tossed him up in the air and caught him, listening to his adorable little baby giggles.

Those two have a special relationship, and I like to think this Disney vacation helped strengthen it thanks to dozens of those interactions right there.



The Celebrate the Magic castle show began about ten minutes after the three of us got settled into our spots and finished taking some pictures, and I was pretty excited about it.

I had not seen the new show yet, and the last time it was playing, I was helping Alex find an easily accessible spot on Main Street for the fireworks so I didn’t catch one single scene.

I was going into the show a bit hesitantly. I adored the Magic, the Memories, and You, and even now listen to the soundtrack on my phone. I worried a bit how Celebrate would live up to its predecessor. Despite reading numerous positive reviews on the DIS, I still was skeptical.


The music began, the castle underwent its transformation, and all doubts immediately left my mind. I only took a handful of pictures throughout the show, because I wanted to really concentrate and enjoy my first run-through of Celebrate uninterrupted.

However, I couldn’t help getting a quick shot of my favorite part:



I’m gonna wreck it!!


The holiday bonus at the end was perfect; the candy canes on the castle were just too cute. After seeing that addition, I wished I could have seen the castle in its summertime look. The beach bum in me would have loved that.

During the Celebrate the Magic, I also heard Let it Go for the first time.

That’s kind of a crazy sentence to write.

To think there was a time in the Disney universe where Frozen was new, and I didn’t know the songs by heart or comprehend the humor in “Big summer blowout!”

There was a pre-Frozen time….who knew?


Anyways, I heard (and saw) the Frozen spiel and couldn’t help but think, “Whoa, that’s a pretty cool song.” It actually gave me chills, and I caught myself singing the few lines I heard under my breath afterwards.


Later on that night, I told Alex, “We really need to see Frozen when we get back home.”

And that was just because I’d heard that thirty seconds or so clip.

Disney marketing…they’re doing it right.





Celebrate the Magic finished up in all its wonderful content and musicality, and I felt a great sense of satisfaction. I could send the Magic, the Memories, and You to the lush retirement world of Disney events gone by and welcome Celebrate into my home. It was worthy of future viewings, and I gladly opened my heart to it.


And then, everyone who’s anyone knew what was about to happen once the castle went back to its normal Cinderella signature color.

Holiday Wishes!


Starting in about July, I’d sit Landon on my lap about once a day and play the soundtrack to Holiday Wishes on my computer. I secretly wanted him to recognize the music so he’d be just as excited as I knew I would be.

So the very second we heard the telltale “’Tis the spirit of the season, you can feel it in the air,” we both broke out in big, goofy Disney grins and a tear or two glistened in my eyes.

I was in Disney World.

I was listening to this special soundtrack that my son and I learned the words to together.

I was watching fireworks next to my husband and my mother.

While extremely blurry, I think this picture goes to show how happy I was at that time.



It was the culmination of all my planning and daydreaming. The thing I’d been picturing in my head for months was right before me, and it was even better than my imagination had made it out to be.


And then, five minutes into it, Landon began doing his tired “Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh” noise.

In a very loud voice and at a very disturbing volume. People around us were shooting me dirty looks.

Nooooo!

This was my moment!

Alex could tell I was struggling with having a memorable experience by watching the whole show through or giving in and starting the “put-to-sleep” routine. He was nice enough to take Landon out of my hands and do the job himself. (He even asked before he grabbed him, knowing how much I wanted to hold the baby throughout the fireworks, just to make sure I was okay with it.)

He needed brownie points after the desertion incident.


With my hands free, I took hold of the camera and balanced it on the stroller handle to try and get a few shots. Just because I knew my Trip Report would look empty without some fireworks.

I know how to treat you well, friends.

I kid, I kid. Actually, I can’t help but photograph the fireworks. They’re just too spectacular not to.



(In hindsight, this might have been one Alex took…hmm.)



Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree…






Right there on Main Street, the spirit of the season really could be felt in the air. I think only Christmas morning itself could have felt more spirited.

Holiday Wishes was definitely the best part of the Christmas Party, and the perfect show to see during that season. While the people were nuts and the night had moved slowly, I didn’t regret buying the special events tickets to see that. It was fabulous.


And just like any fireworks show, the end left me on a complete high, while the other people in the park made sure to bring me right back down to reality with the stampede to leave.

I don’t know if we were just more in the thick of things than compared to normal, but the mob seemed worse that night. It was very constricting and claustrophobic, and I was actually a little scared for Landon and myself. The lights on Main Street and the street noise had woken him up, and I had taken him back so that he could eat, and I felt a little scared with the Main Street madness.

Alex pushed the stroller while my mom and I walked behind him; we headed around the hub towards Adventureland. Not because we wanted to; the plan was to stay out of the way until it was clear, but the sea of people kind of pushed us forward in the surge.

We moved about a foot a minute, while guests behind us pushed and shoved us into the folks in front of us. I was holding onto Landon out of sheer terror. People kept ramming into my side and into his head, squishing his little feet with their bags, and I kept hitting Alex’s back because someone had pushed me with their hands or elbows.

I became genuinely scared, feeling like I was going to be trampled underfoot, and my mom could tell I was about to panic, so she moved behind me to try and create a barrier in both my front and back.

I remember at one point, someone pushing a wheelchair rammed our stroller and ran over Alex’s foot, and he said to them, “I’m not standing here for my own enjoyment. There’s nowhere to go in front of me.”

And my mother half shouted at the people around us, “She’s got a baby, people! Please, stop shoving!”

Alex was royally pissed off, my mom was exhausted, and I was petrified.



When we finally made it to the Adventureland entrance, we pulled off the right and sat down on a deserted brick bench area circling some trees. Alex had to walk around for a minute or two to cool off, because he was so heated at other people. Meanwhile, I just sat there and shed a few relieved tears. I was grateful to be alive!

That was insane!


It was a free for all for the exits, and it felt like nobody was thinking about anyone else. I overheard kids screaming because they were scared, grown men cussing like sailors, and scooters running over dozens of feet.

My mom turned to me and said, “I love you, but I’m never doing that again. Ever.”

And I have to agree. As much as I loved Holiday Wishes, I don’t think I could endure something like that again. At least not with a young child. There was no order, everything was chaos, and I felt like everyone had lost their minds.

Thank goodness all four us survived! Who knew we’d be running for our lives in Disney World?

Nutso.



When we all calmed down and Landon had gone back to sleep, I put him in my Ergo, and we all walked down to Pirates. Believe it or not, we’d been at Disney for five days and had yet to ride my favorite dark ride.

And a slow, entertaining boat ride was EXACTLY the thing we needed just then. That event had frazzled me so much that I didn’t take any pictures for the rest of the night. As someone who normally can’t walk two feet without grabbing a photo of Disney shrubbery, that goes to show you how jittery I was.


We knocked Pirates out quickly. (I was able to keep Landon in my Ergo, as well, which was such a relief. I knew there’d been some debate on the matter.)

After that, we all headed to a refreshment station for some free cookies and hot cocoa. It was the one near Aloha Isle, I just have no clue what the name of it is.

The cookie was undercooked, in my opinion, and I kept dropping crumbs onto Landon’s head, so I didn’t eat much of it. And even though it was approximately 100 degrees out that night, I really enjoyed the cocoa. The chocolate calmed my nerves and relaxed me.


At that point, Alex wanted to do some more pin shopping, but I didn’t really feel like going anywhere, so he parked my mom and I at the very back of the restaurant, in an open seating area, went and got us two more cocoas, then left for awhile.

Those ten minutes were quiet and serene for my mom and I. We had time to decompress, vent over the Alex and Main Street situation, and relive the madness of post-fireworks. It was one of only a handful of times that my mom and I got some time to ourselves where the baby wasn’t awake and demanding our attention, and it was nice. Reminded me a lot of our girl’s trip and how fun that was.

And the time together was topped off by the second running of the Christmas parade. We couldn’t see it, but we could hear it, and we both became full of smiles and cheer when we could hear the toy soldiers’ boots clomping through Frontierland. An unexpected dose of pixie dust when we needed it most.


When Alex returned to us, he showed us his cache, went and got another cup of cocoa and cookies for himself, and then checked on the time. It was 11:30pm by then, so we had just enough time to do one more thing before the party was over.

Well, we were over in Adventureland, and I’d gotten to do my favorite ride; it was only fair we got to do Alex’s next.

So off to the Jingle Cruise we went!

This was our first time riding the Jungle Cruise after dark, and we were looking forward to experiencing the difference nighttime brought to the attraction.

The standby time was posted at 15 minutes.

That was a lie.

It ended up being closer to 30.

Which wasn’t a horribly long time, but the humidity had risen to unreasonable levels, and everyone was packed under that roof with no breeze or air circulation and I was carrying an extra fifteen pounds on my chest.

An extra fifteen pounds that was a mini furnace.

Whew, boy, did that kid put off some heat.

I was dying, thinking I’d pass out from a heat stroke, debating more than once the advantages of getting out of line and heading out of the park.

And it was almost midnight in December!

How do you strictly summer visitors do it??





In the end, I’m glad Alex made me stick the wait out, because we got an amazing skipper. While nobody can compare to our first, Jessica, this guy was right up there. Jessica thrived off of audience participation and fed off improv, while the skipper that night (I can’t remember his name) had a really dry/sarcastic sense of humor. The way he told the jokes made them seem new and fresh. He put a new spin on them.


You could tell he was one of the best by how his boat approached the loading/unloading dock with the all his passengers alert and laughing hysterically.

It was a great experience, one that definitely shone a positive light on an otherwise bad party night.

Sometimes, a great Cast Member is all you need to save the day.



By the time we finished with Jungle Cruise the Magic Kingdom had closed, and we needed to leave the park.

But not before grabbing at least a couple Photopass Pictures! Sadly, they did not turn out like I’d hoped, and looking back I wish we’d gotten a few from Main Street, but at least they’re something. Better than nothing…


The line for everything was extraordinary. It didn’t matter if you wanted a monorail, a ferry, or a bus, you were going to have to wait at least 30 minutes.

We were getting on the resort monorail to head back to the TTC and while not a big deal, there was one young couple that just made me shake my head. I had been standing among the masses holding Landon for quite some time. Wasn’t complaining, was just going about my business. That’s the life of a parent and sort of comes with the territory when on vacation.


My group had reached the end of the monorail ramp and onto the platform when this girl in front of me goes, ‘Whew! Finally!” and sits down on an empty wheelchair.

And then she goes on and on to the guy she was with about how bad her feet were hurting her and how she’d had to lug her camera tripod around the park and how she’d been out in the heat all day long.

To which the guy goes, “Yeah, but it was worth it to get that seat on the bench three hours prior to the shows so you could get the photos you wanted.”

Really?

I mean, really?!

You’re going to jump into an empty seat which actually isn’t a designated spot before offering it to the half a dozen parents lugging around their sleeping children after you’ve sat on a bench for three hours?

Really now…



I don’t want to start any kind of discussion or argument over whether or not the person had every right to sit down or not. She might’ve had some medical condition that I didn’t know about or a physical disability I didn’t see, so I’m not saying she shouldn’t have sat down.

All I’m saying is, from where I was standing, it was kind of ridiculous to be complaining about the strenuous conditions when you’re resting your feet and others are toting twenty to thirty extra pounds of dead weight.

Know your audience.



And with that, our 5th night at Disney came to a close. We were entering the tail end of our trip, but there was still plenty of things we had yet to see and do, some of which were waiting for us the following day at a different park.



Up Next…Someone’s playing hooky at work.

 

[Dugette]

Wow, that crowd at your MVMCP was such a nightmare! I can't believe how rude and pushy (literally!) that people were. I guess we've seen some bad incidents before, but never so many in such a short time. And a party night too - you'd think these people would be entranced by the extra magic.

I'm glad you were able to have some special moments, despite them. That Celebrate the Magic show is really cool, I agree! So strange to think about a time before Frozen, though.

Hmmm, I'm just thinking about your party and wondering if that's typical or not. Just realized that the one MVMCP we went to (2010) happened to be on an obscenely cold night, so I doubt the attendance was that high (we were in winter attire and shivering under a blanket while waiting for fireworks - that cold!) Of course, I don't remember having any issues with crowds or long waits. Maybe go again on an unpleasant-weather night?

Glad you were able to make the best of it and still felt it was worth the price of admission, though.

 

[MEK]

T




.

What a great picture! Love it!

Not going to lie. I owe you a reread. I just finished picking crabs and beer and I can't keep my eyes open. I'll be back to read everything tomorrow, just had to comment on this pic because its SO CUTE!!!!!

 

[shan23877]

I think I'm finally caught up on your TR! While I can't possibly remember everything I'd want to comment on, I do need to tell you that you can count me among your little guy's groupies! He's just so adorable.

That MVMCP crowd sounds 100% scary. I would have been super super freaked out. I'm really glad that you were able to relax and enjoy a few favorites after that.

My DH is one of those guys who will always jump up and offer his seat to women or children, and I've held strangers kid's in my lap along with Maddie on more than one occasion. This last trip Maddie was literally falling asleep standing up on the bus (in the VERY front) and while I struggled to keep her and me upright an able bodied man and his teenage son who had seats actually gave me a dirty look when I swung into them with the motion of the bus.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahhh that castle in Dream Light mode.

Lovely photo of you all with the castle. And for some reason I see a bright future in air traffic control for Landon. Or a DJ. My God that kid is adorable.

At the end of the day, that's what it's all about Alicia. Making memories that last a lifetime.

Yup, same exact experience hearing Let It Go for the first time. It stuck with me instantly.

Alicia, I LOVE the way you write your feelings. The emotion jumps right off the screen.

I cannot believe your experience with the crowds. It seemed like the worst of the worst was in full effect that night.

 

[marDgreen88]

Your party night sounds... memorable! I've been there, just with entirely different circumstances, but I kinda know how you feel. It still kinda stinks to look back at the party and be like 'oh, right.' I'm glad there were a lot of good moments though!

I've never heard such a terrible post-fireworks story. That's just BAD!

Jingle Cruise sounds so fun! I wonder if they'll bring it back this year?

 

[amazingact21]

Before I get to a couple replies, I just have to say that I've got the best mother and husband in the world. Alex, despite having to spend the next 6 months far away from his home and his family, is understanding enough to let me have a great birthday this year. He follows the philosophy of, "Even if I can't do something I love, that shouldn't stop you from getting to grab hold of those opportunities."
And my mother, knowing how much I'm going to miss having Alex around and knowing that in a 15 day stretch the two of us are going to miss both our birthdays and our anniversary has convinced me to distract myself in the best way possible.
She's given me a new ticker for my signature!


I don't plan on writing anything about it until at least August (because I'll need some Disney distraction by then) but now that Alex is aware of everything, I just had to say something!

Wow, that crowd at your MVMCP was such a nightmare! I can't believe how rude and pushy (literally!) that people were. I guess we've seen some bad incidents before, but never so many in such a short time. And a party night too - you'd think these people would be entranced by the extra magic.

I'm glad you were able to have some special moments, despite them. That Celebrate the Magic show is really cool, I agree! So strange to think about a time before Frozen, though.

Hmmm, I'm just thinking about your party and wondering if that's typical or not. Just realized that the one MVMCP we went to (2010) happened to be on an obscenely cold night, so I doubt the attendance was that high (we were in winter attire and shivering under a blanket while waiting for fireworks - that cold!) Of course, I don't remember having any issues with crowds or long waits. Maybe go again on an unpleasant-weather night?

Glad you were able to make the best of it and still felt it was worth the price of admission, though.

I have no idea if that is normal party behavior or not. I am leaning towards no, though. Simply because every party that week was sold out, and there were much higher crowds than anybody expected for that time period. I think it was just a poor week in the Disney bubble.
I remember 2010 very well. I kind of enjoyed that really cold weather, especially the night we saw the Osbourne Lights. However, I don't have to deal with cold on a normal basis. If I was going to Disney to escape those frigid temps, I'd have been a little disappointed.

What a great picture! Love it!

Not going to lie. I owe you a reread. I just finished picking crabs and beer and I can't keep my eyes open. I'll be back to read everything tomorrow, just had to comment on this pic because its SO CUTE!!!!!

Thank you! Like I tell my mom, she's an accidental photographer.

I think I'm finally caught up on your TR! While I can't possibly remember everything I'd want to comment on, I do need to tell you that you can count me among your little guy's groupies! He's just so adorable.

That MVMCP crowd sounds 100% scary. I would have been super super freaked out. I'm really glad that you were able to relax and enjoy a few favorites after that.

My DH is one of those guys who will always jump up and offer his seat to women or children, and I've held strangers kid's in my lap along with Maddie on more than one occasion. This last trip Maddie was literally falling asleep standing up on the bus (in the VERY front) and while I struggled to keep her and me upright an able bodied man and his teenage son who had seats actually gave me a dirty look when I swung into them with the motion of the bus.

Can't wait to hear more!

Thank you, Landon sure is a character.

Hmm, some people. I know it's not a rule that you have to give up your seat on the bus, but it's just polite. I know, for me, I couldn't in good conscious sit there and watch a little girl sleep standing up while I relaxed in a seat. It's not like the bus ride lasts forever, and nine times out of ten you're going straight to the comfort of your room. But not all people feel that way, unfortunately.

 

[MEK]

Yup - that party did NOT sound fun. I hate the whole crowd mentality. It can be dangerous. I'm glad you were able to escape for a ride on pirates and JC. JC sounds like it was definitely worth the wait.

That man on the way out of the park sounds totally annoying. You are SO right - know your audience. pfft!

The castle/fireworks pictures are lovely. Nice job whoever took them. So totally festive. Love it!

 

[khertz]

Oh my gosh, I got anxiety reading about your fight through the crowds after Wishes. YIKES! That sounds terrible, and I'm sincerely glad none of you were trampled.

I can't believe it was that hot for you in the middle of the night in December! Florida weather is truly one of a kind...

Landon in glasses is cute. Landon in glasses and earmuffs is absolutely KILLING ME WITH CUTE!

 

[Dugette]

Yay, congrats on the new ticker!! How nice of Alex and your mom to make sure you have a happy birthday, despite missing your hubby. That is awesome! Are you doing the Frozen package at DHS?

 

[Jackie1284]

Hi my new Disney friend it was so nice meeting you and your husband and your adorable little boy today! So glad y'all didn't think I was some crazy person it's great to know that there are some disers close by!

 

[afwdwfan]

Ok, I'm way behind on getting caught up and it took me all day to read this update... so here it goes...

First of all, I applaud Alex for keeping his cool when he was run over while standing in the street and trying to push the stroller. However, I'm a little disappointed that the stroller didn't become a weapon at that point. I totally get that. Been there, done that. Tried pushing a City Mini double wide stroller through that little area towards Adventureland after Wishes before. Stupidest idea ever. I think the next time, we just decided to hit the baby care center and restrooms there by CP and wait out the crazies. I completely understand what you mean about fearing for your safety and Landon's. As sad as it is, that isn't an uncommon situation in that park after Wishes, Holiday Wishes, Hallowishes or whatever the event of the evening might be.

I'm glad that the cookies, parade sounds and Jingle Cruise skipper lifted your spirits somewhat after that experience. That was some much needed pixie dust.

And the Monorail wait... Yuck. I mean the length of the wait is bad enough, but to the whiner near you...

 

[amazingact21]

Ahhh that castle in Dream Light mode.

Lovely photo of you all with the castle. And for some reason I see a bright future in air traffic control for Landon. Or a DJ. My God that kid is adorable.

At the end of the day, that's what it's all about Alicia. Making memories that last a lifetime.

Yup, same exact experience hearing Let It Go for the first time. It stuck with me instantly.

Alicia, I LOVE the way you write your feelings. The emotion jumps right off the screen.

I cannot believe your experience with the crowds. It seemed like the worst of the worst was in full effect that night.

Landon loves music, so I could definitely see him DJing one day.

In realy life, my emotions are pretty obvious, so I can see how that comes through in my writing. If I'm happy, everyone around me knows I'm happy, because I can't stop talking or waving my arms or bouncing up and down. I'm an open book.

Your party night sounds... memorable! I've been there, just with entirely different circumstances, but I kinda know how you feel. It still kinda stinks to look back at the party and be like 'oh, right.' I'm glad there were a lot of good moments though!

I've never heard such a terrible post-fireworks story. That's just BAD!

Jingle Cruise sounds so fun! I wonder if they'll bring it back this year?

The party was rough, but I also think it wouldn't have been as bad if we hadn't wanted to do the main events. Like, if we'd gone just for the walk on rides and the free cookies, we probably would have had a much better experience.
I hope they continue to bring back Jingle Cruise, as well! It was fun and fresh.

Yup - that party did NOT sound fun. I hate the whole crowd mentality. It can be dangerous. I'm glad you were able to escape for a ride on pirates and JC. JC sounds like it was definitely worth the wait.

That man on the way out of the park sounds totally annoying. You are SO right - know your audience. pfft!

The castle/fireworks pictures are lovely. Nice job whoever took them. So totally festive. Love it!

I don't see us doing crowds like that again until Landon is much older and can handle the mayhem on his own. I don't want to be worrying about both mine and his safety simply because other people are going nuts.

 

[amazingact21]

Oh my gosh, I got anxiety reading about your fight through the crowds after Wishes. YIKES! That sounds terrible, and I'm sincerely glad none of you were trampled.

I can't believe it was that hot for you in the middle of the night in December! Florida weather is truly one of a kind...

Landon in glasses is cute. Landon in glasses and earmuffs is absolutely KILLING ME WITH CUTE!

Aww, thank you! It's strange for me to be writing this update and see all these pictures of him as a baby. He is all toddler now.

Typically, FL is still hot in December. Our coldest months are Jan-March. The only upside is that there's maybe a 5-10 degree difference between my house and Disney. So, if I had to pick, I'd rather be hot in Disney than hot at my house.

Yay, congrats on the new ticker!! How nice of Alex and your mom to make sure you have a happy birthday, despite missing your hubby. That is awesome! Are you doing the Frozen package at DHS?

As shocking as it sounds, we are not! Crazy, I know.
But my and I never had plans to visit DHS, since there wasn't a lot in the park for us, and we aren't sure if we want to change our plans at this point. There is one day we have earmarked as down time that if we can change if we are just dying to see it.

Ok, I'm way behind on getting caught up and it took me all day to read this update... so here it goes...

I'll try to write less next update, sorry!

First of all, I applaud Alex for keeping his cool when he was run over while standing in the street and trying to push the stroller. However, I'm a little disappointed that the stroller didn't become a weapon at that point. I totally get that. Been there, done that. Tried pushing a City Mini double wide stroller through that little area towards Adventureland after Wishes before. Stupidest idea ever. I think the next time, we just decided to hit the baby care center and restrooms there by CP and wait out the crazies. I completely understand what you mean about fearing for your safety and Landon's. As sad as it is, that isn't an uncommon situation in that park after Wishes, Holiday Wishes, Hallowishes or whatever the event of the evening might be.

Oh, Alex did use the stroller aggresively a few times. I just include that. Didn't want to make him look bad.
But yeah, there was foot smashing going on.


I think the nighttime shows vary from day to day. It's all about the crowds, the weather, the time of year. Typically, we have had zero problems in May. Even on this last trip, we felt like we had Main Street to ourselves. But December is just too crazy for us.

 

[amazingact21]

Hi my new Disney friend it was so nice meeting you and your husband and your adorable little boy today! So glad y'all didn't think I was some crazy person it's great to know that there are some disers close by!

Thank you so much for coming up and saying hello! It made my husband's and I's day! Your DS was so adorable!

I love meeting fellow DISers, because you know right off the bat these people share the same love and passion for Disney as you do.


And I agree, it's great that there's a local DISer. It's a small world...
AND to read the same people's TRs, very cool. Definitely feel free to comment again; it was great to get home and see you'd said hello. And if you ever decide to write a TR of your own, I would certainly follow along.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'll try to write less next update, sorry!

Oh, no, no, no! Don't do that. I didn't mean it that way. I just had a crazy busy day and anytime I had a few minutes to sit down and start reading through it something would come up. And I'm behind on the Dis in general. I can't seem to keep up with any thread this week.

 

[teekathepony]

I loved Celebrate the Magic, definitely a worthy successor to MM&Y.
Aww, too bad Landon got tired during Holiday Wishes, still, sounds like a lovely time watching.
OMG we got caught in a crowd like that after the 40th anniversary fireworks in MK. it was treacherous, you literally couldn't get anywhere. I fell your pain, though I didn't have a baby to protect. That's scary.
Glad you were able to calm down on Pirates and then the Jingle Cruise.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I finally caught up again. You must be excited about your upcoming trip. That is pretty close to when we are traveling too! Hope you have a great time.

 

[amazingact21]

Oh, no, no, no! Don't do that. I didn't mean it that way. I just had a crazy busy day and anytime I had a few minutes to sit down and start reading through it something would come up. And I'm behind on the Dis in general. I can't seem to keep up with any thread this week.

Ahh, that makes more sense.
And don't feel too bad about being behind on the DIS; I haven't read anything in almost two weeks. Real life can just be too busy sometimes.

I loved Celebrate the Magic, definitely a worthy successor to MM&Y.
Aww, too bad Landon got tired during Holiday Wishes, still, sounds like a lovely time watching.
OMG we got caught in a crowd like that after the 40th anniversary fireworks in MK. it was treacherous, you literally couldn't get anywhere. I fell your pain, though I didn't have a baby to protect. That's scary.
Glad you were able to calm down on Pirates and then the Jingle Cruise.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Ugh, I've read horror stories about the MK 40th night. Everyone's pretty much said they'd never do it ever again.

I finally caught up again. You must be excited about your upcoming trip. That is pretty close to when we are traveling too! Hope you have a great time.

I have been absent from the DIS for several weeks now, so while I'm behind on everyone elses' reports, most everyone's caught up to mine.
I am really looking forward to the trip, although I am a bit nervous about handling a toddler in the August heat. That'll prove interesting, since May was difficult.