Young At Heart: The #BirthdayFestivus13 Adventure!!! 5 UPDATES, 1/8!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[luvslikepi]

I'm subscribed but haven't had a chance to start reading yet. Can't wait to start.

 

[katt789]

AH FRICK!! I wanted to say Wayne's World...I should have known! Best movie ever!!

Great updates!! We also did CP breakfast this past trip, it's definitely one of my favorites, man, I could go for some now!! Lol

a

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Awww Mike Wazowski! I didn't know he was on the wake up calls!

What a fun birthday breakfast at Crystal Palace! Lee-Anne's hot chocolate looks delicious and I love your picture with your cupcake!

 

[__disneygirl]

Thank you everyone!!!

You know, I am absolutely one of those people who unapologetically praises Disney and who feels extreme guilt criticizing it in any way. Rose coloured glasses are a permanent fixture is what I'm saying. But, LTM has been pretty much a bust except for a few exceptions. Haha, so I guess I have less of a problem criticising bean counting Disney executives.
At the end of the day, I think it was just a case of needing to advertise "something" for 2013 since there's always a yearly theme of some sort. But I really don't think they had enough ideas to back it up. It is a great concept though.

Yeah, I've been a little bummed about the quality of LTM (and agree that a special piece of merchandise shouldn't qualify ... I mean, it's so magical you have to pay extra for it!). I heard it had something to do with the cost of NFL and just trying to keep other costs down but still wanting to do some sort of celebration. In the end, probably should just done the Monstrous Summer and not highlighted the other Limited Time (not so) Magic events

Yeah, I think you are both right. Especially about just wanting to do SOMETHING for 2013 but also wanting to save money. Oh well, hopefully 2014's promotion will be better! And if not, who cares, it's still Disney.

Oh my gosh, those are some fun times for one day!!

John Stamos...he would be so fun to go to wdw with. Oh Uncle Jesse, please be in the world in February!

What is it about epcot that makes people take their clothes off? (blame it on the alcohol?)

I don't know. I personally would not take my clothes off at Epcot, even when under the influence of alcohol and hot Germans. This is a DANGEROUS combination but even then I can manage to leave my clothes on while in public at Disney. hahaha

 

[__disneygirl]

MAY 14, 2013

Day 2, Part 3 In Which I Feel Up A Disney Character


So where were we headed? NEW(ish) FANTASYLAND OF COURSE!!!

I say New(ish) because it was no longer new to me due to my extremely awesome luck during #StuckInDisney12 in which I got to visit NEW Fantasyland over and over!

So now I've gotten comfy with it. It's still New(ish), though.

I have to say, it's lovely to visit a section of the Magic Kingdom that will always link me directly back to my Stuck in Disney trip. Like, most of MK is very vintage Disney to me. As many new things as there are and as many things have closed, the park is not that different than it was when I first visited. When I enter I am flooded with years and years of memories. New Fantasyland, however, is exclusive to my 2012 trip. It's great to know that even though I am technically an adult now, seeing new Disney places and having new experiences still feels just as amazing and provokes the same kind of nostalgia when I go back to them. Like, you don't have to be a kid for this to be special, monumental, and important to you. I just love Disney so much and I will stop rambling now. hahaha



Lee-Anne had never seen New Fantasyland so she was SUPER excited and full of anticipation!



We passed by the Little Mermaid Fastpass machines and of course had to pick up a pair.



And now we get to the most beautiful part of this whole thing. The bottom line of this whole report and trip in general is that I NEEDED THIS STUFF:

MY LEFOU'S BREW!!!!!!!!!!!



AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.



FINALLY I WOULD EXPERIENCE THE EUPHORIA THAT IS LEFOU'S BREW AGAIN AFTER 6 AND A HALF MONTHS OF A LEFOU'S BREW-FREE EXISTENCE.



@babybritney: I am so grateful that Lefou's Brew is non-alcoholc bc what a problem I would have.



That is the truth, people.



I just love Gaston's oh so much. For such a mean villain, he certainly knows how to run a Tavern. Hey, we all have our strengths.

I really wanted to sit in Gaston's chair but AGAIN it was taken. BAaahh.

I have to say though, as much as I will always love Lefou for creating the best brew on earth, he is kind of a sad person. He just follows Gaston around all day. Literally, watch the movie because he does nothing else (also it's just a good movie, I highly recommend it. Wink.) But like, he sings about Gaston pooping and stuff and how great it is when he does that and how people are jealous. All I'm saying is that if you can identify with Lefou in any way I would seek help.

Even though I adore the brew, I know that a lot of people think it's too sweet or... something....? I don't understand it. But anyway, I told Lee-Anne that since it's pretty expensive, she could taste some of mine first just in case she didn't like it. She said that it was fine and she was sure she would like it, plus she really wanted a souvenir cup. So she ordered her own. Of course, once we walked out of Gaston's, she said didn't like it because it was way too sweet. I told her to try adding some water to it, because normally I hate super sugary drinks and I always water down juice and stuff to make it taste better.



SO SHE WENT TO THE BATHROOM AND ACCIDENTALLY POURED ALL HER LEFOU'S BREW INTO THE SINK.



I mean.... I could have cried.



It was tragic. I don't even know how one could make such a fatal mistake. Me and Lefou's Brew are like Jack and Rose.



I'll never let go.

After that horrific occurrence, we looked around in Village Gifts. As usual, I wanted to buy everything.

When I have my own house someday, I want a blue room with white bookshelves that is mostly for storing books, like a mini-library, and I want it to be all Beauty & the Beast themed. So I very well may end up buying a lot of this stuff someday!

For now I just stuck with my pin trading!



I have wanted to meet Gaston since 5EVER, I even tried multiple times to meet him during #StuckInDisney12, but he was never around. There were no times listed for him on the Times Guide, but I knew he'd be out so I asked a CM in Village Gifts about it. She said he would be out at 12 noon. I looked at my phone and it was 11:52! Talk about luck. I asked exactly where, and she showed me out of the store and pointed to his greeting area. There were only a couple families in line! YES!



I alerted Lee-Anne of this and we ran out of the store and got in line. WOOOO GASTON!



Gaston is by far one of the best Disney Villains because he is so average. Do you have any idea how many men out there are like Gaston? WAY TOO MANY. I'm probably never going to fight a firebreathing dragon, a witch, a giant singing octopus wearing red lipstick, or a "royal vizier" with a magic golden snake staffy thing. I will, however, meet a lot of cocky lowlife entitled jerks like Gaston in my life (I already have), and THAT is what makes him so scary. Villains like him lurk around every corner!



He's also (unintentally) hilarious and good looking though, which is why I knew I had to meet him!



We only had to wait a few minutes and then we were up.



Gaston spotted Lee-Anne's button first and said that he was her birthday present. Then he saw mine and said, "Double birthdays? Well ladies, you've come to the right place! Who wants their present first?" LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was like damn. Buy a girl some dinner and then we'll talk! SHEESH.



He then gestured to his muscles. OOOH okay, that's what he meant. He flexed and let us grope him. It was very Chippendales. There were no complaints here!

Whatta babe.

hahaha So much fun!!!

THAT WAS PERFECT.



After feeling him up a sufficient amount, we went UNDA DA SEA!

It was Lee-Anne's first ride on this and I'm pretty sure she almost passed out. Oh man we just freaked. It was my first time riding it since #StuckInDisney12 and so we were both just DYING. I love this ride so much!!!



I have to mention here that I recently saw The Little Mermaid in theatres, which is something I have been wanting to do for AGES. Unfortunately, this revival was done in partner with Second Screen Live which is possibly one of the worst inventions I have ever heard of in my life. I'll just copy and paste what I posted on Instagram:



I am SO happy I finally got to see The Little Mermaid in theatres but Second Screen Live is a disaster. Having annoying subtitles and games going on was one thing, but the characters talking over and then PAUSING the movie was a step too far. I get the idea of interactive moviegoing, but WHY OH WHY would you ever want to look at an iPad screen and play GAMES instead of watching the great movie on the big screen before you?!!? I couldn't hate the idea more! If I didn't love this movie so much I would have left and asked for my money back. I just wish Disney had re-released it normally or in 3d. That said I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH AND I LOVE DISNEY SO MUCH AND I CAN NOT WAIT TO GO BACK ON THE RIDE!!!



Yeah. That was REALLY disappointing and not worth the $12 admission ticket. They're doing it with The Nightmare Before Christmas too, which is really annoying because usually they bring back TNBC this time of year in 3d. I have seen it many times since they started doing that in 2005 and it is such a fun experience. I'm one of those big movie fans who is addicted to going to the theatre and to mess it up by bringing iPads in and playing games is just... there are no WORDS.



Anyway, back to your regularly scheduled Trip Report!

"It was you all the time!"

After our underwater adventure, we decided to catch a showing of Mickey's PhilharMagic!

This is always one of the most magical things. It just never gets old to me, I will always cry during it!

​

 

[__disneygirl]

MAY 14, 2013
Day 2, Part 4 In Which I Find My Love, Mickey Skellington​

​

​

Then, we headed to the Flower Gleam and Glowrooms to use the bathroom/cry over the perfection of Tangled. Sigh.

I was dying to get Lee-Anne on Pirates, since she didn't want to do it last time and it's obviously one of the best rides in existence! So we headed over there next.

I tried to get a good picture of the pirates who died playing chess... stubborn gits.

It took kind of long to get on because someone had called George. xD Well, I'm not sure that's what happened, but that's my assumption! You called him, you asked for it, you got it!!

For those who don't know, that's code for the ride being down. There's an Urban Legend that a ghost named George haunts Pirates, and if you call out to him while riding, the ride breaks down! I've heard many accounts of this coming true, but I have no desire to try it. I don't mess with ghosts. I don't wanna get stuck on Pirates all day! if you find a ghost that can trap me on an island with Johnny Depp, let me know. Otherwise, I'm good!

We did eventually get on and it was another great ride on Pirates for me!

Lee-Anne was wowed! So glad she finally got to experience this.

I of course had to pose with this portrait of my husband on the way out. If I didn't, he'd be so disappointed!

MWAH. Love you babe.

I also took a pic of these bones cause I thought they were cool. Later on in the trip, I learned they have some significance, but I can not remember at all what it is now! Hmm. Anyone know?

We looked around in the shops a little and I discovered a ton of NIGHTMARE MERCHANDISE!! AHH!! I was in TNBC heaven! There was SO much stuff I wanted, ESPECIALLY a stuffed toy of MICKEY DRESSED AS JACK SKELLINGTON!!

I was seriously FREAKING OUT. BEST STUFFED ANIMAL EVER. I get so excited when characters dress as other characters, and being that Mickey and Jack are two of my favorites EVER, I was in LOVE.

Next we walked over to Aladdin and Jasmine's greeting area. They were not even out and the line was already massive so we decided not to wait. In true Lee-Anne fashion she was like "Can we just check out the store?" hahaha. So we checked out the Agrabah Bazaar for awhile before leaving Adventureland.

Next we headed back to the hub.

For some reason that picture looks really vintage Disney to me... no idea why exactly!

It wasn't too crowded at this point of the day.

Our current mood was that we were just really dying to join a party, a Castle party. Lucky for us Dream Along With Mickey was about to begin so we got some spots in front of Cinderella's pad.

Then the show began....

CRYING ALREADY!

I've written about the pure Disney magic that Dream Along With Mickey is before, so I won't get into it again. I do have to say though that I expected to not cry *AS* much. I've seen it enough times now... right? WRONG. I was actually gasping for air I was crying so much. Like ugly crying. I couldn't stop! This show just brings it out in me. It's more amazing and magical every time. Bravo, Disney!

I hear from a lot of dissers that they often just walk by as this show is being performed and therefore they have not seen it in full. What a mistake, omg.

If you love Disney, and have not seen this show, I can not even deal with you right now because you don't know what you're missing and I can't possibly explain it. JUST WATCH IT ASAP.

DID SOMEBODY SAY ADVENTURE?

"SEIZE THE MOMENT! Let your fantasies and dreams set SAIIIILLLL!!!" GAH. I love that lyric so much because it is so important to seize the moment! Really, it is. Think about it. Think about right now and appreciate every little part of your life and SEIZE what you have. Because some day it will all be gone. You have to focus on right here and right now or else.... WHOOSH! Life is just gonna pass you right by.

Peter Pan just understands life is my point. I need to meet him next time I'm in Disney and get some solid advice from him. He will probably tell me to "keep adventuring and stay not a grown up."

After that I was just really feeling the Disney love...

@babybritney: It just means so much for me to be here.

But when am I not?! ​

​

 

[__disneygirl]

MAY 14, 2013

Day 2, Part 5 In Which I Freak Out Over Pins and Fall in Love With Riverside


It was almost time for the Celebrate A Dream Come True parade! Luckily I was able to find us a spot because I am the best parade spot finder ever, but of course it was right in the sun. At this point it was getting HOT and I was just sitting there in a pile of my own sweat? A gross piece of information but look people, it's Florida. I'm too real!!! But it was all worth it bc purple Goofy was right in my face:

I LOVE THAT GIANT DOG!

Lee-Anne caught one of my favorite Disney couples.

I have to say, as much as I love Celebrate A Dream Come True... Share A Dream Come True was SO MUCH BETTER! The parade situation in MK is a downgrade from what it used to be. Share A Dream Come True + SpectroMagic was such a better combo. I love the Main Street Electrical Parade too and all, but I mean, they're both just not as good as the other two. Oh well, hopefully that new parade they are planning will be even better. I saw the designs for a couple of the floats and they look amazing. And I think with the public outcry over Spectro, they might bring elements of it back in a new night parade.

Once the parade ended we went over to Tomorrowland to the Laugh Floor. I literally have NO memory of this, the only reason I even know it happened was because Lee-Anne took a picture of the Monster's of Comedy display. I guess when you have a trip this jam-packed, some things just vanish!

After that we walked over to Fantasyland to use some Peter Pan's Flight FPs we had gotten earlier, and then we headed out of the park.

Originally, I had planned for us to go to Sci Fi on this day because obviously I have to go there every trip and also it was the only restaurant Lee-Anne requested by name. However, we ended up spending more time in MK than we thought, so we had to cancel and reschedule. That was fine, but now we had to decide where to go cause we were getting hungry!

We walked out to the busses and I spotted a very interesting pin trading station! Near the boat docks, they had two pin boards set up and in between them was a lifesaver with pins stuck in it!

I thought that was so cool! I told Jess about it later and she was like WHOA WHAT so I guess it's rare.

I looked carefully at all the pins - pin trading is a serious business!!!

Not only did I find this AWESOME BIRTHDAY THEMED JACK SKELLINGTON PIN:

I SAW THE #1 PIN I WAS LOOKING FOR!

THE RAPUNZEL SHOE PIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Oh man, you don't even know how excited I was. I was like jumping up and down and I thanked the CM standing there like 500 times. He was not as amused... I guess his favorite princess is not Rapunzel. His loss!!!



Obviously, if you read my reports you know how much I love Rapunzel and Tangled. Not only is it near impossible to find a Tangled pin while trading, the princess shoe pins just capture my imagination because I find them so creative. It was my goal to find the Rapunzel shoe pin AND I CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAPPENED ON DAY 2! Out of the THOUSANDS of pins I find the ONE pin I said I had to have?!??! Really?! And a pin of one of my all-time favorite characters, Jack Skellingon, all dressed up for a birthday?! How perfect. It was a #BirthdayFestivus13 pin trading miracle!



So, out of everywhere in all of Disney World that we could eat, we decided to go back to Port Orleans! We just loved it SO much and had not been over to Riverside yet. I heard the food court there was amazing, so I always wanted to check it out. Plus, another big goal of mine this trip was to visit every Disney Resort I had never been to before. You'll have to read the whole report to see if I accomplished that!



Until then, I'll just say that we caught the bus to Riverside!



I actually wasn't sure which stop to get off at because the one time I went there, it was just to connect to go somewhere else. So I asked the bus driver and he let us know where to get off to visit the Riverside Mill Food Court.



Literally as soon as we got off the bus I fell IN LOVE with Riverside.



Before I go on let me say that I have no pictures of this entire chunk of the day and I have NO IDEA WHY. Maybe I was just too lost in the beauty of Riverside. That does not surprise me because I was just so taken with this place. Sorry for the lack of photos!



So anyway, Riverside is pretty much a Deluxe Resort in my mind. It's just that pretty. I really can't stress enough how much I recommend both Riverside and French Quarter.



STAY THERE!!!



The whole thing just screams "relaxed luxury." I guess a lot of Disney is like that in a way, but oh my God, there is something really special about Riverside. And I ADORE French Quarter as well and I am so glad they are connected because together they make the most perfect resort. I feel SO blessed to have stayed there, to this day, I'm just like omg... that was so wonderful.



We walked in through the main lobby and I decided to go over to the Front Desk and look at the pin book even though we were like starving. It ended up being worth it because I found an awesome Ursula pin! I know I traded for a couple other ones too that I didn't like as much so I ended up trading them away later.



Note to self: document every pin trade on next trip by taking a pic right after trading!



Onward we went down the hall, past Boatwright's (which looked SO appealing to me by the way - I kind of wanted to just eat there but we had CS credits to use and I really wanted to try the Riverside Mill food court as well!).



I looked at all the different menus, but like any true Disser, I already knew what I was getting. The create your own pasta!



I have heard rave reviews for years so I was excited. I got either whole wheat or gluten free pasta, I can't remember which, with alfredo sauce, peas, prosciutto, and parmesan cheese. YUM!



Oh my God, this is so good, and such a great value. They give you so much... I even had leftovers!



I'm pretty sure Lee-Anne got the pasta too but I can't remember what kind it was. I think I really was just too obsessed with Riverside to pay attention to any details for the report! haha



For dessert, Lee-Anne didn't want anything. Mystifying, I know. I don't say a word about it when she doesn't get dessert... well actually I say two words: THANK and YOU. Because that means I get two!! So I got a sugar cookie and a Mickey Rice Crispie treat on a stick. Yumyum. DoubleYUM!



We sat and ate and talked for a good long while. It was absolutely lovely. It wasn't busy at all in the food court and we just sat behind the giant wheel in there and watched it spin. I can not even tell you how much I love it in there. A trip over is definitely worth it for anyone who is looking for a little break from the parks.



Once we finished, we headed out the door. But then I realized I didn't know exactly the way to get back to French Quarter. It's always weird to be in a place in Disney I don't know like the back of my hand. You could drop me anywhere in the theme parks blindfolded and I could easily find my way out, so when I don't know where to go, it's odd and kind of exciting! We went back inside to ask and the lady was one of those kind of overly helpful CMs who gives you so much information that by the end of it you're just like "What."



It was okay though, we found our way! This is the first photo we have from Riverside. I took none apparently and Lee-Anne just took one of the map. Picture taking fail, haha.

We took our time and just enjoyed that BEAUTIFUL walk. Oh my God, again, I LOVE IT HERE. It was so nice taking the time to just absorb the resort and not be running from place to place. The walk along the water from Riverside to FQ or vice versa is just so gorgeous.



I don't know why we took this picture... we are silly.

Also, I don't know what on earth people are complaining about when they mention the size of this resort because it is no big deal. You don't even feel the length (which really isn't that long regardless) because the walks are so enjoyable.



Back at our wonderful home for the week, French Quarter.

POFQ: A fun oasis for crocodiles and humans alike!

Once we got back to our room in Building 6, we chilled for a little bit but I was not even tired in the slightest! I got changed and ready to go back to the Magic Kingdom right away! I couldn't wait. Lee-Anne had requested seeing Wishes on her birthday so those were our plans.



There was a little campfire going on right off our balcony by the water. Oh my God, I love this place so much.

I wanted to go down there and join them, but we had a kingdom of magic to experience!! So off we went to the bus stop.



I had been wearing my Mickey ears all day so I changed into my Minnie ones.

"I'm a mouse, duh."

You gotta change it up when you have so many mousetacular accessories like me!



We arrived at the Magic Kingdom right at dusk.

How perfect.

Oh, this place.

We went into Crystal Arts to look around for awhile before Wishes.



I loved these glasses... they personalize them. I thought that was a great gift for someone! I considered getting them for my cousins but I figured since they are kids they would want something more fun that they could play with. Plus I have gotten so many Disney cups for them over the years!

And these little trees got me in the Christmas spirit and missing the holiday season at Disney.

Steamboat Willie!

It was almost time to light the sky with Wishes, so we headed closer to the castle and got a good spot smack dab in the middle. I really needed Main Street Popcorn for this so I had Lee-Anne hold my spot while I went to get it.



OF COURSE I HAD TO GET THE DUMBO CONTAINER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have wanted this ever since the week it was released and I saw it on the Disney Food Blog. I've never been a huge Dumbo fan but I thought this was the cutest thing of all time and I HAD to have it. I am a sucker for popcorn containers anyway, I have a bunch of em (the one from Halloween 2008 is my fave ), but this goes way beyond your normal cylinder design with a cool character graphic on it. I hope they make more like this! I take popcorn containers very seriously... I wish there was a craze at WDW like there is at TDR because I would get them all!



Main Street was PACKED and it was really hard to find Lee-Anne. Once I did I just plopped down in the middle of the street and ate my popcorn while I waited. IDC, this place is my home, so I make myself at home. =)



The announcements were being made and suddenly I FREAKED OUT.



What had somehow completely escaped my mind was that CELEBRATE THE MAGIC was about to happen



I was obsessed with The Magic, The Memories, and You after seeing it in 2011, and I was sad when I came back in 2012 and it was no longer showing. Everyone said Celebrate the Magic was better and I was dying to see it, but I guess you just can't remember everything when you have so much Disney mania going on in your head. Lee-Anne had no idea what it was, so I explained my ridiculous excitement and she got really excited too! AHH I WAS FINALLY GOING TO SEE THE NEW CASTLE PROJECTION SHOW.



I was wowed by it, of course. I don't think I need to tell you that the Tangled part is my favorite. I LOVED the Wreck It Ralph part as well even though I do agree with the criticism that it's kind of thrown in there. I still loved it so much though. It was completely thrilling, but I still think I prefer The Magic, The Memories, and You. Reason being: the soundtrack and the part where Walt says "To all who come to this happy place, welcome!" That choked me up every time and I miss that part.



After that, we watched Wishes and it was as beautiful and magical as ever. There is something about this show that just breathes life into me like nothing else.

I'd explain further.... but something tells me you all know what I mean. :')

I was there. I was really there in my happy place of peace. Oh, Wishes. You will never stop making me cry. And thank God for that.

@babybritney: I'm in Disney. I still don't believe it.



It really takes awhile for the I'M IN DISNEY shock to wear off for me. When you think about something EVERY SINGLE DAY of your life, obsess over being in a place, and then you're finally there... it's VERY surreal. But at the same time, it feels completely right and like you're exactly where you need to be. Hmm. Disney magic.

​

 

[__disneygirl]

MAY 14, 2013
Day 2, Part 6 In Which I Kiss Dumbo and Try A Louisiana Classic!​

​

​

After the show ended, we didn't want to leave but we were feeling kind of tired. So we just went over to sit by Casey's Corner and acted like the total goofs we are.

In addition to kissing Dumbo, I also did my Derek Zoolander pose.

"At the Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can't Read Good and Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too, we teach you that there's more to life than just being really, really, really good looking."

We discussed how I should use my Dumbo popcorn container as a purse. I haven't done it yet and I don't know what I'm doing with my life cause that was definitely a flawless idea.

Next we went into the shops to recreate the night on our last trip where we took a ton of awesome pics trying on various things. However, our tiredness caught up with us and so it was kind of half-hearted.

This is me in a straw hat.

I don't even know.

I thought this shirt was cute:

I would later find out that Mickey really does love me (like a lot)... but that's a story for another day! (Day 8 to be exact!)

We posed in some extravagant Mickey ears...

And that was about all we had in us. The park was closed anyway so it was time to go.

Good night, Magic Kingdom!

Back at the resort, I desperately needed beignets. I had been to Disney a whole day and a half, staying at French Quarter, and had not had them yet. WHAT! So Sassagoula Floatworks was our destination.

Yeah this place is weird but I dig it.

I have heard so much about these beignets for years and years. Before I even became obsessed with the idea of staying at French Quarter, I always wanted to stop by just to try them, but never made it over.

Finally I was here, wondering if these beignets were going to be as epically delicious as everyone claims they are! I've also heard some "I don't see what the big deal is" or "It just tastes like a donut" reviews, so I was VERY curious and excited.

I went over to the dessert area and ordered my 3 beignets (they come in orders of 3 or 6) and watched the CM cook them fresh! That just made it even MORE exciting and built up the suspense!

We took them over to a nearby table and I finally tasted the deliciousness!

They are INSANELY GOOD. Run, to not walk, to Port Orleans French Quarter to get your beignets!!!! GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are not overrated.

These are not overhyped.

They are not just donuts with powdered sugar on top.

They ARE a big deal.

They are one of the most delicious things I have EVER tasted in my life and trust me, these taste buds have seen many a delicious treat.

But these... my oh my. We even came back later, when we weren't even staying at Port anymore, to get them for like the 3rd time. It was just necessary.

I also have to take this moment to introduce someone who loves beignets too! He also loves hula dancing, tea time, speaking Spanish, and a little cowgirl by the name of Jessie.

IT'S HULA BUZZ!

Hula Timon was not happy about sharing the spotlight with another Hula Dancing friend, but I told him he had to deal with it because Hula Buzz needed his beignet fix! It's not like I could leave him home.

Unfortunately I got tired of carrying around my hula friends so they kinda had their own adventures this trip... but I will try to bring them out more next time!

I ate two of the beignets and saved the 3rd one for the next morning which ended up being a wonderful decision. After we left Sassagoula Floatworks, Lee-Anne and I just wandered around and sat by the pool for awhile.

I also took my first vine!

@babybritney: Random pofq vine!!!! vine.co/v/bE7nLWIizpI

LOL. We watched that after I posted it and just cracked up because it's just like... why. hahaha Don't worry, my vines get way better as the trip goes on!

It's also worth noting that there was a totally drunk old lady on an ECV by the pool having the time of her life. It was absolutely hilarious, I honestly should have just vined her the whole time.

We got back to the room and noticed we had a voice message. We played it and obviously it was Mickey and Minnie calling to wish us a happy #BirthdayFestivus13!!!!!!!!

@babybritney: #birthdayfestivus13 #waltdisneyworld #disney #happybirthday vine.co/v/bE7HIz339dQ

What a wonderful surprise!

Lee-Anne was super tired but I got my second wind right away and wanted to go pin trade. It's too bad Jess wasn't around, but she had a really busy two days with class and work so she had decided to just stay at her apartment again. So it was a solo pin trading mission for me.

On the way I took a picture of the movie schedule:

I went over to the makeshift Front Desk area (they were refurbishing) and the ladies were so nice. They set up the board for me and I traded like 4 or 5 pins! IT WAS AWESOME. Usually they have some sort of limit with the pin boards, but there was no one around so it's not like they had to make it fair for anyone else.

I love the Tiana theme!!

I also called my mom to fill her in on everything that happened the first two days and just hung out around the resort a bit. I really can't stress how much I absolutely fell in love with Port Orleans!

My second wind was wearing off and we had another amazing full day coming up tomorrow, so I headed back to the room, got ready for bed and went to sleep.

Goodnight, New Orleans!

#BirthdayFirstsivus13: The Firsts of May 14!
~Saw the Spring Trolley show
~Met Gaston
~Visited Port Orleans Riverside
~Ate at the Riverside Mill Food Court
~Walked from Riverside to French Quarter
~Saw "Celebrate the Magic"
~Finally tried beignets. Also eating at Sassagoula in general was another first!​

 

[princess_momma]

Goodness, you have been an updating fool! I love it!!

I will probably just die from joy when I see the Tangled bathrooms. Like pee my pants happy. Thank God they are bathrooms so I should be able to not do that literally.

I love all your character dining. I have no character meals my upcoming trip. Isn't that just sinful? You have made me regret it.

I LOVE DISNEY DISPLAYS!! And you are right...that love is a key sign pointing to the Disney obsessed. I don't get how people just look at it all and think it's just one big marketing retail blackhole. Like it's freaking MAGIC. I loved working in the Disney store and being surrounded by it ALL THE TIME. It's amazing.

Also...I don't pin trade nearly enough. I just always forget and my lanyards get all uncomfortable so then I don't know what to do with them and I always regret not doing it more. I'm so glad you got so pin lucky! Yay!

Goodness...your descriptions of the Port Orleans resorts make me want to stay there SO BAD! They sound gorgeous! I've never stayed at a mod but always wanted to!

I'm VERY excited about the Wreck It Ralph part in the new castle projection show. (Well new for me.) I LOVE WRECK IT RALPH SO MUCH!! Can't wait!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, you know what, you're so right. (BTW I love your ramblings). Walking into Disney brings back all those childhood memories. But NFL now for me will always take me back to my first time seeing it with one of my very best friends on the very day it first opened to the public. And yeah, I'll take any opportunity to say that I was there on the very first opening.

Second Screen Live? I have never heard of this.. and for that I am grateful. This sounds horrible.

George shall NOT be mocked. Be warned people!

Sadly, I have heard that the Spectro floats are no more. Gone, destroyed, demolished. It's such an absolute shame. I love MSEP and it IS my childhood, but I just loved Spectro more. So sad. The new parade I think is going to be spectacular though. Truly spectacular.

Wishes =

Bahaha Blue Steel!!

I honestly think the occupancy rates for Port are going to sky-rocket now. I'm definitely going to check it out in December.

 

[lisagyo]

Yay I was so excited to see updates when I woke up this morning! We stayed at French Quarter for a week in August and never tried the beignets... totally meant to I swear!!! I so regret that we never tried them now. I guess it just means that we need to go back soon! NBD!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great set of updates! What a great day!

Didn't Jack eventually let go of Rose when he drowned? Guess drowning in LeFouf's brew wouldn't be a bad way to go.

Oh, and I too love characters dressedvas othe characters - one of my favorite things I got for DD when she was a baby is Pooh dressed up as Tigger

 

[katt789]

Four more updates already!? Eeek!!

Oh my gosh, so many things to comment on!1

Love that you guys loved LM ride, I have to say I was disappointed when it was supposed to be coming out in 3D, and then got cancelled, we got no options of seeing it on the big screen up here!

Yay for lots of fun activities, Gaston greets are always lots of fun, your Dream Along pics are great! I love that show so much. Celebrate a dream, meh, as sad as I am that it’s going away, I’ve heard amazing things about the new parade and am very excited about it!

Ahhh!! That pin board/station is where I got two of my three shoe pins!! How weird!!

Yay for Riverside, I really do want to stay there one day soon, I’d like a royal room, they just seem so awesome!! And beignets! NOM! So good, in DLR they’ve got them shaped like Mickey!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Girl.....I'm a croissant addict and have been for years! The chocolate croissants in Disney just reside in their own category of yumminess.

Your Dad and my brother are the same in that everywhere they go they meet someone they know. I swear, I don't know how my brother knows as many people as he does, but it's everywhere. Although I don't think he was frightened by Tigger before.

Wow. I would have cried if my LeFou's Brew was accidentally dumped down the sink.

Nice getting to grope Gaston.

Love the Rapunzel shoe pin!

All true DISer's always know what they're getting at a restaurant, right?! Some people like to say we're sad. I like to say we're prepared.

Beignets are legit! Powdered sugar warm goodness....mmmmm....

 

[SparklyDiva]

Lia!!!!!!!!!

OMG like I just returned from Disney and found your new trip report and read every word even though I am zonked from my whirlwind vaca but I don't care because #BirthdayFestivus13 is posted!! Yay!!!

I'm loving every photo and all the fun you've had so far and can't wait to read more!

I'll try to post a little ditty about my trip at some point too but for now - more trip reporting please!

 

[Lorelei528]

I am so totally loving all these updates!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! LOL...
btw...when you posted that pic of the Mary Blair mural on Instagram or Twitter (I forget which)...I kinda stole it and now it's my screen lock pic on my phone! It makes me sooooo happy! You don't even know....so thank you for that as well!

Really great pics so far this TR! (of course!)

I always find myself crying with your updates (don't worry, happy tears!) The way you describe feelings and emotions about this special place to all of us, it's like you're in my head and just writing how I feel (and doing a much better job of it than I ever could). You are my favorite TR writer ever. I have decided. It used to be Lurkyloo who is my DISbride friend (have you read any of hers?) but now it's you.

This past Sunday DH and I went to the Disney Store in Times Square and he bought me the Hawaii doll from the It's a Small World collection for a belated b'day gift. He asked the CM why there is no Ireland doll. tee hee.
I also went against my no pale pink rule and bought an awesome Lady and The Tramp tee....
I was more satisfied with the merch this time in Times Square than the last time I went in there. I didn't want to spend too much, cause we're in savings crunch time for our trip now and I plan on doing LOTS of shopping! (Lee-Anne and I would get along great!) LOL..

Ok, I will patiently await your next update.....can't wait though!!!

 

[enchantedrosex]

Ahhhhhh I'm so excited you started a new TR!!
I love your TR's so friggen much.

I'm sitting here reading it while eating my weight in chocolate and dreaming about the F&W (which I'm actually going to get to go to this year!!!!) because your food pics do that to me.


I didn't have time to get through all of your updates but I just wanted to comment real quick to tell you how excited I was to read and also to throw in that I am also confused about "pop". I just moved up to Buffalo to go to school and this is my first time hearing that! I'm only a few hours away too (I'm from upstate NY) so it's so funny that I never knew that this whole chunk of the States calls soda "pop"!

And I also wanna say that I've commented on your reports before but I never really introduced myself or anything...sooo HI! I'm Michela, a fellow Disney enthusiast

 

[Tracy161]

Getting caught up! I have to tell you that I had to wait out a torrential rain storm IN the Tangled ladies bathroom for like 45 minutes last month HAHAHA I honestly couldn't think of a better place, I was in the entry way, out of the rain, and could see all the people running past who were brave enough to tackle the rain. And I made some friends while waiting it out, too

 

[__disneygirl]

Goodness, you have been an updating fool! I love it!!

I will probably just die from joy when I see the Tangled bathrooms. Like pee my pants happy. Thank God they are bathrooms so I should be able to not do that literally.

I love all your character dining. I have no character meals my upcoming trip. Isn't that just sinful? You have made me regret it.

I LOVE DISNEY DISPLAYS!! And you are right...that love is a key sign pointing to the Disney obsessed. I don't get how people just look at it all and think it's just one big marketing retail blackhole. Like it's freaking MAGIC. I loved working in the Disney store and being surrounded by it ALL THE TIME. It's amazing.

Also...I don't pin trade nearly enough. I just always forget and my lanyards get all uncomfortable so then I don't know what to do with them and I always regret not doing it more. I'm so glad you got so pin lucky! Yay!

Goodness...your descriptions of the Port Orleans resorts make me want to stay there SO BAD! They sound gorgeous! I've never stayed at a mod but always wanted to!

I'm VERY excited about the Wreck It Ralph part in the new castle projection show. (Well new for me.) I LOVE WRECK IT RALPH SO MUCH!! Can't wait!

AN UPDATING FOOL.

hahaha you are cracking me up. You're right, it's good they are bathrooms so when you're about to pee your pants you can just run in and take care of that the correct way.

I like to have at least one character meal but we did so many during this trip! I probably won't do it as much next time, but it's so much fun. They're just so adorable.

I don't always wear my lanyard. A lot of the time I just keep them in my bag, cause they do get heavy and uncomfortable at times. During this trip I pin traded so much that I just kept some pins loose in the bag they came in from Ebay, haha.

You should definitely stay at Port! I can not recommend it enough!

Wow, you know what, you're so right. (BTW I love your ramblings). Walking into Disney brings back all those childhood memories. But NFL now for me will always take me back to my first time seeing it with one of my very best friends on the very day it first opened to the public. And yeah, I'll take any opportunity to say that I was there on the very first opening.

Second Screen Live? I have never heard of this.. and for that I am grateful. This sounds horrible.

George shall NOT be mocked. Be warned people!

Sadly, I have heard that the Spectro floats are no more. Gone, destroyed, demolished. It's such an absolute shame. I love MSEP and it IS my childhood, but I just loved Spectro more. So sad. The new parade I think is going to be spectacular though. Truly spectacular.

Wishes =

Bahaha Blue Steel!!

I honestly think the occupancy rates for Port are going to sky-rocket now. I'm definitely going to check it out in December.

I'm glad someone appreciates me rambling on and on! haha Thanks Rob!

I've heard that too, that they were seen in dumpsters. It's so sad. But I'm hoping they will recreate some of it or take inspiration from it just because of how upset so many fans have been. After all, all of Spectro is inspired by MSEP, so maybe the next light parade will be more like Spectro? Or maybe I'm just wishful thinking!

Yay I was so excited to see updates when I woke up this morning! We stayed at French Quarter for a week in August and never tried the beignets... totally meant to I swear!!! I so regret that we never tried them now. I guess it just means that we need to go back soon! NBD!

Aw, thank you! You MUST try the beignets next time! They are heavenly.

Great set of updates! What a great day!

Didn't Jack eventually let go of Rose when he drowned? Guess drowning in LeFouf's brew wouldn't be a bad way to go.

Oh, and I too love characters dressedvas othe characters - one of my favorite things I got for DD when she was a baby is Pooh dressed up as Tigger

LeFouf's? hahaha that typo is making me laugh. But yes, that would be a lovely way to go.

Four more updates already!? Eeek!!

Oh my gosh, so many things to comment on!1

Love that you guys loved LM ride, I have to say I was disappointed when it was supposed to be coming out in 3D, and then got cancelled, we got no options of seeing it on the big screen up here!

Yay for lots of fun activities, Gaston greets are always lots of fun, your Dream Along pics are great! I love that show so much. Celebrate a dream, meh, as sad as I am that it’s going away, I’ve heard amazing things about the new parade and am very excited about it!

Ahhh!! That pin board/station is where I got two of my three shoe pins!! How weird!!

Yay for Riverside, I really do want to stay there one day soon, I’d like a royal room, they just seem so awesome!! And beignets! NOM! So good, in DLR they’ve got them shaped like Mickey!

I wish they had released it in 3d. I had such a great time seeing Lion King and Beauty & the Beast in 3d.

Thanks! Yeah I am SO pumped about the new parade. It sounds/looks awesome!

That's funny about the shoe pins!

I am DYING to stay in a royal room. On my next trip I'll definitely have to go with a value though, but I can not wait for that day when I stay at Port again! I've seen the Mickey shaped beignets, they look even MORE delicious.

Girl.....I'm a croissant addict and have been for years! The chocolate croissants in Disney just reside in their own category of yumminess.

Your Dad and my brother are the same in that everywhere they go they meet someone they know. I swear, I don't know how my brother knows as many people as he does, but it's everywhere. Although I don't think he was frightened by Tigger before.

Wow. I would have cried if my LeFou's Brew was accidentally dumped down the sink.

Nice getting to grope Gaston.

Love the Rapunzel shoe pin!

All true DISer's always know what they're getting at a restaurant, right?! Some people like to say we're sad. I like to say we're prepared.

Beignets are legit! Powdered sugar warm goodness....mmmmm....

They really are in their own yumminess category. I feel like most Disney food is, though. Like if I'm eating something I usually eat in Disney, I'm always like, "This is better at Disney." Sigh.

Omg, even though my Lefou's Brew was still in tact, I felt like crying that Lee-Anne's had disappeared down the sink. IT WAS DEVASTATING.

haha I'll definitely go with prepared

Lia!!!!!!!!!

OMG like I just returned from Disney and found your new trip report and read every word even though I am zonked from my whirlwind vaca but I don't care because #BirthdayFestivus13 is posted!! Yay!!!

I'm loving every photo and all the fun you've had so far and can't wait to read more!

I'll try to post a little ditty about my trip at some point too but for now - more trip reporting please!

YAY, how was your trip? I mean obviously, being that it was in Disney, I'm sure it was wonderful. But I would like details please.

I am so totally loving all these updates!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! LOL...
btw...when you posted that pic of the Mary Blair mural on Instagram or Twitter (I forget which)...I kinda stole it and now it's my screen lock pic on my phone! It makes me sooooo happy! You don't even know....so thank you for that as well!

Really great pics so far this TR! (of course!)

I always find myself crying with your updates (don't worry, happy tears!) The way you describe feelings and emotions about this special place to all of us, it's like you're in my head and just writing how I feel (and doing a much better job of it than I ever could). You are my favorite TR writer ever. I have decided. It used to be Lurkyloo who is my DISbride friend (have you read any of hers?) but now it's you.

This past Sunday DH and I went to the Disney Store in Times Square and he bought me the Hawaii doll from the It's a Small World collection for a belated b'day gift. He asked the CM why there is no Ireland doll. tee hee.
I also went against my no pale pink rule and bought an awesome Lady and The Tramp tee....
I was more satisfied with the merch this time in Times Square than the last time I went in there. I didn't want to spend too much, cause we're in savings crunch time for our trip now and I plan on doing LOTS of shopping! (Lee-Anne and I would get along great!) LOL..

Ok, I will patiently await your next update.....can't wait though!!!

Thank you for reading!!

That's awesome that my picture is your lock screen. I'm glad you loved it so much!

Aww, I'm happy that you find my TRs so touching. That's quite a compliment. I always feel like I have trouble articulating my thoughts so it feels great to hear that! I've seen LurkyLoo's ToT photoshoot pics and I read her Tokyo Disney TR, which I absolutely LOVED. But yeah... thank YOU SO MUCH!

What a cute gift! I really want one of the new Small World Le Sport Sacs!

I think they definitely have some better merchandise now, but I haven't been in there in awhile.

Ahhhhhh I'm so excited you started a new TR!!
I love your TR's so friggen much.

I'm sitting here reading it while eating my weight in chocolate and dreaming about the F&W (which I'm actually going to get to go to this year!!!!) because your food pics do that to me.


I didn't have time to get through all of your updates but I just wanted to comment real quick to tell you how excited I was to read and also to throw in that I am also confused about "pop". I just moved up to Buffalo to go to school and this is my first time hearing that! I'm only a few hours away too (I'm from upstate NY) so it's so funny that I never knew that this whole chunk of the States calls soda "pop"!

And I also wanna say that I've commented on your reports before but I never really introduced myself or anything...sooo HI! I'm Michela, a fellow Disney enthusiast

Thank you so much!

YAY FOOD AND WINE. You will have an amazing time!

Isn't that funny? I always find it interesting when I hear Americans from certain states calling something a different name then what people in my area call it.

Hi Michela... thank you for reading!! <3

Getting caught up! I have to tell you that I had to wait out a torrential rain storm IN the Tangled ladies bathroom for like 45 minutes last month HAHAHA I honestly couldn't think of a better place, I was in the entry way, out of the rain, and could see all the people running past who were brave enough to tackle the rain. And I made some friends while waiting it out, too

You're definitely right, that is a wonderful place to get stuck. I could stay there all day!