YES, touring Cinderella’s Dream Suite was Amazing!+14 Other Magical Days* Dismeet & Wrap

[DisneyKid4Life]

BRENDA!!!!! So glad to have you back. You have been so missed!!!

 

[MrsB1228]

Welcome back! Like the others, I am also looking forward to reading another wonderful Em and Emmysmommy report!

 

[livsmom04]

Hi guys! Em and I are back. I've pretty much traveled the last 3 weeks straight so I'm catching up with work and life. My special Dismeet posts will follow this week - I promise.

So glad you had a great trip! Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Yikes! Feeling like I'm sending out my "thank yous" for my party a year after the event.... Getting caught up on comments here after so long. And then my special post about two lovely ladies!

Looks like you had a wonderful last day! That was so thoughtful of you to want to use your drink coupons for others. I love little random acts of kindness like that!

Thanks! Sometimes people need a drink more than me!

Yes, this has taken awhile, but I've read reports that have taken longer. At least you finished what you started and didn't abandon this altogether, so good for you!!!

Crystal Palace is an awesome last breakfast in Disney! Can't beat that puffed french toast!

I have often felt for the poor CMs in those unbearably hot costumes. I hope they get ample water and cooling off breaks.

I love how often you change clothes. Do you pack enough for two or three outfits a day? That had to be a lot of luggage for fifteen days.

Thanks for hanging in there with me Annie!

I definitely line up at the kids section of the buffet for that puffed French toast. Yum!

Those characters are remarkable that they are still energetic and play the part despite the heat. I don't think I'd be so chipper!

I may have brought two whole bags.

Wo-Hoo!! Completion!! Looks like a good last day! We've never done Stitch!! I honestly don't even think about it lol.

Hmmm.... I seem to remember those drink tickets finding a home!!

You're not missing anything Paula by skipping Stitch.

Hmmm.. I wonder. Cheers my friend!

Beautiful sunrise pictures - BLT definitely has some incredible views, and it looks like you definitely made the most of them!

I'm impressed that you managed to sit through Stitch's Great Escape (although I guess they restrain you, so you don't have a choice). That show was so much better when it was a terrifying (yet entertaining) Alien Encounter without a movie tie-in. They should have moved it to DHS or something instead of 'classing' it up with Stitch.

We know Alfredo! We met him when staying at CR a few years ago and he was very nice (and we saw him again at CR last July). We don't know nearly as many cast members as you do (we have a few friends scattered around certain resorts), so it's cool to recognize someone you met.

Nice job finishing this up and replying to everyone along the way! These reports can be so much work, so it's impressive that you've completed this while still keeping up with a dining report.

Hi Mr. DDW! Yes, love the views from BLT!

Since you are restrained it is hard to get up and leave. And the seats are too uncomfortable to sleep. Instead we'll just watch the alien escape and do all sorts of rude things while he's at it.

Alfredo was a very nice man. I don't think we "know" CMs as much as we are friendly and they then ask to pose with us for a photo! j/k! We only know a few.

Thanks my friend. And thank you for hanging in there with your busy last year

Awesome last day! I think a breakfast at MK before rope drop is the perfect way to end. Crystal Palace breakfast, I cannot wait to expirence it

I will be looking for your next TR!!

It is definitely a great way to end a trip.

Thanks! Look for December to kick off soon.

Awww Brenda, has it really been 10 months??? I know I kid a little (ok, a LOT) but I will be genuinely sad to see this end. I only kid because I know there are already 2 more trips in the can and 1 more coming soon and I get a little anxious (and confused). This was the one with the Dream Suite... right?

You know, given your proximity to DL and the ability to go there pretty much at will makes me appreciate all the more the fact that you go to extra lengths to stay in WDW just as long as possible.

I am absolutely making a special point of finding Alex next trip.

WOW, way to get in some last minute character meets. Holy. Many don't get that many in a day. Of course, I'm also counting all the extra meets with CM's and of course your super crushing Mayor.

Ha ha! This is confusing to me too! I almost shared that we were upgraded at BLT but that wasn't this trip it was the next and then I wondered why I didn't share about meeting someone else and then remembered I didn't meet them in August. Glad you hung in there my friend! And yes, there was a castle in this one.

I really do have a perpetual TR going with all the DL stuff as well. Which I will be bold enough to say, in 2015 you really should make it back to CA!

I'm seriously stealing your TR title suggestion.... I'll give you credit. Fair is fair you know.

Brenda!!

Seriously, what a great last day in MK!! My hats off to you both for getting in as much as you could, that's awesome. I've been thinking about how we (Tyler and I) can shoot for a great day in MK on our last day too, I've been looking at flight times and trying to get an idea of what flight times they may offer for next year. We'll just have to see what they come up with.
Tell me, what time was your flight to go home? And what time did ME pick y'all up? <you don't have to answer now that we've spoken on the phone>
You probably said but I don't remember now. My thoughts are for a 6:00 o'clock flight so that we don't have to rush and we might be able to get some time in one of the parks or a resort if the park is not possible.
I figure the later the better, but not too late so I don't have my poor husband coming to get us really late from the airport. He's getting old ya know.

I'm going to have to keep my eye out for CM Alex, he looks like a hoot. I think he and Tyler would have a blast together!

CP for breakfast, my favorite and a last day tradition for us as well. I see you have the same thinking I do when it comes to breakfast, it's good to have the healthy options as well as the really good stuff!

Breakfast lasagna is no joking matter, in eating it or making it. Have you ever looked up the ingredients?!? But man! It's soooo yummy.

I'm glad to see you got some face time in with a few of the princesses, too bad no time with the head Mouse. Oh well, at least you have another trip coming up, maybe you'll see him then.

So sad y'all have left. But all good times must come to an end, TR's too, but sadly mine is not. A year later....how pathetic of me. As always I love reading your reports.

Hi Celeste! Long time no talk! I hope all is well my friend.

We usually book a late afternoon flight so we get picked up around 2-3. We want to maximize our last day if possible. We have the 3 hour time change in our favor at least. Usually I don't go back to work right away so I give myself a couple days to catch up. This last trip I had to jump right back into work so I'm still getting caught up with life and everything.

Alex is hilarious. He's notorious for having young men do kissy poses with their mom. It could be iconic!

CP is a must do and even better on that last morning. I've seen the breakfast lasagna ingredients at the restaurant and it's enough to make my blood sugars spike just reading it. I've only had it a time or two. If I indulge in that stuff too much I may not have room for Mickey waffles since it is so rich. The important things you know!

Thanks! I say the slow ship still sails into the port to a welcoming crowd so no worries about unfurling the sails to go quicker. Take your time and enjoy the TR journey!

 

[emmysmommy]

Boooooooo last day! Even though you have been on 2 trips since.

Very cute pictures on Main Street to start off the day! So glad you were able to run into your favorite PP photographer as well, that made for some really adorable selfies.

Love the princess meet! My favorite Rapunzel! I hope to see her every time we go now. She was amazing for Paxton's very first princess meet in 2012.

I have to sincerely thank you for plugging away at this TR and keeping me so entertained and feeling like I have a little bit of the magic at home.

That last day we usually have less spring in our step.

Alex is a magical experience waiting to happen on Main Street for many families. He needs a role in Entertainment.

Rapunzel was our best meet yet! She drew us a Pascal this last visit. So awesome!

Thanks for hanging in there Kristy.

What a fantastic TR Brenda! I had to come out of lurkdom to say how much I enjoyed it as well as your previous TR's. I can't wait for your next one!

Thanks Bill! I appreciate it! I'm glad that you've been reading along.

So I am finally back here to catch up. I read that update and thought there is NO WAY it's been that long since I've been over here. It had been a long time...but not THAT long, I missed this update!

I love those decorations and it's such a fun photo! You two look great as always although I must say, August seems too early for fall decs!

Wonderful updates. I had a lot to catch up on, Illuminations cruise and so many cute pics! I am glad you enjoyed the cruise (so much you've done it again). I think it is worth every penny and love that a couple next to you got engaged.

Love that you took a picture with Bruce, I think that is perfectly acceptable for the kid to stand in line to take the picture. Princess shots were a ton of fun and I am glad (since I've not been on the dining thread) that you shared a few pictures from your last breakfast. I've still never been there...one of these days!

What a magical trip.

Ahh that pumpkin shot looking towards Main Street - I picture you standing there in orange!!

I'm glad someone else thinks Bruce isn't just for kids!

Thanks for reading along. And for taking time to meet up in April! It was great to meet one of the DISBoard legends in person!

Brenda I've really enjoyed following along with your TR! I love how much you enjoy the CMs and the other "little things" at WDW. I hope that you'll be starting another TR soon!

Thank you so much Shannon! I am getting caught up with life and work and will start December's TR soon. At this point it may be more photo heavy since I didn't take a lot of trip notes for that one. The pictures can tell the story.

Very sad to have it end. Although I read the whole TR in 5 or 6ish days!

I've read all of Rob's TR's, now I will need to go back and finish yours.

Love Alex, I will be looking for him in December, for sure! The picture with Em and the Mayor, priceless!

I have a feeling we will meet up at DLR, one day. My next visit will be Aug 24 & 25. Let me know if your in the neighborhood.

Hi Happy Tink! That's some heavy duty reading! Thanks for reading through.

Rob will be a big part of my December TR - of course. My TR can be an epilogue to his!

Look for Alex on Main Street - it will be worth it!

I need to get back to DL for my Disney fix so maybe I'll message you if that works out.

What a great last morning at the MK! And you have such great pictures to help tell the story. One of these days I will stop rushing from one attraction to the next so I can really enjoy the smaller details and the CMs. But until that happens, I will enjoy reading about them on your DRs and TRs. Thank you for spending the time to create your reports!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks Jill! I appreciate you reading along and enjoying the little stuff that may not be exciting but it's what we slowed down to enjoy.

It has been fun following along on your August trip. I can't believe that it was almost a year ago! Where did the time go? You must not mind the August heat too much if you are planning another August trip. We are returning to WDW in September. We usually travel to Florida in the winter months, and I'm a litle worried about the heat.

Thanks Sue! Can you believe that is was about a year ago that you were my "winner" for my last TR trivia? Time flies.

I'm not a fan of the heat really but we didn't have a lot of date choices with some other travel that I have coming up. We duck into the a/c a lot. How many times did we do Mickey's Philharmagic?

What a lovely morning. Relaxed last days are the way to go. The laugh floor is always so fun. I've never been to the stitch ride, sounds pretty fabulous though!

That cinderella is super pretty! Major props to the fur & face characters down there. They're so good at their job. Way to go Mary Poppins!

Southwest is so good. What a nice guy for giving free drinks! And you, for giving out your coupons to other passengers. You're so nice, Brenda. Go you!

Hi Jennifer! The jokes from the Laugh Floor never get old. And Roz!! Love her. You're not missing a lot with Stitch. Really.

That Mary really hung in there. I felt so bad for her but she was a true professional. Practically perfect down to the last sweat drop on her brow.

The true story is that they wouldn't take those coupons instead offering to be generous to other passengers. Sooooo another DISer - Paula ended up getting them in December. I'm a giver!

 

[JulieODC]

Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing about your DISmeets!!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi guys! Em and I are back. I've pretty much traveled the last 3 weeks straight so I'm catching up with work and life. My special Dismeet posts will follow this week - I promise.

Welcome back!! I saw much of it on Facebook but I can't wait to hear the whole story!

 

[emmysmommy]

I've enjoyed your report so much. What a wonderful vacation. I would love to take a girls only trip with my two princesses one day!

Thank you! You won't regret a single moment if you do a girl's trip with your princesses! The years go by far to quickly...

aw, I will be sad to see this TR come to an end ... I mean, probably not as sad as you were to see the actual trip come to an end, but still

You had so much going on and did so many updates it is not surprising it took a while ... though it is kinda funny/interesting to see all the things that have changed since you started this TR ... no more paper fast passes, princesses have moved, Mine Train has opened, etc.

Looks like a blast with Alex - that must be fun for him to get to be the one having his picture taken for once!

Awwww Phil, thanks for reading during this TR that took longer to complete than your little Emma being born.

It is funny to look back in the last 12 months and see so many changes that are illustrated in my TR. RIP paper fast passes!

Alex was an attraction on Main Street himself. It looked like he had all the selfie poses perfectly practiced.

What a nice easy day to end your trip with! OMG, Alex is hysterical (and his selfie game was ON POINT). I don't know, but I feel like I might have seen him once on Main Street when I was just there... I forget. There probably were some other cool CMs catching my eye at the time haha Awww, that poor mayor, he looks so sad. :/

Love CP! I haven't done breakfast. Need to get on that one day! Awww, poor Mary. It amazes me how rarely you do see that, but that they manage to always stay in character. Those friends of face characters need to be paid extra on those hot days... BIG TIME (not to mention the fur characters who are outside).

Love all your photos with the princesses! All of them were very interested in what you were saying with your hands tho. You must've had some lovely conversations. Great photo of the fireworks burst btw!

Stitch's Great Escape: Classiest Attraction in WDW is right! Love that Chili smell (not). And that's so awesome how the guy with the urge to dance at the Laugh Floor actually DANCED. Right on, dude!

Mmmm, Plaza looks delish! Must check that place out next time I'm there. Great final photopass and I love when the crowd control CMs just have a little fun when they don't have to do anything. It's so cute!

I'm glad to hear you guys had a safe flight home! MCO security is the worst, but they usually are pretty efficient so it's not like you are just crammed in, but the line actually moves.

Cannot wait to read the final wrap-up!

Hi Timmy!! I don't think I've said it here but I love your Disney enthusiasm. I need to catch up on your TR so I can read more about your recent adventures!

YES, Alex was hilarious. He's a one-man show on Main Street.

Ha ha! The Mayor must have survived our absence since he was back on Main Street to welcome us last time.

I agree! Give those characters a pay differential for those blazing hot days! They must really like their jobs. I'd be too tempted to grab a kid's fan/water bottle so I'm sure I wouldn't make the cut.

Oh my gosh! I didn't think I talk with my hands but the proof is right there.

Go visit Plaza Restaurant next time - visit around 1pm and you may be the family of the day that gets free ice-cream. (a little hint there.)

Thanks for the well wishes and for reading along.

What a great trip! And such a fun report too! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for reading!!!

What a great report. I've enjoyed the whole thing. It's always sad to see a trip end, but I think a Bloody Mary is a brilliant way to say goodbye.

Thanks Tiny! If I have to say good-bye to WDW may as well do it with a cocktail right?

Brenda, what a great last partial day you had! From breakfast with my boyfriend (yes, I saw you hugging my Tigger), to seeing the Mayor with his frown, to meeting some royalty, getting in some rides (but WHY Stitch ) and learning how to take photos of yourself on the bus.

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed your TR. And can't wait for the recap and the next one.

I ALWAYS hug your Tigger. Thanks for sharing him with me. He did say that he likes you better!

That's a great question - why Stitch? We must have wanted to make that last few hours as painful as possible. I don't think we've been back since so if that tells you anything.....

Thanks Kathy! The next TR won't take an entire year to complete.

Plane cookies? Seriously? I fly SWA all the time and I have never had plane cookies. I am very jealous. They must save those for the cross country flights.

Still very envious of the BLT lake view. It is really so lovely. I've only stayed at BLT once. I really need to change that. How super convenient for the last day of your trip. If I can change my February reservation I might just have to do that.

I agree that flying home in the evening is the way to go. Glad you had such a nice breakfast and lunch. Poor Mary Poppins sweating up a storm like that.

I really enjoyed your TR and look forward to your final wrap up and your newest adventure (whatever that is). I would think you are probably just about ready for a return visit.

So it looks like we are now on target for DL in June 2015 (unless we push it back to September). I'll keep you posted since I think you are now the unofficial DL ambassader for die-hard WDW folks.

Hi Mary Ellen! If it makes you feel any better, I haven't seen the airline cookies since. They were so appropriate for the occasion.

I thought of you when we were at the VGF this last trip. I know you had bought a contract.

My next trip was our December trip so that one may get started soon. Darn work keeps getting in the way of my free time! I know you've been there with long days and busy schedules.

I would be very excited to welcome you as the un-official DL ambassador next summer! I really hope that works out! Please keep me posted.

Thanks for joining and hanging in there for this one!

I had a ton of catching up to do!!

What a fun evening -- sounds like a really fun boat ride, Illuminations looked beautiful, and so sweet about the engagement! And EEK about the gators!

And, love your DL dismeets!! How fun!!!

A TR truly is a labor of love...your reference to the length vs. time to have a baby seriously made me laugh!!

Your walk up Main St was so cute --Seriously, you guys make friends wherever you go! You had a VERY productive morning at MK -- I'm impressed.

I'm sad to see your TR coming to an end!! Hope you decide to a December one??

Hi Julie! I can guarantee that when you read one of my TRs it won't go fast, and someone may have a baby or two in the mean time! Thank you for reading along with this one. I do plan to start a December TR.

Hi Brenda! Love those castle pictures. We just did Crystal Palace breakfast for the first time and it was easily my favorite meal of the trip! I loved the puffed French toast and the apple tarts.

Paper FPs?! I almost forgot about those!!

Great meet with Mary. I really wish I could have met those characters in Town Square but it was just too hot.

That banana split looks SO GOOD. I've been skipping the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in favor of LeFou's Brew the past few trips, but I miss it!

Hi Courtney! Ahhhh I'm glad you loved CP. The puffed French toast is pretty tasty. Apple tarts? How did I miss those? Mmmm

Isn't it funny how quickly we forget about things that change over time. I'm probably going to forget that Ariel had a seashell in her hair before long.

Those characters and the lines in Town Hall Square are crazy. I had no desire to pose with Pluto, Daisy or Marie in the heat. Those poor characters.

I've not had the Brew but I can now say that I've had Butterbeer! (Shameless plug inserted there.)

Brenda, Sorry I got so far behind. Sad to see this trip end but look forward to your next. This was an amazing trip and I am so glad you share it with us all.

Hi Sandy! No worries. I'm glad that you've been popping in.

Thank you for reading and sharing in the adventures.

Same here. I'll get FP+ now that that's the way it is, but it seems more like being at work when everything has to be on a predetermined schedule.

Hi DaisyDuck! You certainly have to plan your days more. I wish you could split your FP+ between parks or accumulate unused ones but they didn't ask my opinion. For planners, this is an exciting thing!

So sad to see this report end. I must say I really enjoyed being with you. I cant wait to hear your last thoughts. I hope you start another trip report soon.

Oh, thanks for saying that. I'm so glad that you joined in and have been reading. Thank you! Look for December coming soon. I'll certainly insert a link here.

 

[emmysmommy]

Following Along

Hi there cas714! Welcome and I hope you are all caught up. There WILL be a test. Just kidding. Thanks for joining.

Ack! just saw this! Thank you so much - feel honored to be mentioned in a thread of the month by DIS royalty

Have a safe and great trip!

I can't help it that your perfect new princess timed her arrival right when I was posting! Seriously, though, what an exciting day for you and your family. There's nothing like that incredible first day with your new baby. Been there x 4 and I'll never forget those emotions!

Thanks Phil. It was a great trip.

Last days suck, but they're always a little easier when you know the date of your next return!
What a lovely time you had in MK on this last morning! I love that you got to squeeze in a character breakfast too. I have to travel too far to get a late enough flight to do anything like that.
YUM that banana split does look good!

Hi Wendy! I agree, there's less throwing myself on the ground and having a screaming fit for leaving WDW if I know there is a return trip soon. I did love our last morning. If I recall correctly, you have two connecting flights to get home? I can see where a 6pm flight may not work out so well. It would end up being a red-eye.

The banana split looks good but it would be so much better if it was banana and pineapple topping with a dollop of whip cream. Ok, so you know I'm not an ice-cream fan. I need to get caught up with your TR. I saw some photos but need to get back and get caught up.

Noooo! I'm a fan of long, drawn out TR's though!...cus mind is almost at the 10 month mark

But really, I hate reading last days because you never know when that DIS'er will have another TR. Thank GOODNESS you have many more TR's in the near future, so i'll be submissive and accept that the end has indeed come.

What a fun Photopass Photographer! He would be a hoot to run into on our next trip. Hopefully i'll see him.

So you can call Airline Check-in ahead of time and have the boarding passes printed out? What about when you check in 24 hours before? Does that change your boarding group if you check in 24 hours before and then have the passes printed out the following day? I hope this makes sense. We only fly SW and from what I remembered, I checked in right at the 24 hour mark and didn't do anything until the next day when we were in line getting our baggage checked.

Stitch's Great Escape is definitely the classiest in all of the World!

How did you score drink coupons!? I need me some of those. DM would have used all of them

Side Note: We had SO much fun chatting with you and Em! Next time we need to plan for longer. Perhaps a meal and park time at some point in the future. Thank you so much too, for the sweet gifts. DS is enjoying the postcard that you gave us, pointing at Mickey and Minnie everyday. Sorry, it's all crumpled now, but know that the postcard is being used well

Hi Alicia! I'm almost through comments and can post photos from our meet! I miss you guys already! You guys were more than just a meet up you are a special couple that I'm glad we were able to spend time with. Vegas isn't a bad idea..... I'd have given your mom my drink coupons if he wanted them. Southwest sends drink coupons every 6 months or so and when you have a free flight voucher. I don't drink on flights when I travel on business... I don't want to show up too happy for my meetings.

You are a patient person if you can hang in there this long! I agree, it would be different if there wasn't 2 more TRs to follow.

Look for Alex on Main Street. He's the Photopass dude that has the long line.

For the SW airline boarding passes you don't have to print them out before you get to the airport. As long as you check in and reserve your boarding position you are fine. I always have them printed since Disney will print the SW airlines ones. I feel it saves me a few minutes at the airport but really, DME drops you off so far in advance it's not a problem.

Oh yeah you did. LOL.
You got a lot done in the time between going out and going back for the bags.
Stitch is one ride I skip. Such a waste of space.
Sounds like it was a good last day and a nice flight home.
Caught up.

Hi Scott! Ahhh you're not the first to say that they pass up Stitch. I don't understand why more people don't want to be held down while an alien belches in their face?

As far as last days go, I can't complain too much.

Thanks for catching up!

I'm all caught up after my 15 day trip and jet lag

It looks like you had a lovely, full last day and it was so kind of you to try to give your drinks away

Thanks for a great TR you guys always have so much fun!

Hi Jo! The drink coupons didn't cost me anything and I wasn't going to drink that much so I may as well make a few friends!

Thanks! I have a great travel buddy that makes the trips worthwhile.

"The Cinderella and Disneyland Dream Suite is a 2,600 sq.ft. luxury apartment located in New Orleans Square, in the Disneyland Park. Beginning January 31, 2008, guests of the park were randomly selected to spend the night in this one of a kind suite as part of the Year of a Million Dreams Giveaway. Located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, the Disneyland Dream Suite includes a living room, open-air patio, two bedrooms and two bathrooms."

To sum it up, the Disney Dream Suite is the most magical, most exclusive, once in a lifetime experience any Disney fan could ever experience or imagine. It was amazing.

I've toured both - the DL version was a couple years ago. The Cinderella one was somehow more magical since it was in the iconic castle. We'll never forget the blessing of being able to do that.

Your last day sounded amazing!!!! Glad you were able to pack some extra character love into it!

As long as you keep writing trip reports, you take as long as you want to finish them!!!

Hi Sue! Thanks, it is always fun to interact with the characters. And on that last day I especially like to collect more character meets.

So you are saying that I can write s-l-o-w-l-y... as long as I finish! Ok, we're good!

Welcome back! I can't wait to read about another Em and emmysmommy's trip again.

Thanks Sue. That TR should appear around 2016!

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about your trip and your DISMeets!

Thanks Timmy! You may be able to indulge in a cocktail legally before that one rolls out. J/K, it should be before that.

BRENDA!!!!! So glad to have you back. You have been so missed!!!

Rob! My Canadia friend!! Thank you! It probably feels like I'm still gone since I've not had much DIS time. But thank you my friend!!

Welcome back! Like the others, I am also looking forward to reading another wonderful Em and Emmysmommy report!

Thanks Carol! For you, I'd love to share!

So glad you had a great trip! Can't wait to read more!!!

Hi Charlotte! Thanks! It was very good.

Welcome back!! I saw much of it on Facebook but I can't wait to hear the whole story!

I realize that I post a lot of food stuff when I travel. Maybe I should forget that I was forced to eat snails! Thanks for hanging in there!

Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing about your DISmeets!!

Thanks Julie! I'm excited to share as well. Both of these ladies are awesome!

 

[emmysmommy]

I'm losing it I think.. I think I may have missed some comments... if these are dups oops! It's late.

Happy Anniversary to you and Michael!!!

And have a wonderful time with Em...give her a hug for me.


xo

Thank you Kathy! It was our first anniversary apart! xo

All caught up to your departure! Parting is such sweet sorrow. Unless you know you'll be returning soon.

We spent the 30th in DHS. No chance of a meeting there. And not returning until 2015. But if you are ever in Chicago for business, let me know! Would love to meet and say hello.

Funny the FP for the characters didn't work out. MK is a great place to spend a last day.

Have a safe and wonderful trip to WDW!! Say "Hi" to Mickey for me!

I have business and family in Aurora which is a suburb. I would definitely let you know if my travels take me there. (Kathy too since she's in the burbs - as you know from your meet up.)

The FPs for the characters was our mistake. Oh well. It was fine.

Oh good, 15 days to stay caught up. I mean, have a great trip cant wait to read about it. Really I can't wait to read more of your adventures and dis meets.

Thanks Sandy!

Hi,

Haven't read though the entire thread so here is my question..........how do you get a tour of the Cinderella suite? I know at one point there had a contest but don't anymore do they?

The sweepstakes are to stay in the Dream Suite which a couple people here have written about. We knew someone who asked on our behalf. We were blessed.

Safe travels, Brenda! I cannot wait to hear about your trip!

Thanks Timmy!

 

[martinmont]

I'm a lurker in your TR but I'm coming out to say hi now! I just added u on fb too, yes I'm a creeper like that lol. DH and I are going to be first timers in dec and your trips sounds so amazing that I think dec is too far away lol. Looking forward to your next TR!

 

[TinyDancer]

NOOO I don't want it to be over!!!


When is the next TR???

 

[emmysmommy]

I'm a lurker in your TR but I'm coming out to say hi now! I just added u on fb too, yes I'm a creeper like that lol. DH and I are going to be first timers in dec and your trips sounds so amazing that I think dec is too far away lol. Looking forward to your next TR!

Hi there! Thanks for following along and now you are also my newest FB pal!

Ohhh December is such an awesome time to go to WDW. In fact... if I don't drag my feet any longer I may start my December TR from last year very soon.

NOOO I don't want it to be over!!!


When is the next TR???

Hi Tiny! Yesssss everyone else does! Soon, very soon. I have to finish my wrap, get my Dining Review updated, and find some free time here. I WILL start soon.

 

[emmysmommy]

Disneyland DISmeets - July 2014​

Before I wrap this thing up I’m excited to share two awesome DISmeets!

The first was with Dee (Natebenma) who is the “hostess” of the YC/BC resort thread in addition to being a prolific TR contributor (who doesn’t love her spot on comic intros for her posts) here on the DISboards. I became familiar with Dee originally through the YC/BC resort thread in 2010 since that was the one of the first WDW resorts that Em and I stayed for our inaugural girls’ trip that year.

When Dee asked for opinions regarding her family’s summer vacation plans in her current TR I was eager to share my thoughts and vote for a West Coast trip that included Hawaii with a side of Disneyland. I’m pretty sure that my vote must have counted for something since she booked a trip that included Disneyland not too long after! Yay!! This was my opportunity to finally meet Dee face-to-face!

Our plan was to meet on Sunday July 13th at Disneyland. Exciting stuff to look forward to!

Meeting up at the Partner’s statue in the middle of Disneyland was where I officially made a new friend and met her sweet husband Mark. It was so awesome to actually meet Dee in person. The Nate and Ben part of Natemenma were elsewhere in the park. We didn’t have any plans so we chatted for a while. Anyone that knows me would be shocked I’m sure! Me chatty? It was very thoughtful of Dee to come bearing gifts for not only me but my family. Very generous!

A Partner's Statue Photo Op:

We had to have a castle photo!

For Em, she had Lisa (mickeystoontown) make an Ariel back sack. Not any back sac, but Em’s favorite Disney character. I was astounded that Dee had paid attention to this little fact when I can’t recall that I’ve shared that little known fact often. Em was thrilled for this perfect gift. Here’s a photo of it getting used during our latest WDW trip.

For my hubby Michael, she paid attention to the fact that he is a big Packer fan. Giving my hubby Packer duct tape was like giving a cat, catnip. It didn’t take him long to put it to good use. Leave it to him to mail something to Kathy (KatMark) who is a big Bears fan. I don’t think he felt any shame.

A little bundle of trouble is what this ended up being with my trouble-maker husband.

And finally, I received this really lovely Cinderella’s castle necklace. It had a silhouette of the castle with a river rock accent. It was made by a local artisan in Dee’s area. This was a great gift because…. I sported this little beauty at our Cinderella’s Royal Table dinner last week. This was so perfect for the occasion! Thank you Dee for your kindness and generosity.

Mark and the boys were cool enough to share their wife/mom for a little while so we went to Toontown and rode Roger Rabbit. That was one time that I didn’t mind a long stand-by wait since it gave us time to talk Disney, kids, and life. (Hey, you almost have DisneyKid4Life there!)

Before saying goodbye, we swapped out taking a final couple photos after meeting up with the guys. I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea to stand in the photo with her family instead of taking one of their entire family. It’s probably because I thought they needed more photos of me in their family vacation photo album.

Dee, I’m so very glad that you took the time from your family vacation to spend a little time with me. I’m wicked happy that worked out!

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And then two days later.....the next meet up was planned with Alicia (Leshaface) who was celebrating her anniversary with her husband with a trip to the DL resort area. I happened to be staying at the Grand Californian hotel for a business conference at the same time as Alicia and her hubby Dan. Heck, if my company will pay for the hotel room with a killer conference rate who am I to argue that I only live 20 minutes away? She had plans to get together with other special friends so I was glad that we were able to meet up for a cocktail after dinner one night. (Here's a link to Alicia's current TR.)

Em decided to join me again this year and have some park time and enjoy staying at the Grand Californian resort while I attended the conference during the day. We had our evenings free after the first night so were able to have a pre-girl trip – trip for 4 nights.

So… our plan was to meet for cocktails after Alicia’s Napa Rose dinner at the Hearthstone Lounge on July 15th . As we were heading out to go meet up I realized that I left the card I had for her at home. When we passed by the outdoor lounge area I saw Alicia already waiting at a table. I wanted to duck into the gift shop to get a card so I was hoping that she didn’t see us sneaking past. It all worked out since we innocently walked up and said hey minutes later!

I’m going to be a fangirl for a minute here and say that Alicia is even more cute and adorable in person. We were instantly fans of this lovely young lady. Dan was awesome as well. I feel honored to meet the guy that went back out on Hollywood Blvd at DHS to get a magic shot and take random Photopass photos! That hilarious moment was captured in Alicia’s current TR.

Photo evidence of a very fun meet up. The cocktails didn't have anything to do with that either!

We must have occupied that table for a couple hours. They shut the place down while we were still there – it’s in the outdoor common area so no worries, we were not asked to leave or anything! I was talking so much that not even swallowing a gnat could stop me. Seriously. I swallowed a bug. I was shooing a gnat away and as I was talking it went right into my mouth and I swallowed it. I paused and said, I think I swallowed a bug! Oh my gosh. It wasn’t as bad as escargot so it’s all good.

By the time I felt I needed to call it a night it was more to be polite to this poor couple with whom I could have chatted away the entire night. Honestly, the time flew by and I wish we had more time together. (There’s always Vegas!)

We posed for a group photo… and then re-configured and posed again…. And then took a final one with Dan looking super happy!

I miss you guys already!

Next up: The Wrap
​

 

[Leshaface]

Your meet up with Natebenma sounded like lots of fun! That backpack is super cute and the Packers duct tape?! If your DH doesn't use it all, ship the rest to my DH! Those cheeseheads

Oh my goodness, we had the best time talking to both you and Em. There was so much to talk about, we could have waited in the SB line at Space on the busiest Summer evening 10 times and still would have found new, fun things to talk about! I'm hoping we can meet up soon again in the near future.

BTW, thank you so much for the coffee, mug and cookies. The cookies and coffee are gone already, but i'll always have my DIS meet mug!...and the wrinkled up postcard that DS loves looking at and playing with

 

[Wood Nymph]

That was really nice that you got to meet Dee after knowing each other on the Dis for four years. I'm wondering how many people have traveled to DL just so that they get a chance to meet up with you. I clicked on your Aug 2010 trip report to see how your first Disney resort stay was. Now I'll have to read that one, too. ETA: I see that you had a 40% off room discount for the BC back in 2010. Wow, I bet we'll never see discounts like that again!

A pre-trip stay with Em at the GC sounds really nice. I can't wait to hear how your summer 2014 trip went.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

The heck you say. You all chatted. No way!!! But in all seriousness, that's one of the many reasons meeting you is such a treat. You are so welcoming and easy to talk to. Speaking for myself, there is just awkwardness at all. It's just a pure pleasure.

Aww, I remember seeing that photo of the backpack. Just such lovely and thoughtful gifts. Well Dee, thanks for making me look bad, lol.

Disney... kids... life... I'll take it!!

Such an awesome meet. So glad you got to do this and that it went so "Wicked Awesome!" (She had mentioned to me you might talk about her accent).

And you follow that up with ANOTHER meet. My goodness, you are just so popular (not that I'm surprised). What a wonderful highlight for anyone's anniversary trip. I bet Dan was happy in those photos. He was surrounded by all you beautiful women. Who wouldn't be happy?

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Sounds like you had some really fun DISMeets! Of course you would close down Napa Rose, I wouldn't expect anything less from two DISers talking away haha Love your necklace and Em's bag from Dee, so perfect!

Can't wait to read your final wrap-up!

 

[MEK]

I know I read about your DIS meets on Dee's and Alicia's TRs (and probably saw them on FB), but its fun to see the pictures again because it looks like everyone is having a blast!

I am just missing Dee by like, what, 2 hours in February. She'll be flying out the day I arrive because I can't get that day off from work. How bad does THAT stink? Oh well, I figure sooner or later I'll get around to meeting everyone.

 

[JulieODC]

What wonderful DISmeets!! So fun!!