I Can't, I'm Not Wearing a Princess Dress! - New TR link!!!!

[miabellarose]

Hello! Just joining in. I've read your previous TR and since enjoying that, I've caught up with your current one. I don't post much but wanted to say that I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and hoping all goes better than expected! side note: It's incredible you're able to drive from Indiana to Orlando without having to stop and sleep and drive through the night!

 

[jandlinz]

We had a good meeting with all the doctors today. But honestly, not reality anything to report. It really is dependent on how the baby responds once he's here and how some things that can't be seen in an MRI come into play. But, they seemed cautiously optimistic based on MRI results.

Thanks for sharing Andy. So glad you received some positive news. Continued prayers for your little boy.

 

[afwdwfan]

hope you guys get some good (or at least not bad) news tomorrow!

Thanks. We don't like bad news.

This was a typical day for me when I went with the family.
am. Wake up. Trudge aprox 8 miles to food court to get Ruby her Diet Coke.
Trudge back.
Trudge back to food court and go through for busses.
Walk... all day long in the parks.
Get back to resort.
Drag my butt all the way to the back of the resort.
Retrieve refillable mug.
Stagger back to food court to get Ruby her Diet Coke.
Crawl back to room.
Pass out.
Repeat the next and every subsequent day.

Again... priorities. And having a vehicle helps.

We tend to not use the re-fillable mugs all that much though.

Good luck with that guys. Really.

Thanks.

Hi Andy! Liesa sent us over here from her PTR! I have seen you around on so many TR, but never managed to start reading yours. However, I was very saddened to hear that you have to go through such uncertainty! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and wish you a lot of strength and hopefully some better news soon!

I know... I've seen you too. So hard to try to keep up with everyone around here! Thanks, we appreciate all the support.

Andy, you certainly don't need to be concerned about not posting an update with other more important priorities to deal with. Sending thoughts, prayers, support and that you will receive the best possible news on the MRI today!

Thanks.

Good Luck Andy! Praying everything turns out ok.

Thanks.

Thinking of you today and hoping for good MRI findings.

Thanks.

HI Andy, I'm visiting from @Steppesister PTR, just wanted to offer my prayers and support that everything goes well for you and your family

Thanks.

Thinking of you and your family here too!

Thanks.

Hoping for good news on the MRI!

Thanks.

I'm all caught up, it's been a crazy few weeks here.

I hope everything went well with the MRI and that the very best possible outcomes comes from this for you and your family.

Thanks.

Finally all caught up, which is no small feat for me. I'm sure there are a few on here who can vouch for my ineptitude at keeping up on TRs and PTRs.

I can relate. I've barely been able to keep my head above water on the DIS for the past few months.

It is always interesting to read someone else's perspective about a Disney trip. Enjoying your TR so far but I'm probably a little too late to join in on the contest. I'm really not surprised to see Mark at the top of the leaderboard. I mean your contest revolves around questions related to a trip involving a younger child, and since Mark also has. .....the mental make-up of a younger child. .... he really has an unfair advantage.

Well, there's that. And we also tend to have very similar tastes and preferences too. I think one of the few things we don't agree on is his love for Philadelphia sports teams...

Thanks for posting the info and link about what you guys are dealing with. I had never heard of CDH before. I know that as the pregnancy winds down you will understandably have more and more on your mind besides a Disney TR, but know that your Disney family will be here lifting you guys up through it all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family that everything will go as smoothly as possible!

Thanks.

Positive news is always good news! Great to hear Andy!

It is.

I'm glad you got some positive news today! Continuing to pray for you and your family- and- ah! a little boy!

Thanks. Yeah, I let that one slip, didn't I?

Hello! Just joining in. I've read your previous TR and since enjoying that, I've caught up with your current one. I don't post much but wanted to say that I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and hoping all goes better than expected! side note: It's incredible you're able to drive from Indiana to Orlando without having to stop and sleep and drive through the night!

Thanks for the kind words and support.

Honestly, it really isn't too bad of a drive. But I always make sure to go into it rested up and ready. It's a lot easier with the kids when they can sleep for about half of the drive!

Thanks for sharing Andy. So glad you received some positive news. Continued prayers for your little boy.

Thanks.

 

[irene_dsc]

Glad to hear the news was at least a little bit positive. Continuing to keep your family in my thoughts.

 

[natebenma]

Continuing to think good thoughts. Please know that there are a lot of us out here wishing the best for your family. I'm glad to hear that yesterday's news was on the cautiously positive side.

 

[natebenma]

I have not had a chance to get back here to read your update until now. I'll come back and comment after dinner (I hope), but I want to get in my answers since an update is imminent...

Next Update Questions:

1. Will our room be ready when we arrive at Port Orleans? (10 points)- Yes

2. Which park did we go to after we check in? (20 points)- Hollywood Studios

3. We saw 3 shows (defining a show as something you watch while sitting in a theater) that evening. I’ll give 10 points for any of the shows you can guess. - Beauty & the Beast, Voyage of LM, Fantasmic!

4. I saw something being done in public that you don’t ordinarily see at Disney World. What was it? (50 points) - Creativity bonus points are available here.

Nail clipping.

5. What song did we hear in the park way too many times that had DD singing on the way out of the park? (25 points – hint: it wasn’t a Disney song)
A Christmas Song

6. I noticed something this evening that Disney fans do in the parks that is frequently discussed on the boards but I’d been completely oblivious about ever recognizing it in the parks. What was it? (20 points)

Wearing lime green Mickey heads

7. I planned for some solo time in MK during EMH this evening. Did it happen? (10 points)

RNR, baby!


8. What was the last snack I had that day? (10 points)

Popcorn

 

[FantasiaMagic]

We had a good meeting with all the doctors today. But honestly, not reality anything to report. It really is dependent on how the baby responds once he's here and how some things that can't be seen in an MRI come into play. But, they seemed cautiously optimistic based on MRI results.

This is great to hear.

 

[pkondz]

We had a good meeting with all the doctors today. But honestly, not reality anything to report. It really is dependent on how the baby responds once he's here and how some things that can't be seen in an MRI come into play. But, they seemed cautiously optimistic based on MRI results.

Somehow missed this.
Cautiously optimistic is good. I get you don't want to get ahead of yourselves, but... that's good.

 

[natebenma]

Carousel Rage-

I am thoroughly impressed with how many attractions you enjoyed in the morning/early afternoon. The lineup of rides really was a little princess' dream!

You may have heard somewhere (or perhaps uttered the words yourself...): Rope Drop is Key!

Boo! on the jerk on the not-so-merry go round!

But YAY! on getting to ride BTMRR. That is my favorite MK ride, too!

Sorry your lunch at BOG was slightly disappointing. I have been once, and I have a reservation with my husband for the last day of our anniversary trip.

The pictures of your daughter on 7DMT are just too adorable! I also love the photo pass pictures in front of the castle. I see that Scuttle and a friend are photo-bombing your pictures. Thankfully, they are not "bombing" you for real!

 

[afwdwfan]

Glad to hear the news was at least a little bit positive. Continuing to keep your family in my thoughts.

Thanks

Continuing to think good thoughts. Please know that there are a lot of us out here wishing the best for your family. I'm glad to hear that yesterday's news was on the cautiously positive side.

Thanks

I have not had a chance to get back here to read your update until now. I'll come back and comment after dinner (I hope), but I want to get in my answers since an update is imminent...

Yeah... how bad is it that I've had the update written for a week, but I can't even get caught up enough on replies and other TR's so that I can post it?

Popcorn

Got em! All of them. This was just the easy part to quote.

This is great to hear.

It was. Thanks.

Somehow missed this.
Cautiously optimistic is good. I get you don't want to get ahead of yourselves, but... that's good.

Better than bad news, for sure.

I am thoroughly impressed with how many attractions you enjoyed in the morning/early afternoon. The lineup of rides really was a little princess' dream!

You may have heard somewhere (or perhaps uttered the words yourself...): Rope Drop is Key!

We had a good day. But we always get a lot on. I don't know if you listen to the WDW Today podcast, but they often talk about how the average guest does 10 attractions per day. I honestly feel like I'd be upset if we could only do 10 in a day.

Rope drop is definitely key! It isn't even an option. I'm not a happy camper if we're running late in the morning. I can only think of one time where we've ever just decided to sleep in and go to the park after RD.

Boo! on the jerk on the not-so-merry go round!

Too bad those horses don't kick.

But YAY! on getting to ride BTMRR. That is my favorite MK ride, too!

Sorry your lunch at BOG was slightly disappointing. I have been once, and I have a reservation with my husband for the last day of our anniversary trip.

I hope you have a good meal! I've had good luck every time except for this one.

The pictures of your daughter on 7DMT are just too adorable! I also love the photo pass pictures in front of the castle. I see that Scuttle and a friend are photo-bombing your pictures. Thankfully, they are not "bombing" you for real!

Thanks! And I'm definitely glad we were out of range.

 

[afwdwfan]

Shut Up and Dance!


We arrived at Port Orleans Riverside shortly after 3. I’d still not received a text that our room was ready, so we parked and headed in to the lobby to find out what was going on.


I was quickly greeted by a CM and I explained to her that I had checked in online, but our card wasn’t attached to our Magic Bands when I tried to make a purchase at MK and I never got a text about the room. She checked and told us that our room was in fact ready, but there was some issue with our online check-in that it didn’t get completed.


Actually, I was kind of afraid of something like this happening. I checked in online a few weeks ahead of time, and I kept getting e-mails all the way up to the day before reminding me to check in online. I know for a fact that I did check in online, because I went back into it every time I got one of those e-mails to verify everything and make sure we had it. So I really don’t know what the issue was, but the CM quickly re-entered my credit card info and got us taken care of.


She made sure to give DD a few stickers and an invitation from Princess Tiana to stay in one of her royal rooms!

We decided to go on in to the food court to get our mugs and fill them. We wanted to do a little more exploring, but we had actually ended up staying in MK longer than we planned and we really needed to get moving so that we could unpack and head to our next destination.


We were in kind of a hurry so there are no pictures of the room before we destroyed it, but I’ll sprinkle in a few pictures here and there throughout the TR. Most will be at the end though.

We unpacked and spent a few minutes lounging in the room, but we still had more things we wanted to do!


Our original plans had us returning to MK this evening to see MSEP and Wishes. But since we had that bonus evening in MK, we had an evening freed up to do other things. We had no plans to be in DHS during any of the evenings on this trip (which is why I went to see the Star Wars fireworks from outside the park the week before), but now that we had a free evening DW requested going to see Fantasmic!


We went back out to the truck and quickly drove over to DHS. It was late afternoon so we had to park in the back of the parking lot. I hate taking the trams, but we were far enough away and I didn’t want to wear DW out, so we waited for a ride to the park entrance. Thankfully a tram was just pulling up so we boarded and only had to wait a few minutes before we were on our way.


We noticed that while MK had shed its Christmas décor by now, DHS still had the tree up and they were playing Christmas music in the background.


We entered the park and couldn’t resist stopping for a few pictures, now that we can get them with a view of the theater!!!


DD, however, was in no mood for pictures so we left her in the stroller next to the photographer.

DD and DW wanted to see the Little Mermaid show, so after our quick photo session we headed that direction. They were in the process of letting people in for the next show, so I took the stroller and sent them in to see it. After parking the stroller, I went to the FP+ kiosk near TSMM to secure FP for Fantasmic!


Once FPs were obtained, I decided to check out the Star Wars Launch Bay while they were watching the Little Mermaid show. I went in and watched the movie, which I enjoyed. Not something I’d necessarily want to see multiple times, but it was good I’m sure it could be updated as new movies come through the pipeline.


Honestly, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time there. I didn’t want DW and DD to have to wait for me when they finished, and I wasn’t terribly blown away by it. I mean, it was cool to see some props from the films, and had I had more time, I’d have probably hung around the Cantina and tried to interact with the jawa that I saw. It was interesting to see, and I’m glad I went, but it just didn’t have much wow factor for me. I realize that the Launch Bay is kind of a constantly evolving work in progress and I went shortly after it opened. It felt to me like it was just a thrown together display of memorabilia. Don’t get me wrong, they had some interesting things there that were really cool to see, but I don’t feel terribly compelled to spend much time there in the future. I’d probably pop in to see new displays or characters, but the Launch Bay just didn’t blow me away. I was hoping there would be some neat exclusive merchandise available there, but $9000 storm trooper costumes weren’t what I had in mind.

I’m a Star Wars fan, and I’m excited about the upcoming new land. I guess the Launch Bay is kind of like salad at a buffet. I’d rather skip it and get the good stuff. But since the new Star Wars land won’t be open for a few years, I’ll have a few leaves of lettuce every once in a while to appease my Star Wars appetite.


I was killing time walking around the store when DW sent a text saying that they were done with Little Mermaid. DD had spotted some characters outside and wanted to meet them.

Our plan was to spend the following afternoon at DHS, so we had FP+ for Disney Jr, TSMM and the Frozen Singalong already booked.


Actually, DW and DD had those FP+. I had Star Tours, TSMM and ToT.


Fantasmic! was really the ultimate goal for the evening and we had plenty of time to kill so we decided to go see the Muppets in case they’d happen to get evicted before we come back. We were walking along past the Frozen theater when the CMs were giving a last call for the Frozen Singalong. Well, you really can’t walk past that when you have a little girl dressed up as Anna. We walked right in, got a seat near the back of the theater, but center stage. Not a bad seat at all for walking up right before show time. DD enjoyed the show as she always has. She was captivated and just singing along with it all.


By now, it was getting close to time to get ready to see Fantasmic! We thought about stopping to get something to eat first, but we weren’t sure we’d have time. We ended up stopping by Rosie’s All-American Café to buy DD a chicken nugget kids meal to take into the theater with us. DW and I decided we’d just get something inside the Fantasmic! theater to snack on.


On our way to the theater, when we took DD to the restroom, she didn’t want to go. We wanted to make sure she went before the show, but she had been resistant to go all day. We knew she wasn’t dehydrated, and while we’d stopped several times at restrooms (more than I’ve mentioned in the TR, clearly), she just didn’t really seem to want to go, except for when we were back in the hotel room. This was a little bit of a fight, and it was kind of a turning point for the worse regarding DD and restrooms on this trip.


We parked the stroller and went and found seats about 15 rows up on the second section from the left about 20 minutes before the show would start. Not the best seats in the house, but we also didn’t have to show up 2 hours before show time so I’ll take it.


We were looking at the food stands on the way in trying to decide what we wanted and we really didn’t see anything too appealing. I’d thought that Fantasmic! had some more substantial snacks, but all we saw was pretzels and popcorn and the like. We normally don’t get anything there, so this is probably a planning failure on my part, but I was expecting something more than that. I ended up just getting a pretzel with cheese for DW and I figured I’d get something to eat later.


We enjoyed the show and as was starting to become a trend, we just watched. Between the 2 of us, not 1 picture was taken. DD managed to stay awake for the whole show this time and I think she really liked it!


We knew that we were about as far from the theater exit as we could possibly be, so when the show ended, we just stayed in our seats for a few minutes. We weren’t going to be going anywhere anyway.


After the aisles around us finally cleared out, we headed up to the top of the theater and joined the crowd waiting to get out. We were almost to the sound booth that sits in the back of the theater, when I noticed a bit of commotion off to the side. There was a lady standing there trying to hide a probably 7 or 8 year old boy who was peeing on the side of the building while the masses were walking past about 2 feet away.


Keeping it classy.


We quickly found the stroller and loaded DD up. She was still awake and actually in a really good mood. When we got back out to Hollywood Blvd, we could hear the music coming from the stage near the theater, and they were playing some Walk the Moon. Specifically, Shut Up and Dance. I don’t remember what the other song was, but we kept hearing the same 2 songs, over and over in our few hours at DHS and in the same order. It’s like every time we came across a dance party it was playing that part of the soundtrack.


Wanna guess what song was also played in the Fantasmic! theater before the show while we were waiting?


Well, DD had heard it enough that it was stuck in her head. Rather than fighting the crowds to get a tram to the parking lot, DW said she was fine with walking so the whole way out of the park and through the parking lot, DD was singing Shut Up and Dance.


At least people must have thought it was cute, because people were constantly turning to look at her and laughing as we’d pass.


We made it out of DHS and drove back to POR as quickly as possible. I stopped by the main building so that DW could run in and get something to eat. I think she just wanted some fruit or something. I drove them back to our building and helped her get DD in for the evening.


When we got into the room, we found a surprise sitting on our table. Someone had sent us a gift bag! There were some cups and plushes for the kids, but no note with them to let us know who it was from. Well, DW coaches cheerleading at a local HS. One of her cheerleaders had an older brother who was actually moving down to start the College Program the same week we were there. DW sent a text to her mom and found out they were the ones who sent it. It was very nice of them, and we made plans to meet up with the brother who was doing the CP on Friday evening at MK.


By this time it was after 8 and MK had EMH until 10. Was it worth even trying it??







HECK YEAH!!!



I decided the bus would be my best option so that I wouldn’t have to take time to park and then take a monorail or Ferry. I’m not sure it paid off, because I had a 20 minute wait for the bus. I went to the main bus stop, which has a TV screen showing the wait time for buses. Which is nice, but there are 2 shelters and the screen is only in one of them. Of course, the MK bus runs out of the one without a screen. The bus ended up taking longer than the posted time when I looked. I was starting to feel a little bit discouraged as I was waiting.


When I finally stepped off the bus at MK it was 8:54. Everything I planned to do was on the far back side of the park. I honestly contemplated just getting back on the bus and going back. But I’d made it this far, I’m not giving up that easy!!!


My first priority was a night ride on BTMRR. To me, it is one of those rides that you have to ride in the day and at night. Both are different experiences, but both are equally awesome!


I was a man on a mission! I was walking as fast as my legs could carry me toward BTMRR. I was a blur walking down Main Street. I had tunnel vision and was focusing on getting to Frontierland as fast as I could and nothing else.



Hey, look! There’s Snow White!





I’d heard of Disneybounding. I’ve been pretty much oblivious to it in action. Honestly, unless there’s a blatant costume, I usually don’t get it. Even some of you who post pictures of yourselves Disneybounding on TR’s. Once you say you’re Disneybounding, I might be able to figure it out. If I don’t figure it out, it usually makes sense once I know what it is supposed to be. But it just doesn’t tend to pop out to me.


Somehow, I’m paying absolutely no attention to my surroundings at all and I see a Disneybounder who was unmistakably going for a Snow White look.


Hmmm… cool!


I went to BTMRR and the posted wait was 30 minutes.


Holy crap! Well, apparently evening EMHs that end at 10 pm suck.


I got in line, figuring that if this was all I could do, at least it was one of my all-time favorites and a must do. It ended up being a 20 minute wait, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.


I had heard how great 7DMT is at night and how it is a different experience after dark much like BTMRR. I wanted to ride it. The wait was posted at 45 minutes.


Screw that.


Sorry, it is a fun ride. I really do enjoy it. If I can FP it or ride with like a 20 minute wait. It just isn’t worth much more of a wait than that.


Instead, I went for my next priority which was Space Mountain.

I think just shortly after I took this picture, I spotted Ariel!


Cool! I noticed 2 Disneybounders in one night! Maybe now I’m finally catching onto this thing!



Or maybe not.



The 2 I saw were pretty blatantly obvious. Snow White was definitely wearing clothes distinctly colored as Snow White’s dress and even had the make up and hair to go along with it. Ariel had long red hair and a sea foam green colored dress. Again, pretty obvious.


Needless to say, I’ve never noticed another Disneybounder around the parks since.


I think the posted wait time when I got to Space was 15 minutes, but I only waited 10. I always love Space, and I’m glad I had a chance to ride it.

When I got out, I think it was something like 6 minutes until the park would close. I considered going and getting in line for 7DMT and just waste time waiting while the park was “closed.” But I also knew we had 2 more big days in front of us and I really didn’t want to be out too much later.

It also hit me that I hadn’t had anything to eat since that Mickey Bar about 8 hours ago.


I headed towards Main Street taking a few pictures along the way. With all the trips we’d been taking in December the past few years, this is the first time I’d seen the castle at night without the Christmas lights in a long time. Still beautiful, but I’m really glad we managed to see the Christmas version a couple of days ago.

I ducked into the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, because what better way to end a day at Disney World than a late dinner of ice cream? 3 more people walked in after I did before the CM closed and locked the door. Just made it! I was standing in line watching the masses head for the exit on Main Street. Several people pounded on the windows or tried to open the door to no avail.


I ordered an All-American Sundae and enjoyed it as I walked down a nearly empty Main Street. Seriously, it was the perfect way to end an evening.


I got to the bus stop and I had a feeling I’d be there for a while. It was packed. They ended up bringing one of the double buses and then 2 single buses right behind it and I ended up only waiting about 10 minutes, which I know is an eternity to @pkondz .


When I got back to POR, I stopped by the food court to get some milk for DD’s breakfast in the morning. On my way out, I stopped outside the River Roost Lounge for a moment to watch a Disney Legend perform a song…

I would have loved to have seen more, but being there by myself, I just wasn’t feeling it. Hopefully I can get back there sometime to enjoy an entire performance. I certainly enjoyed the small sample I got to watch that evening.


I made it back to the room and went in to call it a night.

Contest Results:

1. Our room was ready. (10 points)

2. We went to DHS (20 points)

3. We saw Little Mermaid, Frozen, Fantasmic! (10 points each)

4. I saw a kid peeing on the side of the Fantasmic! sound booth. (50 points)

5. We heard Shut Up and Dance way too many times (25 points)

6. I noticed Disneybounders this evening. (20 points)

7. I went to MK for some solo time. (10 points)

8. My last snack was ice cream. (10 points)






Bonus Points:

FantasiaMagic – 10 points for Disneybounding Mario Kart.

Cindianne320 – 5 points for being first to answer

Pkondz – 5 points for losing kids with UP balloons, 5 points for a stolen chair at BOG.

Franandaj – 5 points for posting while on vacation

Chillitsanne – 12.5 points for late answers, 5 points for being late because you were at Disneyland

Captain_Oblivious – 10 points for stolen cars and exploding helicopters.

SarahDisney – 10 sympathy points for being this close to taking the lead back. Who knew public urination wasn’t uncommon at Disney World?

6travel – 5 points for Storm Troopers vs. Green Army Men. That would be awesome!

TerraNovaGuy – 5 points for pantsing a citizen of Hollywood.

Ashw100 – 5 points for being in Disney World and missing out on points

Amazingact21 – 5 points for moving to another country

Leshaface – 10 points for having a baby







Points from this Update:

pkondz 90

jandlinz 90

chillitsanne 87.5

6travel 85

Franandaj 85

Terra Nova Guy 85

SarahDisney 70

FantasiaMagic 70

Dugette 70

Leshaface 70

Captain_Oblivious 60

cindianne 320 55

natebenma 50

ashw100 5

amazingact21 5



Overall Leaderboard:

Pkondz 406

jandlinz 401

Captain_Oblivious 385.5

SarahDisney 379

6travel 346

Chillitsanne 343.5

Franandaj 337

cindianne 320 330

FantasiaMagic 327

Terra Nova Guy 314

Gracefulskinny 308

Dugette 290

Leshaface 270

ashw100 265

natebenma 245

vrajewski10513 237

GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes 176

SoccerDogWithEars 164

MissMaryQC 155

amazingact21 155

ursalita 85

vernie822 80






Next Update Questions:


1. What major trip planning mistake did I make regarding morning EMH at EPCOT? (25 points)

2. What was our first ride of the morning? (15 points)

3. I had a lengthy conversation with a CM. What did we talk about? (20 points)

4. Which character did we meet for the first time ever? (10 points)

5. Which restaurant did we eat at for the first time ever? (10 points)

6. What “snack” did I get in Mexico? (10 points – Bonus points if you’re more specific and get it right)

7. What snack did DW and DD get in Japan? (10 points)

8. You’ll soon get to learn the backstory to the TR title. Bonus opportunities for guessing what can’t be done when not wearing a princess dress.

 

[Leshaface]

Yes I still made it to play!

We had to wait for about 20 minutes for the welcome show to start

Wow great job on getting there super early!

Love candid shots like this.

Agh she has the best smile! And good teeth too

And if anyone ever tries to tell you a 2 year old doesn’t remember anything when they go to Disney World, I’ve got something else to tell you. As we passed by the grotto where Ariel meets visitors, DD knew what it was. She remembered it from over a year ago when she had DW take her there for multiple visits.

Exactly! It's crazy what DS can recall months after our trip. Totally grinds my gears when people say that. Or maybe we just have smart kids

We went for a spin on the Tea Cups and still had a few minutes to kill so we decided to do the carousel too.

Dang you guys sure did a lot despite the park filling up.

We got on and DD picked her horse. I got her situated and strapped in. She asked me to ride the horse next to her. I was literally half way on the horse… one foot on the peg on one side and my other leg crossing the top when some old guy put a little girl (presumably his granddaughter) on the horse basically right under me. I just looked at him incredulously and said excuse me. He just stood there basically 6 inches away from me and wouldn’t even look at me or acknowledge my existence.

Oh geez what a jerk.

In case you’re wondering, my notes say “Carousel: some old a hole pissed me off.”

And when I read the title, I was thinking, uh oh DD didn't want to get off! Didn't think the rage would be coming from you!

When we got our food, it was just kind of lukewarm. Almost like it had been sitting out for a few minutes before they brought it to us. And the bread on our sandwiches was tough. It definitely wasn’t the best meal of the trip, but BoG is still just an awesome place. I’ll write it off to being an uncharacteristic off day by the restaurant this time and I’m sure it will still be a priority to try to have lunch there and let them redeem themselves on the next trip.

That's a bummer. But you're right, BoG is such a cool, relaxing place. Of course, we had no choice but to skip it this time since we were so late in the game but I kept checking all the time for open ADR's.

Philharmagic just has those iconic songs from the movies that I grew up watching in the 90’s and it always gives me goosebumps and leaves me feeling excited about everything Disney.

Yes!

How little she looks! And you guys were in the back so you really got the thrill of it!

We decided to go ride the Peoplemover to get off of our feet for a while and think about what we’d do next.

Way to multitask

I was wondering what was up with the deformed Tink 'sticker' above your shoulder, but it's a darn bird Took me a while, I need sleep

Leshaface – 5 points for hair in the face on BTMRR… because that has happened before.

Isn't it gross!?

1. Will our room be ready when we arrive at Port Orleans? (10 points)

Nope

2. Which park did we go to after we check in? (20 points)

Epcot since it's right there

3. We saw 3 shows (defining a show as something you watch while sitting in a theater) that evening. I’ll give 10 points for any of the shows you can guess.

Dang I hope you went to Epcot...Circle of Life, O Canada, Reflections of China

4. I saw something being done in public that you don’t ordinarily see at Disney World. What was it? (50 points) - Creativity bonus points are available here.

A kid peeing! Cause I actually saw it happen on our trip!

5. What song did we hear in the park way too many times that had DD singing on the way out of the park? (25 points – hint: it wasn’t a Disney song)

The Happy Song??

6. I noticed something this evening that Disney fans do in the parks that is frequently discussed on the boards but I’d been completely oblivious about ever recognizing it in the parks. What was it? (20 points)

Dude critical thinking is not my thing right now! Umm...watch The Kiss Goodnight??

7. I planned for some solo time in MK during EMH this evening. Did it happen? (10 points)

Yes!

8. What was the last snack I had that day? (10 points)

Popcorn!



ETA:


Annnd of course I leave my computer for 20 minutes forgetting to press submit and now i'm too late for the game!

 

[afwdwfan]

Annnd of course I leave my computer for 20 minutes forgetting to press submit and now i'm too late for the game!

You're close enough...

 

[afwdwfan]

Yes I still made it to play!

Wow great job on getting there super early!

I mean, really, the park opens at 9. We'd been going to a conference the past few days. It was actually almost like sleeping in.

Love candid shots like this.

Agh she has the best smile! And good teeth too

Oh my gosh. You sound like DW. She works for an orthodontist.

Exactly! It's crazy what DS can recall months after our trip. Totally grinds my gears when people say that. Or maybe we just have smart kids

I know, there's like this whole attitude that it is wasteful to take them so young. They remember more than you think and they are F-R-E-E. Come on!

Dang you guys sure did a lot despite the park filling up.

Rope drop is vital!

Oh geez what a jerk.

And when I read the title, I was thinking, uh oh DD didn't want to get off! Didn't think the rage would be coming from you!

I might have some anger management issues...

That's a bummer. But you're right, BoG is such a cool, relaxing place. Of course, we had no choice but to skip it this time since we were so late in the game but I kept checking all the time for open ADR's.

Yeah, I still enjoyed going. And like I said, we'll be back. I just hope our food is better next time.

How little she looks! And you guys were in the back so you really got the thrill of it!

She had a blast!

Way to multitask

It's either the Peoplemover or a bench. I'll take the Peoplemover every time.

I was wondering what was up with the deformed Tink 'sticker' above your shoulder, but it's a darn bird Took me a while, I need sleep

I didn't even notice it before I posted it.

Isn't it gross!?

ETA:


Annnd of course I leave my computer for 20 minutes forgetting to press submit and now i'm too late for the game!

Your timing is impeccable.

But I gave you the benefit of the doubt. You bombed on most of them, but hit the big one. I added 60 points to your score.

 

[natebenma]

Your update is giving me flashbacks!

My son Nate enrolled at UNH on April 11 and we paid the tuition deposit. But he kept getting emails reminding him of the May 2 enrollment deadline. We discovered over the weekend that our deposit check had been returned because it was an echeck from a Fidelity account, which they don't accept. A paper check would have been fine though.

How did they attempt to notify us?

By sending an email to Nate in his UNH email account that he hadn't activated yet!

Fortunately, we figured out there was an issue (just) before the deadline passed.

The note from Tiana is such a nice touch! And the Princess room is beautiful.

That's cool that you were able to do so much at Hollywood Studios at the last minute. Especially the FP for Fantasmic!

Too bad Launch Bay was a disappointment.

Although you experienced that you can lead a princess to water, but can't make her tinkle, there are bathrooms at Disney every 5 feet or so. Absolutely no excuse for allowing public urination by that family! Sheesh!

What a nice room gift you received!

Good for you to have some solo time at MK. Big Thunder, Space Mountain and an ice cream sundae are a great way to end an evening.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Actually, I was kind of afraid of something like this happening. I checked in online a few weeks ahead of time, and I kept getting e-mails all the way up to the day before reminding me to check in online. I know for a fact that I did check in online, because I went back into it every time I got one of those e-mails to verify everything and make sure we had it. So I really don’t know what the issue was, but the CM quickly re-entered my credit card info and got us taken care of.

That's pretty annoying. This is good for me to know though, I'm planning on doing online check in for the first time for the summer, and I'll make sure to look out for extra emails just in case. Glad everything worked out ok!

She made sure to give DD a few stickers and an invitation from Princess Tiana to stay in one of her royal rooms!

This is sooo cute! What a nice touch!

I am in love with these rooms! Gosh I really have to stay here!!

DD, however, was in no mood for pictures so we left her in the stroller next to the photographer.

Great picture!

I’m a Star Wars fan, and I’m excited about the upcoming new land.

See I'm not a Star Wars fan, but I'm starting to get more and more excited about Star Wars Land. It sounds like what Disney is going to do will be awesome! It's just going to take forever to get there!

Aw! Too cute! I love her Anna dress too
I like how Minnie is there with a MMC background. I heard they are about to change her location again right? Hopefully it will be pretty permanent!

We parked the stroller and went and found seats about 15 rows up on the second section from the left about 20 minutes before the show would start. Not the best seats in the house, but we also didn’t have to show up 2 hours before show time so I’ll take it.

Not bad at all!

We enjoyed the show and as was starting to become a trend, we just watched. Between the 2 of us, not 1 picture was taken. DD managed to stay awake for the whole show this time and I think she really liked it!

That's great. I feel like you can enjoy a show on a whole different level when you don't have a phone/camera in your hand.

After the aisles around us finally cleared out, we headed up to the top of the theater and joined the crowd waiting to get out. We were almost to the sound booth that sits in the back of the theater, when I noticed a bit of commotion off to the side. There was a lady standing there trying to hide a probably 7 or 8 year old boy who was peeing on the side of the building while the masses were walking past about 2 feet away.

Oh no.. like come on! There are bathrooms right outside the theater!

When we got back out to Hollywood Blvd, we could hear the music coming from the stage near the theater, and they were playing some Walk the Moon. Specifically, Shut Up and Dance.

That song is was/is so overplayed it's ridiculous!

Well, DD had heard it enough that it was stuck in her head. Rather than fighting the crowds to get a tram to the parking lot, DW said she was fine with walking so the whole way out of the park and through the parking lot, DD was singing Shut Up and Dance.

That is so cute! I love how outgoing she is!

When we got into the room, we found a surprise sitting on our table. Someone had sent us a gift bag! There were some cups and plushes for the kids, but no note with them to let us know who it was from. Well, DW coaches cheerleading at a local HS. One of her cheerleaders had an older brother who was actually moving down to start the College Program the same week we were there. DW sent a text to her mom and found out they were the ones who sent it. It was very nice of them, and we made plans to meet up with the brother who was doing the CP on Friday evening at MK.

That is so sweet! What a nice surprise, very magical!

By this time it was after 8 and MK had EMH until 10. Was it worth even trying it??







HECK YEAH!!!

Good for you! Solo MK EMK, sounds like heaven!

I got in line, figuring that if this was all I could do, at least it was one of my all-time favorites and a must do. It ended up being a 20 minute wait, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Yay!

I had heard how great 7DMT is at night and how it is a different experience after dark much like BTMRR. I wanted to ride it. The wait was posted at 45 minutes.

Screw that.

I agree, especially when you have so little time there, not worth it.

I think the posted wait time when I got to Space was 15 minutes, but I only waited 10. I always love Space, and I’m glad I had a chance to ride it.

Lol great picture!

I ordered an All-American Sundae and enjoyed it as I walked down a nearly empty Main Street. Seriously, it was the perfect way to end an evening.

Perfect dinner!
Wow, sondns like a perfect day in Disney. And a perfect ending!

Next Update Questions:

1. What major trip planning mistake did I make regarding morning EMH at EPCOT? (25 points)

That single rider is closed for Test Track?

2. What was our first ride of the morning? (15 points)

Spaceship Earth

3. I had a lengthy conversation with a CM. What did we talk about? (20 points)

DCP.

4. Which character did we meet for the first time ever? (10 points)

Mary Poppins

5. Which restaurant did we eat at for the first time ever? (10 points)

San Angel Inn.

6. What “snack” did I get in Mexico? (10 points – Bonus points if you’re more specific and get it right)

Nachos.

7. What snack did DW and DD get in Japan? (10 points)

I forgot what they are called, but those slushi like things.

8. You’ll soon get to learn the backstory to the TR title. Bonus opportunities for guessing what can’t be done when not wearing a princess dress.

Riding a horse and shooting a bow and arrow like Merida

 

[KathyM2]

Wow...you guys are hard core!! I am exhausted just reading about all that you did that day!!! But you actually got quite a few things done in your brief window of night time EMH at MK...impressive!! Too bad about the wait times or you could have squeezed in even more...but what can you do...

 

[Leshaface]

Actually, I was kind of afraid of something like this happening.

I'm just hoping all of this doesn't happen with future trips. We had check-in issues at all 3 resorts because of the MB's but never had problems on other prior trips with the MB's Very strange.

Woah totally Princessed out! I'm sure she loved it though!

I do like the royal feeling on this side of the room.

We went back out to the truck and quickly drove over to DHS. It was late afternoon so we had to park in the back of the parking lot. I hate taking the trams, but we were far enough away and I didn’t want to wear DW out, so we waited for a ride to the park entrance. Thankfully a tram was just pulling up so we boarded and only had to wait a few minutes before we were on our way.

We've been so lucky to never have been on a tram at WDW. We've done it too many times to count at DLR and it can take forever!

GOO!

That is pretty freakin' cool though, but not for 9 grand.

I guess the Launch Bay is kind of like salad at a buffet. I’d rather skip it and get the good stuff. But since the new Star Wars land won’t be open for a few years, I’ll have a few leaves of lettuce every once in a while to appease my Star Wars appetite.

This explanation made me laugh.

After the aisles around us finally cleared out, we headed up to the top of the theater and joined the crowd waiting to get out. We were almost to the sound booth that sits in the back of the theater, when I noticed a bit of commotion off to the side. There was a lady standing there trying to hide a probably 7 or 8 year old boy who was peeing on the side of the building while the masses were walking past about 2 feet away.

Blech I knew it! Gah, all the classy people were out in January I guess!

Specifically, Shut Up and Dance.

Oh this song Yep a few times is fun, but it gets old quick.

Someone had sent us a gift bag! There were some cups and plushes for the kids, but no note with them to let us know who it was from. Well, DW coaches cheerleading at a local HS. One of her cheerleaders had an older brother who was actually moving down to start the College Program the same week we were there. DW sent a text to her mom and found out they were the ones who sent it. It was very nice of them, and we made plans to meet up with the brother who was doing the CP on Friday evening at MK.

Aw very cool!

By this time it was after 8 and MK had EMH until 10. Was it worth even trying it??







HECK YEAH!!!

I’d heard of Disneybounding. I’ve been pretty much oblivious to it in action. Honestly, unless there’s a blatant costume, I usually don’t get it. Even some of you who post pictures of yourselves Disneybounding on TR’s. Once you say you’re Disneybounding, I might be able to figure it out. If I don’t figure it out, it usually makes sense once I know what it is supposed to be. But it just doesn’t tend to pop out to me.

Yeah some are really subtle. And really by the time you figure out that they're Disneybounding, you look like a total creep checking them out.

That lady in the back!

It also hit me that I hadn’t had anything to eat since that Mickey Bar about 8 hours ago.

How do you go so long without food?! And I love that you ate ice cream twice within 8 hours!

I ordered an All-American Sundae and enjoyed it as I walked down a nearly empty Main Street. Seriously, it was the perfect way to end an evening.

That truly is perfect.

Leshaface – 10 points for having a baby

THANK YOU!

1. What major trip planning mistake did I make regarding morning EMH at EPCOT? (25 points)

That Figment isn't open for EMH

2. What was our first ride of the morning? (15 points)

Living with the Land

3. I had a lengthy conversation with a CM. What did we talk about? (20 points)

About the new Soarin' attraction opening up

4. Which character did we meet for the first time ever? (10 points)

Baymax

5. Which restaurant did we eat at for the first time ever? (10 points)

Nine Dragons

6. What “snack” did I get in Mexico? (10 points – Bonus points if you’re more specific and get it right)

Jalapeno Margarita

7. What snack did DW and DD get in Japan? (10 points)

A Sno-Cone

8. You’ll soon get to learn the backstory to the TR title. Bonus opportunities for guessing what can’t be done when not wearing a princess dress.

Being called a Princess

they are F-R-E-E.

THE most crucial element of a Disney trip people!

I might have some anger management issues...

The carousel does that to people.

 

[cindianne320]

1. What major trip planning mistake did I make regarding morning EMH at EPCOT? (25 points) You thought the Seas and Imagination were open but they weren't.

2. What was our first ride of the morning? (15 points) Spaceship Earth

3. I had a lengthy conversation with a CM. What did we talk about? (20 points)New Frozen attractions

4. Which character did we meet for the first time ever? (10 points)Baymax

5. Which restaurant did we eat at for the first time ever? (10 points) Akershus

6. What “snack” did I get in Mexico? (10 points – Bonus points if you’re more specific and get it right) jalapeno margarita

7. What snack did DW and DD get in Japan? (10 points) shaved ice

8. You’ll soon get to learn the backstory to the TR title. Bonus opportunities for guessing what can’t be done when not wearing a princess dress. Using the Rapunzel bathroom.

 

[Dugette]

Pretty cool that they do this!

It was interesting to see, and I’m glad I went, but it just didn’t have much wow factor for me. I realize that the Launch Bay is kind of a constantly evolving work in progress and I went shortly after it opened. It felt to me like it was just a thrown together display of memorabilia. Don’t get me wrong, they had some interesting things there that were really cool to see, but I don’t feel terribly compelled to spend much time there in the future.

Interesting to hear, as we've only seen the DLR one, which is a bit different. Coincidentally, I ran into our former (retired) CFO at work today and he is a big Disney fan and was telling me that another co-worker had just been to DHS and wasn't expecting much with all the construction, but apparently was blown away by the Star Wars Launch Bay. Guess I'll have to go chat with her sometime.

I’m a Star Wars fan, and I’m excited about the upcoming new land. I guess the Launch Bay is kind of like salad at a buffet. I’d rather skip it and get the good stuff. But since the new Star Wars land won’t be open for a few years, I’ll have a few leaves of lettuce every once in a while to appease my Star Wars appetite.

I like this description.

Whoa - is that Minnie in front of the Mousekedoer?! I think that is Izzy's dream come true!

DD enjoyed the show as she always has. She was captivated and just singing along with it all.

Aw, cute! Izzy just watched Frozen the other day and it's the first time she has really sung along extensively, knowing actual words. (Of course, in her version, Elsa does seem to frequently say, "I don't want to see you anymore..." )

On our way to the theater, when we took DD to the restroom, she didn’t want to go. We wanted to make sure she went before the show, but she had been resistant to go all day. We knew she wasn’t dehydrated, and while we’d stopped several times at restrooms (more than I’ve mentioned in the TR, clearly), she just didn’t really seem to want to go, except for when we were back in the hotel room. This was a little bit of a fight, and it was kind of a turning point for the worse regarding DD and restrooms on this trip.

Ugh, this sounds familiar.

There was a lady standing there trying to hide a probably 7 or 8 year old boy who was peeing on the side of the building while the masses were walking past about 2 feet away.

so the whole way out of the park and through the parking lot, DD was singing Shut Up and Dance.


At least people must have thought it was cute, because people were constantly turning to look at her and laughing as we’d pass.

Aw, I'm sure it was cute - a little girl singing is almost always met with smiles.

My first priority was a night ride on BTMRR. To me, it is one of those rides that you have to ride in the day and at night. Both are different experiences, but both are equally awesome!

Totally agree.

I’d heard of Disneybounding. I’ve been pretty much oblivious to it in action. Honestly, unless there’s a blatant costume, I usually don’t get it. Even some of you who post pictures of yourselves Disneybounding on TR’s. Once you say you’re Disneybounding, I might be able to figure it out. If I don’t figure it out, it usually makes sense once I know what it is supposed to be. But it just doesn’t tend to pop out to me.

This describes me too. I am so oblivious to this stuff.

Well, apparently evening EMHs that end at 10 pm suck.

It seems that the best EMH are the nights that are after midnight and just the last hour of that is usually pretty dead.

The 2 I saw were pretty blatantly obvious. Snow White was definitely wearing clothes distinctly colored as Snow White’s dress and even had the make up and hair to go along with it. Ariel had long red hair and a sea foam green colored dress. Again, pretty obvious.

Maybe it was actually Snow White and Ariel out wandering around?

This whole picture is just hilarious!

1. What major trip planning mistake did I make regarding morning EMH at EPCOT? (25 points)

Planned a conflicting ADR.

2. What was our first ride of the morning? (15 points)

Figment

3. I had a lengthy conversation with a CM. What did we talk about? (20 points)

Farming and/or corn

4. Which character did we meet for the first time ever? (10 points)

Joy

5. Which restaurant did we eat at for the first time ever? (10 points)

Akershus

6. What “snack” did I get in Mexico? (10 points – Bonus points if you’re more specific and get it right)

Avocado margarita

7. What snack did DW and DD get in Japan? (10 points)

Kakigori

8. You’ll soon get to learn the backstory to the TR title. Bonus opportunities for guessing what can’t be done when not wearing a princess dress.

Posing for a portrait to be added to that wall in your hotel room.